Balanced commentary on the presidentiables

As a regular reader of The Inquirer, I would like to make some comments on the well-balanced article of Mr. Geronimo Sy (“By merit alone,” 12/7/2021).

“The point is that a candidate’s fitness for public office ought to be measured by merit — mostly, if not solely, by qualifications.” Mr. Sy was right when he stated that despite the uniqueness and problems of Philippine politics, any one who wants to be president can do so and run for this office.

He dissected the history and qualifications of the four major presidential candidates and sort of “dismissed” the candidacies of Pacquiao and Marcos Jr.

Regarding Pacquiao, while in Congress and in the Senate, his performance was dismal, with less presence in the legislature and more in the boxing rings. He is still young, and should just continue being a senator. Now that he has retired from boxing, he should act as a legislator. Probably, after six more years, he could be presidential material.

Regarding Marcos Jr., according to Mr. Sy, his stint in the Senate was unremarkable. He is not responsible for his “father’s sins,” but Marcos Jr.’s group is trying its best to change history. For the sake of not dividing the country, Marcos Jr. should just take a walk.

Based on merit as defined by Mr. Sy’s article, the real presidentiables are Isko Moreno, Ping Lacson, and Leni Robredo. Mr. Sy gave a commentary on the job history of these three public officials without bias. This was a very well-written article, but my main question is: How many Filipinos read articles like this and ponder on them when determining who to vote for?

IDA M. TIONGCO
New York City
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