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.
People may consider him of average intelligence but I say it is because he does not naturally flaunt his abilities or his achievements. In an interview, he was asked if he can bring the opposition together. He replied, as far as I can remember, "Napakayabang ko naman yata kung sasabihin kong ako lang ang makapagtataguyod ng oposisyon. Ang lahat ng ito'y nakasalalay sa paninindigan at hangarin ng mga tao sa oposisyon. Katulad din sa ipinaglalaban namin ng Liberal Party, kailangan dito ang buong sambayanan. Ito ay isang layunin na mas mahalaga at mas malawak kaysa sa akin lamang. Sa tingin ko, hindi natin makakamit ang tagumpay at pagbabago kung iiwanan natin ang pagpapanday ng ating bansa sa iisang tao lamang."
Unlike most candidates who are bent on establishing their name and qualifications, appearing like s/he alone can eradicate poverty and provide employment and education for all, my choice believes in the capacity of others and power of the people. Unlike most politicians who transfer from one party to another and apparently motivated solely by advancing selfish agendas and enriching oneself, my candidate steadfastly upholds the platform and philosophies of the Liberal Party to which he has committed himself for as long as I can remember. The hope that he brings to us Filipinos becomes much more striking and distinct amidst politicians who have followed a path toward self-enrichment, wealth accumulation, and quest for power.
When his family's home was raided by renegade soldiers who staged the 1990 coup attempt, he took five bullets for his mother. One bullet is still embedded in his neck and partially disfigured his face. But the Filipino people never heard of it. He never proclaimed that act of courage or at the least expected to be applauded or praised.