Good but unknown bets

I would like to comment on the article “2013 polls: same faces but new foes” (Inquirer 10/1). All of the aspiring national candidates named are popular and I am sure they will capitalize on this to be elected into office. It is a pity that there are some senatorial hopefuls whose names are unheard of, yet they are also capable of engaging in a national discussion of issues within the halls of Congress.

Popularity should not be used as an index to vote politicians into public office. Their platform of government should be the basis for electing them. Are the platforms reflective of our dreams, ideals and aspirations as a people? Are they pro-God, pro-poor, pro-environment or pro-life? Are the candidates’ lifestyles worthy of emulation? Let us ask, too, whether they live moral lives and are good models for our children.

It is worthy to note that there are some rare-breed politicians who, in spite of their being poor and virtually unknown, are also sincere and are desirous to serve the country. These are the politicians who are nameless and voiceless, yet they live simple, decent and respectable lives. They have the character and the competence to lead this country. These are the politicians who unfortunately cannot afford to spend millions of pesos to project their image using “infomercials.” These are the same politicians who place God at the center of politics.

I dread that if we elect candidates on the basis of popularity then I think our country is moving once more in the wrong direction. It will continue to be a cyclical political life for us Filipinos; we whine and complain about the shortcomings of our elected officials when the blaming finger should be pointed at us. When will we ever learn to choose right leaders for our country?

Let us also listen to what these virtually unknown politicians say about our country. Let us give them the chance to present also their platforms of government. Let us also include them as alternatives to these already popular candidates.

Orson Welles said, “Popularity should be no scale for the election of politicians. If it would depend on popularity, Donald Duck and the Muppets would take their seats in the Senate.”—REGINALD B. TAMAYO, member, National Executive Board, Ang Kapatiran Party, reginaldtamayo@yahoo.com