If we want to change the course of the country, we must choose leaders who have untarnished reputation, and unblemished records as far as government corruption is concerned.
IN THESE trying times, what the country needs are leaders who have unquestionable integrity and unblemished public record as well as the courage to stand up and protect the nation’s best interests.
This, as a recent survey conducted by the University of the Philippines-based OCTA Research Group, Davao City Mayor Sara Daughterte emerged as the top choice for president in next year’s elections.
‘Daughterte’
As it is, Daughterte, a play of words referring to Sara as daughter of President Duterte, was favored by 22 percent of the respondents.
Based on the poll, other probable candidates picked by the respondents were Senator Grace Poe who garnered 13 percent, while Senator Manny Pacquiao came in third tied with former Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at 12 percent.
Also getting support were Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso (11 percent), Senator Bong Go (6 percent) and Vice President Leni Robredo (5 percent).
Other potential hopefuls were Senate President Vicente Sotto III (3 percent), Taguig-Pateros Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano (3 percent), former DILG Secretary Mar Roxas (2 percent), Senator Cynthia Villar (2 percent), and Senator Panfilo Lacson (2 percent).
Second time
This is the second time that Sara has emerged as the top pick among potential presidential hopefuls.
Last December, she also came out on top with 26 percent, based on a survey conducted by respected pollster Pulse Asia.
She was followed by former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos and Senator Grace Poe who were both tied at second place at 14 percent.
Ranked third was Manila Mayor Isko Moreno at 12 percent, followed by Sen. Manny Pacquiao at 10 percent.
Vice President Leni Robredo came out fifth at 8 percent, followed by Senators Panfilo Lacson and Christopher “Bong” Go both tied at 6th place with 4 percent.
Judging from the names that are constantly cropping up, it’s safe to assume that Filipinos tend to rely more on familiarity and popularity as their main basis for selecting their next leaders.
Growing tension
This is unfortunate because the truth is there is more to the next year’s polls than meets the eye.
For all we know, the coming elections could mean many things not only to the Filipinos but also to the rest of the world.
It is important to note that our country’s strategic location has become even more important these days than it has ever been in the past, especially with the growing tension and highly volatile situation at the disputed West Philippine Sea.
US-China proxy battle
The world’s superpowers, the United States and China are surely watching and monitoring developments at the local political front.
In fact, it is easy to believe that they could be secretly fielding and supporting their chosen candidates who they hope would support their respective interests and agenda once they are elected into office.
Hence, the next elections would become a virtual proxy battle between the US and China, which eventually could decide the future not only of the country but maybe also of the Asia-Pacific if not the world.
Unquestionable integrity
With the two superpowers clearly in play, it is important that we choose the best candidates in the presidential and vice –presidential elections, who can help best protect the interests of our country and not that of the US or China.
One of the good things about political surveys is that it provides us with the list of potential candidates who might actually be joining forces to form a tandem which they could field as a team in the actual elections.
This early, we are already hearing of possible team-ups for example like Sara- Bongbong, Pacquiao-Bongbong, Leni-Isko, and many other potential combinations.
Essentially, most of these potential tandems were considered based on their perceived popularity and name recall, which many say is a big factor for them to get elected.
Best alternative
Sadly, other more important qualifications aside from popularity like untarnished reputation, experience, courage, wisdom, and political will are not being given optimum considerations by many of our political matchmakers and voters.
It’s good, however, that among those that are being rumored to be running are Senate President Sotto and Sen. Lacson.
If true, then the Sotto-Lacson tandem is the best alternative for the voters who are longing for leaders who could best lead the country.
While they are not exactly saints, Sotto and Lacson both possess the qualities of leaders that the country needs in these trying times.
Corruption as central campaign theme
They have the experience, the wisdom, courage and most importantly unblemished records as far as government corruption is concerned.
Political analysts are saying that while Digong was swept into power in 2016 based on his tough anti-criminality instance especially against his war on drugs, the next year’s election central campaign theme will be against corruption.
Fortunately, it is in that area that both Sotto and Lacson stand out.
Lacson is best known for refusing to tap his pork barrel allocations for the longest time while Sotto was also never involved in any anomalous transactions through all these years.
Changing political dynamics
Many pundits might be quick to dismiss Sotto-Lacson tandem as not winnable, however, they could be proven wrong.
Those who will say that the two do not have what it takes to win, could either be too archaic and traditional in their thinking or they are not paying attention to what is happening to their surroundings.
Voter demographics
As it is, they are unaware that the 2022 voter demographics show that 31 percent are between 18-29 years old, 32 percent are 30 to 44 years old, 28 percent are 45-64 years old and the remaining 9 percent are 65 years old and older.
In its estimate, the Comelec said the number of registered voters for the 2022 national elections is around 62 to 63 million.
Hence, it was clear that 63 percent or around 36 million of registered voters in next year’s polls are the youth, who incidentally are now more involved, politically aware and idealistic.
Gone are the days that it was the older people who influence their decisions, this days the young people are the ones influencing their elderly relatives’ decision.
Change is coming
While the country is admittedly down these times especially because of the pandemic, there is great chance that its fortune will soon turn for the better, especially if the youth would come out and pick the best candidates next year.
The youth who are hungry for change have the ability to change the course of our country.
It is imperative for them, therefore, to choose bets who have untainted records, unquestionable integrity, independence, wisdom and strong conviction.
The presidency is a high calling and while Daughterte is winning in the surveys, the real survey results will be revealed in next year’s elections.