I’m still undecided about who I should vote for as president because their platforms aren’t clear to me. To be honest, I don’t care about the notions of “dilawan” or DDS. What I am looking for in a presidential candidate is someone who will continue the “Build, build, build” program and the fight against insurgency (NTF-Elcac), because I believe that development cannot flourish while we are still in a state of long-raging chaos. I am a firm believer of the NTF-Elcac; I have not seen a more effective method to address insurgency than a national unity in addressing the root cause of insurgency, which is poverty and a lack of access to government services.“Build, build, build” complements the objective of NTF-Elcac, by hastening the development of public services and creating additional job opportunities for former rebels. I’m also looking for someone who has plans to make the Philippines a self-sufficient country, by which I mean having a cheap and adequate supply of power and food. For this reason, I am in favor of reopening the nuclear power plant and prioritizing agriculture in rural areas so that we do not have to face a shortage of rice and import food. This development in agriculture will not only improve the lives of our fishermen and farmers, but this will also have a negative effect in the recruitment of the CPP-NPA. I strongly believe that the Philippines is endowed with resources, and that Filipinos are capable of utilizing them for the benefit of all.
I understand that education and political experience are important factors to consider when electing a leader. However, I have seen far too many educated people in management and executive positions who fail because they lack a strong vision of making the world a better place.
John Paul B. Sandoval,islandboyJPaul@gmail.com