Who will win the presidency?

On May 9, 2016, the nation will elect the sixth Philippine president since democracy was restored in February 1986.

Freedom from tyranny was regained in 1986, yet 29 years later, the majority of the people remain in economic bondage and wealth continues to be concentrated in the hands of a privileged few. Who among the declared presidential candidates can project a vision of Filipinos free from the clutches of material want and moral bankruptcy? A vision and a dream are essential. Being president is not a mere entitlement for a few. It is a big responsibility to serve the many faithfully and competently, and to make a difference in the lives of all.

The declared candidates for next year’s presidential election are Vice President Jejomar Binay, Sen. Grace Poe, former interior secretary Mar Roxas and former Presidential Commission on Good Government chair Camilo Sabio.

Binay was the first to declare his intentions. In fact, he has been a de facto presidential candidate since winning the vice presidential race in 2010. He hoped to be appointed interior secretary in 2010, which could have provided him the best platform for establishing solid connections with local government units nationwide. It did not happen. He settled for being the housing czar and the point man for overseas Filipino workers’ concerns.

For five years with the administration, Binay traveled around the country and abroad on official engagements but definitely in aid of a presidential run. What have been accomplished in housing-related government programs that should project his presidential credentials? What critical issues were addressed during his watch that have made a difference in the lives of OFWs and their families? Have visions been set and made real in these two areas that would make Filipinos hopeful if he becomes president?

The dream of Makati City made real for every Filipino, a campaign promise, may turn into a nightmare if his prospective vice president will be like his former vice mayor, Ernesto Mercado, a confessed corrupt public official who is now witnessing for his alleged crimes of graft and corruption. At the least, Binay was not able to control his vice mayor, and that is not a plus to becoming president.

Sabio declared his intention to seek the presidency as early as last February. He has circulated an autobiography of sorts among different groups, for their appreciation of what he can bring to the position. He is close to 80 years old; his experience as a public servant started in the 1971 constitutional convention as the delegate of Davao del Norte and continued for many years in the government, including his stint at the PCGG.

In those years, was there exemplary performance that gives Sabio compelling impetus to be president? Who remembers him?

Roxas declared his candidacy via an endorsement by President Aquino to carry on the administration’s “daang matuwid.” Is he his own fellow, or is he hollow? He has held high-level government positions such as senator, trade secretary, transportation secretary, and the last, interior secretary. If there are solid achievements in his stints in these functions, he would have no need to hitch on the P-Noy wagon.

“Daang matuwid” is not a program of government. The straight path is a necessary condition for governance, and it has to be backed by competence, vision and the proactive pursuit of programs that would move the country forward. The Philippine economy could have grown by 7-8 percent, even higher, if government capital spending was sustained in 2013 and 2014 with a legal alternative to the Disbursement Acceleration Program, which was deemed unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. The lost opportunity is significant to the state of the economy today. The executive, legislative and judicial branches effectively conspired to bring the country down, and they may not even be aware of it.

Roxas seemed to have had all the chances to demonstrate competence given all the positions he held. He should enumerate to the Filipino people his achievements in these roles, if any. Does he have a vision toward which he would lead the country?

Poe declared her candidacy last Sept. 16. What tangible and solid credentials does she offer for the position she is seeking? In business, a candidate for CEO is considered on the basis of expertise, experience and personal profile that make him or her a perfect fit for the job. The CEO must know and enhance the corporate vision.

The Philippines’ CEO is its president. Poe has had less than five years of experience in public service in the Philippines. Can that be adequate preparation? Given her choice for a running mate, can the people be hopeful of a government that will work for the common good rather than for vested interests and a self-serving agenda?

Let’s look back in time. Corazon “Cory” Aquino’s candidacy in 1986 was not a qualification-based run as its sole objective was to win over Ferdinand Marcos and end one-man rule. Salvador Laurel had the credentials then, but had to set aside his personal ambition in Cory’s favor.

The 1992 presidential election had as candidates Fidel V. Ramos, Ramon Mitra, Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Eduardo Cojuangco Jr., Imelda Marcos, Jovito Salonga and Laurel. The credentials of much of the candidates looked substantial. Ramos won the presidency.

The 1998 election that Joseph Estrada won by a landslide had Jose de Venecia, Raul Roco, Emilio Osmeña, Renato de Villa, Alfredo Lim, Juan Ponce Enrile, Manuel Morato and Defensor-Santiago. Popularity trumped seemingly solid credentials.

In 2004, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo—who replaced Estrada when he was ousted in January 2001—stood for election against movie action star Fernando Poe Jr., Panfilo Lacson, Raul Roco and Eduardo Villanueva. It became a contest between FPJ’s popularity and a GMA administration that had become a disappointment. Her credentials were seemingly hollow in the character dimension. Power won.

The most recent presidential election, in 2010, had Benigno Aquino III against Estrada, Manuel Villar, Gilberto Teodoro, Eduardo Villanueva, Richard Gordon, Nicanor Perlas, Jamby Madrigal and John Carlos de los Reyes. P-Noy won, not on the basis of credentials, as they, too, now appear inadequate for the responsibilities. The need then was to bring about a new administration radically different from the perceived corrupt governance that had to be replaced. His run was made possible by the death of his mother, democracy icon Cory Aquino, on Aug. 1, 2009.

Danilo S. Venida (danilosvenida@gmail.com) holds undergraduate and postgraduate degrees from the University of the Philippines and the Center for Research and Communication/University of Asia and the Pacific. He is a former president of the Philippine Daily Inquirer and is now a business consultant.