THE Filipino Reporter has decided not to endorse a particular candidate for president of the Philippines.

Transcription

1 Presidential candidates (from left) Vice President Jejomar Binar, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, Sen. Grace Poe, former Secretary Mar Roxas and Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago. THE Filipino Reporter has decided not to endorse a particular candidate for president of the Philippines. Instead, we did our homework meticulously. 1 / 5

2 We will let voters decide for themselves. But, we did an extensive research on the presidency. We will attempt to aid the voter in the decision-making process by lining-up helpful tips about what makes a good and effective president of a country. Incidentally, this is the same position adopted by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP). They advise their flock to undergo discernment and study each candidate carefully before voting. The presidency is a highly-sensitive position and a very difficult job. According to an author of a textbook on the Presidency, a President must be a master politician who is above politics. John F. Kennedy said a President must have...character, judgment, vigor, intellectual curiosity, a sense of history, and a strong sense of the future. Even if it came from a U.S. President, all of the above positive traits must be possessed by a Filipino president. The conditions in the Philippines call for same traits. 2 / 5

3 Note, it is and, not or. Meaning, a person who aspires to become president must possess all of the above. Franklin D. Roosevelt said the Presidency is preeminently a place of moral leadership. So, the office calls for one who has moral sense. Remember that if you are a Filipino voter watch out for candidates who crack dirty jokes about the dead and, then, refuse to apologize. Or, candidates who curse the Pope. Or, those who publicly announce polygamous practices. Or, who kiss a woman in the lips for an extended period while being videotaped in public. Harry S. Truman said a President either is constantly on top of events, or if he hesitates, events will soon be on top of him. So, a President can t afford to let up even for a moment. According to the Constitution of the Philippines, the President shall see to it that the laws of the land are faithfully executed. 3 / 5

4 Watch out for candidates who are willing to violate the laws just to get what they want. David Broder of The Washington Post warned that anybody that wants the presidency so much that he will spend two years organizing and campaigning for it is not to be trusted with the office. So, in alphabetical order, the presidential candidates in the native country are: Jejomar Binay, vice president, a lawyer by profession from UP, who makes the poor and poverty the central thrust of his candidacy. But, made to appear as corrupt by administration senators. No conviction yet, much less court hearings. Miriam Defensor Santiago, senator, also a lawyer from UP, who promises to bring order in the messy government and to clean same of corruption. But, suffering from Stage 4 lung cancer. In remission. Rodrigo Duterte, mayor of Davao City, lawyer from San Beda, who promises to rid the Philippines of criminals in six months after sitting as President. 4 / 5

5 But, has shown bad manners and seemingly amoral manifestations of behavior. Grace Poe, senator, U.S.-educated (Boston College) with bachelor s degree in political science, who promises honesty and transparency in governing. But, said to be overeager to be president despite questions about her citizenship and residency. Supreme Court has cleared the way for her candidacy after months of hearings. Mar Roxas, cabinet member, U.S.-educated (Wharton), who promises to continue the Daang Matuwid dictum of President Aquino. But, is said to be just a puppet of Aquino and is not his own man. We, in FR, urge and pray for an orderly, peaceful and honest elections. 5 / 5