Depth of Character

Philippine politics is riddled with fraud, deceit, corruption, bribery, and manipulation. Politicians have been used to capitalizing on the weakness and powerlessness of the poor, and profiting from the silence and poverty of Filipinos. The son and daughter of a dictator mustered the callousness to run for senator and governor. An ousted president has filed his candidacy in a desperate attempt to go back to Malacanang. The current president has the effrontery never witnessed before in Philippine politics to run for a lower position. She does this while her administration and family are submerged in a mire of graft and corruption charges that have reached unequalled magnitude - the "Hello Garci" case, Commission on Elections - MegaPacific computerization deal, NBN-ZTE bribery scandal, overpriced multi-million dollar North and South Rail projects, distribution of cash gifts in Malacanang, Jose Pidal scandal, fertilizer scam,  kickbacks in the $470million hydroelectric power contract awarded to the Argentine firm IMPSA (Industrias Metalurgicas Pescarmona Sociedad Anonima), extravagant trips abroad, money laundering of the Philippine National Police "euro generals," Armed Forces of the Philippines comptroller hidden wealth case, among others. And while campaigning for a lower electoral post, she unbelievably got the nerve, spleen and guts to maintain her hold of the highest post of the land.

When my choice announced that he is running for president, I suddenly found hope in Philippine politics again. His decision in itself offered great optimism for ordinary voters like me. My choice for president is humble, quiet and does not usually stand out in a crowd. But he has the ability of pooling together other people's talents and competencies toward collective action. There is something in him that moves people to concerted engagement without expecting payment in return. I believe it is the passion for change that he radiates, his unquestioned integrity, and his strong commitment and witnessing to principled governance and public accountability.

Vying for the presidency is not part of his long-term plans. He is different from all the other dozen candidates whose decision to run was pushed by ambition or quest for power. His inspiration springs from the legacy of two Filipino heroes who have offered their lives for the country.