By Harvey S. Keh
WHEN the Philippine Daily Inquirer published a story about the leaders of Kaya Natin! discussing with Senator Mar Roxas the possibility of him taking part in a nomination and primary process (to be conducted by a separate group) to help select a common reform candidate for the 2010 national elections, we received various responses from the public. Some reactions were positive saying that they completely support the move to find a common alternative candidate that would champion good governance and ethical leadership in our country. Others were pessimistic saying that it might be too late in the game to actually conduct this process. While others expressed their disappointment saying that Kaya Natin might be mislead to thinking that Senator Roxas is a reform candidate when in actuality he is not.
How then can we determine whether or not a Presidential candidate is actually a real reform and alternative leader that we can entrust our support to?
I have always believed in the saying that great leaders are products of the need of their time. I believe that aside from poverty and the great amount of cynicism that Filipinos feel, the biggest problem is the lack of moral values, ethical fiber and principles of our government leaders. It seems that graft and corruption in our government has become so prevalent that many Filipinos now feel that it is an epidemic that can no longer be eradicated in our society. Sadly, many of us have accepted it as part of our way of life. I don’t think so. Imagine if the billions of pesos that is stolen by our leaders are used to create decent jobs, then I don’t think Filipinos will still be forced to leave their families behind just to earn a decent wage abroad. A reform leader should have a proven track record of moral integrity, upholding the rule of law and fighting against graft and corruption in our country.
A reform leader should also have a proven track record in public service. I agree with my friends and colleagues at the Ateneo de Manila School of Government that good intentions are not enough. A reform leader should be able to also govern effectively thus, s/he is able to deliver basic services to his constituents. It is sad that we have current Presidentiables who continue to look good when speaking in front of the camera but when you look at their track record you would realize that they have actually done nothing to help uplift the plight of the Filipino people. Leaders go beyond lip service to produce concrete outcomes and results.
Thirdly, a reform leader realizes that he is in government to serve and not to be served. Many of our government leaders use their power to gain certain privileges and perks that ordinary Filipinos like us don’t experience. Many of us have seen this while waiting in line at the airport while a so-called “VIP” is whisked away without going through the proper processes. For those of us who drive and are usually stuck in the middle of a traffic jam, we suddenly hear a loud siren coupled with a convoy of vehicles who don’t even respect traffic rules just because their passenger is a government official. We have even heard stories of government leaders using government funds and road projects to benefit their own companies. Now, these same government leaders are spending millions every month posing in TV and Radio commercials trying to get the support of people by showing us that they actually understand our plight. I hope we will be more discerning and no longer be fooled by them.
Fourthly, a reform leader is not beholden to the ruling elite and oligarchs in our country. Sadly, many of our current leaders continue to place the interests of a few rich businessmen above the interests of millions of suffering Filipinos who continue to live with less than P100 a day. This happens since in every election, a candidate would need to spend millions or even billions to have a fighting chance and this becomes an opportunity for the ruling elite to “buy” the support of the candidate in the form of huge campaign contributions. Thus, I have always said that the challenge is for all ordinary Filipinos to chip in their own share of resources no matter how small to help support a real reform and alternative candidate. We already saw it happen in Isabela and Pampanga wherein ordinary people chipped in to help elect Gov. Grace Padaca and Gov. Eddie Panlilio.
Fifth, a reform leader should have a solid track record in helping the poor and powerless in our society. A more recent test of this was the push for the extension and reform of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARPER). Land reform is very critical in solving our current state of poverty given the fact that the agricultural sector is one of the leading industries in our country today. Sadly, despite the fact that our farmers ensure food security for each one of us, they themselves continue to live in poverty due to their lack of ownership of land and adequate support from government. Many of our current Congressmen and Senators are against this since this will go against their own personal interests given that many of them come from landed families.
Finally, a reform leader should be someone that can make every Filipino believe and hope again for a better future. S/he must be someone who can unite and inspire all of us to believe that anything is possible if we all work together to promote good governance in our country. A reform leader is humble enough to admit that s/he is not the savior of the country but rather his or her role is to serve as the captain of the ship that will help move our country to a common vision of prosperity and a better quality of life for every Filipino.
Will 2010 be the year that we will finally be able to elect an inspiring, morally-upright, effective and ethical reform President?
Many people don’t think so but I continue to believe in the greatness and the goodness of the Filipino people whom I know if given the chance will always choose to vote not for the most popular but for the right leader for our country.
48 Feedbacks on "Who is the reform candidate in 2010?"
DING CO
I’M NOT A POLITICIAN BUT IT SEEMS THAT DICK IS THE ONLY ALTERNATIVE CANDIDATE TO BE CONSIDERED WITH TO BE THE NEXT LEADER OF THIS COUNTRY.BECAUSE OF HIS TRACKRECORD AND INDEPENDENCE.
Reginald B. Tamayo
Gov. Panlilio for President? Why not!
I recently attended a symposium on Good Governance by Pampanga Gov. Ed Palilio at St. Peter Gonzales de Thelmo Parish Church here in Aparri. The governor graphically narrated how he won the 2007 elections in Pampanga. He scholarly explained elements of good governance like transparency, accountability, participation of people in governance, among others, by the use of his first hand experiences as governor.
Personally there is nothing new in the concept of governance which he shared. There is good governance because of bad governance. But what was striking to hearing was the role and responsibility of the people, especially the Catholic faithful, in good governance. He said that the people should elect the right leaders of this country and not to allow moneyed people like the jueteng lords pushing down our throats their choice of candidates. Worse, these kingmakers would themselves decide to become political kings. Simply put, our people should vote according to their informed conscience and should not allow the kingmakers to magically fix the results of elections.
During the open forum, I asked the governor two things: first, is there a deadline for his period of discernment and divulge later to us whether or not he is running for the presidency? Governor Panlilio said that he is not setting a deadline. But when shall we know that his period of discernment is over? I asked him too whether he would take the challenge to run for the presidency if there would be no good candidates to choose from. He was consistent with his answer that he was open to the possibility of running for the presidency but only as the last option.
I agree with some who say that come 2010 national elections it would be the Good pitted against the Evil. If Governor Panlilio runs for the presidency he would be on the side of the Good of course. But without him as a presidential candidate, the 2010 national elections just the same would be a playing field of naughty devils. Our country would remain as hell as ever.
Why don’t we have a Christian Vote? Let us not be particular about the religious denomination this time. If a presidential candidate is bent to destroy the teachings of Christ then let us finish him with our Christian Vote. And any presidential candidate who lives a life of the gospel values of Christ then let us support and champion his cause.
Joseph Mendoza
Oh, Philippines…
It is nice to note that there are people who can freely express their opinion and feelings about the selection of a common reform candidate for 2010. I will not side on the positive nor the pessimist but I’d like to point out that we are too quick to take sides on matters like this and most times forget to ask ourselves what did I do, am doing and will do to contribute in my own small personal way how to be productive in this electoral process. Freedom of expression comes with a responsibility to act. Words are not enough to move mountains but we need concrete, feasible solutions.
I agree when you said that great leaders are product of their time. Great leaders learn from past mistakes, acknowledges the challenges of the present, and developing, working on a better if not best future for his/her countrymen.
It is sad to admit that moral decay is so prevalent and obvious not only in the government but in the very fibers of our common society - our masa. Common tao make palusot and accept as common and accepted immoral acts in relationships, business dealings and simple everyday walk of life.
There is one catch why trapos continue to look good infront of the camera where in fact they are the opposite when in private, because people believe the media. Filipinos are bright people, but when it comes to media, whether it’s in radio, tv, print or cybermedia, the common tao is still young to distinguish which is true, real against the scripted propaganda. On the other side, it is becoming apparent, prevalent that the true purpose of the media to cover truth, unbiased, unsensationalize facts has been deteriorated probably because of economic reasons and/or political pressures being inflicted on them. Their very core of integrity is also in question in presenting current events to the masses.
I am always wary when a current politician or a famous celebrity says I love to serve the people. I ask myself why there’s alot of famous celebrity venturing into politics, it is because politics in more profitable or more lucrative? True service is hard labor, morally stressful, psychologically draining and intellectually challenging in its truest sense. You have to set aside all your personal interest, make yourself naked and embrace the people you serve. You have to carry them instead of them carrying you. I believe most of our politicians missed this reality and they are still living in a grand illusion.
Though it is a hurdle, but it happened when ordinary Filipino chip in to put their trust in Grace Padaca and Eddie Panlilio, let us asked how did they do it? Will this process be feasible to neighboring provinces, the whole country? Not insulting the masa - common tao, but unless we stop the culture of dole outs and personal interests, and embrace common good and personal responsibility of our fate, we will go nowhere, we will run into a circle again in again, we will not move forward and upward.
So much effort, time , resources, lives have been wasted in our focus to the presidency, but what have we done ourselves, in particular the educated, English speaking working class of our society? We are ready to share our insights and calculated actions but is there a nationwide challenge for all schooled people to go back to their provinces, towns, barrios, barangays, and talk to their friends, parents, elders not in university intellectual English terms but in their own day to day living dialects explaining to the magsasaka, mangingisda, katutubo , maybahay, the basic reality of our country’s political situation devoid of media but only us, the one they sent to the city , the university to study for them and help them in their daily lives.
Unless we walk to walk instead of talk to talk, then this opinion, freedom of expression is moot, wasted. We must transform this freedom into a concrete action, a resounding reality for changed, reformed society. Only then that I can say again, ‘Mahal kita Pilipinas, Mabuhay ka Pilipino’.
Oh, Philippines… I miss Joker Arroyo, Rodolfo Biazon, Ramon Magsaysay, Andres Bonifacio… are they still around in our midst working for us.
Manmar Francisco
May i just share something. I think those politicians who are already campaigning at this early stage should automatically be out of our list. The law prescribes a particular period of time for electoral campaigns, and yet these unscrupulous individuals have managed to get around. If they cannot follow a simple law now that they are yet to file their certificate of candidacy, how much more if they get elected into positions of power. Law violators cannot (or should not) assume an image of being “reformers.”
Filipinos should prevent themselves from being deceived by shallow rhetorics and empty promises again, most especially if laws are being violated right before their very eyes.
DJ Mazon
I agree with your ideas Harvey, hope is eternal. I think the Moral Force Movement is a good step moving forward. I hope this movement is genuinely apolitical and free from vested interests and hidden agenda.
I hope a website can be established where people can get enough information about possible reform / transformational leaders that our country badly needs.
Do you have any person in mind who could be a truly reform leader?
Josun
Finding the right leader is finding the right follower. I have seen great leaders of our time but they all stumbled because of their minions who hide under their master’s mercy and compassion..
ferdinand de ramos
the panlilio-padaca tandem is the philippine promise every filipino has bee waiting for. the filipinos have to stop waiting, so let’s support the panlilio-padaca team and their allies so we could stop the trapos from terrorizing the philippines.
“for the greater good to assist those fighting to question the past and reevaluate the status quo” — 1st year law student, 2009 - 2010
Joven Ferma
I fully agree with this writer 100% but we need a big miracle for this to materialize. I am now residing in Canada and my patriotic colleagues here oftentimes discuss/argue the basic issues that’s going on in our country. Much as we would like to contribute in whatever way we could, there is always hesitation due to corruption and too much politics which ruined our country.
If there would be one reform candidate that would run for presidency, we are very willing to support and hope that our country could still recover from the political and economic damage created by the past and present administration.
More power to you Mr. Keh and please continue with your crusade in picking the right person for good governance.
Daniel
A reformer nor a right leader is not what we need, what the Fipino people need is a righteous leader, visionary, who is not a man with a mask, but a man of integrity, a man of works and action. What we need is to rally and support bro. Eddie Villanueva. Thank you.
Arsenio Mamarils
It’s true the country needs a “Reform Leader” with the qualities you have enumerated but the sad thing is there is not a filipino who has such qualities… a friend of mine once told me that the pinoy culture of corruption is irreversible and that the country would languish as a very poor nation that even dogs want to leave and migrate to other countries.
dr.bob
well said. I am one of those who believe that Senator Roxas does not fit to be a reform candidate. He has no track record for supporting the welfare of the poor. He grew up rich and will never understand the plight of the poor.
Reform Leader in 2010 - by Harvey Keh « Sinaglaya’s Blog
[...] http://blogs.inquirer.net/philippineelections/2009/04/08/who-is-the-reform-candidate-in-2010 [...]
Froi
Hi Harveh, just linking this article in my blog too : )
Jmar
Hilarious article! I particularly like the punchline, “The greatness and goodness of the Filipino people.” Swiftian satire there, Keh.
Ed Reyes
Folks here is my take! But first I must say, I don’t have a dog in this fight, just simple observance by reading all the newspaper from Pinas, throught web site, and Saw first hand during my Pinas vacation, Now before I go on to Reform Candidates Ltes disqualified some folks first, again this is just my observation, and some question left un answer first on DQ list are all the Current administration wants to be Candidate, specially the current V.P.. and all the latest wants to be considered candidates for the administration… Now the reason why they are DQ… If all the anomalies and allegation is true… then all the folks in this current administration are pretty turn thier blind eyes, because so many anomalies, like the ZTE now the Pre-needs, and the bridge to now where, The Farm scandals Fertilizer scam just to name the few… However I do not think all the folks that are currently working for this administration are bad people, I think some of this folks wants to quit thier jobs but can’t, because if thye quit… they themselves maybe throughtthier credivility maybe in question…or destroyed by few powerfull elite who are working inside…and perhaps being pressured by some powerfull folks in this current administration… just look at the house of representatives….They wants to bring Cha-Cha and if it is true.. that the President own son are the spearhead for all this then…. most of this folks are not leaders they are followers… Look at all the anomalies in regards to DPWH… which is cleared rigt away by the Majority house..members now being investigated…anyway so much anomalies.. in this current administration again if its true some of those folks should resigned en mass…or don’t signed on to this cha cha. and the Money that was given to Gov Panlilo at Malachang what di become of it… Again nothing….very weak ….
Now the other DQ is De Venecia he should just retired… now that he is the biggest turn-coat in this century…why did he not went through with the impeachment of the Ms. Arroyo…also Why Mig Zubiri case and koko P. is not solve yet, and Zubiri becomes senate majority very funny indeed…
Another DQ is Gordon..He did tried to get media mileage in regards to hostage crisis, either he denied it or not, He should left the right people work with it.. His continue participating in it just want media mileage thats for sure..
Now who is qualified andcan bring change… well I have list of Candidates….
for Pres. Not necessary in any other order
Lets start with Villar.. well Senator Villar becomes a wealthy man through eduaction and Hardwork therefore he Knows about being poor because he was very poor himself.
Ms Legarda, well I think she got good foundation and I thik she also got cheated for V.P I think she will be a good president
Mar Roxas… well Mr. Palengke I think first he should get married with Korina…also He comes from a long lines of great people, I think He is a grandchild or decease Pres. Roxas… so there is a good genes there, Base on what I read about him… he seems sincere and focus of what he wants to do..He too could be good president.
Senator Lacson;;; well what can you say he is Caviteno and he will always maintained his toughnest to task…but I think His time pass him by, He should have witdrawn his candidacy last time and throw his support to FPJ as Erap suggested.. They actaully lost because of the votes he receive, Becaus it is easy to manipulate the count as we know it when Three candidates gets majority of the votes…But then again if your are ready for Very strong Reform He is the candidates. I meant very strong… and will clean house thats for sure…
Escudero///// well He have not done anything except mastering the Double talk just like Senator Enrile… I think Chiz went to school at Harvard law… well, In that school Double are like eating rice everyday…That is the school of double talk next it is Yale then U.C Berkeley , Now Chiz is not ready He is more talk than action…But then again if he gets the youth vote he may pulled it off… maybe… He could be the next “Obama” who knows..
Mayor Binay.. well he is certainly qualified by example… really look what he has done in Makati, He did great things there and I think He too could be good President.. Look Arroyo Goverment been trying to bring him down or take him down through prevetive suspension and he still standing… He too could be a reform president… But he needs good help he can do it…He’s got enough contatct in financial departments to get things done..
The best survivor is no more than Senator Enrile he is simply the best…
The best one on getting over and have his case drop… No more than Gringo Honasan He is good but you all knows He is Enrile boy,,, and Ramos he knows something….believe me…because If doen not know any deep secret, he woulkd have been in Jailed by now with all the things he did..or accused of things he did.. He is good….Very good …I always think he knows some stuff.. as they say to Mr Ramos… and Enrile… and masamang Damo Damo ay matagal and Buhay “LOL” those two know more than anyone…Hints….. more than anyone will ver know.. only if the wall can talk…You must understand Him being the AFP Chief and other being the Sec of Defense hmmm….and you all know when…. hmmm
Now… For Erap I think He can still pull it off if all the names I mentioned don’t try come to concession and unite with on candidates if all the names I mentioned decide to run for Pres. well and Erap run … Erap will win… almost Gurantee..
I still think Erap have a very good heart in terms of providing for the poor and Middle class…
Now For V/P… Jingoy hands down if decide to run for it,,, The Vice Pres. is his,,
Now for Bong Revilla.. what a loser…I don’t usderstand why he is still a Senator He is the biggest Turn-coat That I ver know from Cavite… You folks knows that He did not get re-elected for second term in Cavite.. and You all knows why.. Because he is the Biggest Balimbing that comes out of Cavite Politics… If he try to run in Cavite only He will not win… He was kick-out of Cavite… when He run for second term.. I’d rather see the Remulla than Him.. You see folks way back when during Montano and Camerino Era Evryone saying that Camerino always win the Governor race but Montano elder and Younger always the one in Kapitolyo LOL… But when Montano Vs. Lino Bocalan The Montano after the Loss to Bocalan Never win anymore election Cavite LOL.
Thats My Take God Bless Again I don’t have dog in this fight…
Ed
pinoypower
Who is the reform candidate in 2010? This is indeed a very good question and the answer depends on many things like who answers it. The answer might also depend on what sort of reforms do the the one asking have in mind. If we liken reform as something that we wish for like a dream house and the candidate for 2010 as an architect/builder then it is important that there is a clear meeting of the minds if we are to achieve the desired result. I said this because perhaps we are having a mansion for a dream house while the builder has only a bungalow in mind.Therefore the desired reforms must be clearly defined and the reform candiadate must commit himself to these before we the voters should commit our votes.
It happened already in the past that a candidate promised social reforms for the poor and yet the poor remained poor. Then someone came along and promised economic reforms only to have the poorest of the poor still in our midst.
I just hope that the ‘reform candidate’ you are espousing, if ever he wins, will be no different from the past presidents of our country.
pinoypower
To the Moderator: Is there a way to edit a comment already posted?
I made a typing mistake on the last sentence. It should read: I just hope that the ‘reform candidate’ you are espousing, if ever he wins, will be different from the past presidents of our country.
Rico Baltazar
The Right Leader is none other than BAYANI FERNANDO.As of now, wala na po akong alam na iba.Ping Lacson could be considered , Kaya lang pag may usok may apoy.BF is proven in Marikina & MMDA super HONEST,matalino, masipag,vissionary leader, malakas ang political will at may track record.
Bonn Villabroza
These are the ideal qualities that are essential for a prospective leaders. However, the ill of the people/society is the contorted moral values that has plagued the country for countless years. Even the new generation Filipinos are helpless as the moment their mind is opened all they see and hear are how great the person who is in the limelight all the time rightly or wrongly. Examples: Somebody in the position to steal money from the government, if the s/he does not do it, s/he is “tanga”, s/he is already in the position why s/he does not do it. Another example, male politician is expected to have several concubines para “bida” sila, to support their high egos. Where in the world you’ll find a growing young girl aspires to be a “querida” so that she’ll be able to own a mansion. Where in the world you’ll hear a wife of an influential person will declare to the US custom official that the bundle of money she is carrying was given to her husband because her husband is in a position to receive the loot? There are many, many stories and incidents that are extraordinary happening in the Philippines that are becoming a laughing stock outside of the country. Sometimes, I myself refuse to be a Filipino anymore. How can we bring back good moral values to the people, our society. Maybe, an iron hand? We have well structured laws that cover everything but implementation is the weak part. Under our law you never see any big fish lands in jail to be punished, rather, they are kept there to rest and be admired more. Hi… buhay!
Jossher
The pre-election surveys says that Vice-President Noli De Castro is leading. Mr. De Castro shouldn’t have been elected in the first place if the majority of the Filipino electorate did their homework and looked at the candidates capability and qualification intently. Unfortunately, unlike the candidates of old, any Tom, Dick and Harry who has come out on Philippine TV can run and win public office. The Filipino electorate has two choices. Either they can start educating the illiterate masses to chose better leaders or the looming parliamentary system will choose it for them through their representatives.
Winston
“REFORM?” Do all politicians know the meaning of these? I think the politics in our dearly miserable mother land will not change this coming election because for instance, as I observe the whole metro manila, the recent leaders are posting their “BIG” faces on the billboards on some sort of announcement that a project was recently ongoing on a particular place. Maybe high tech era has evolved those politicians who do not want to be removed and scared that they cannot do anything what they want (?). Of course, the recent politicians who are seated are now taking advantage of this dirty tricks as if it can be called as an “advance campaigning”. Also they don’t already care about the “NATIONAL PROBLEMS OF THE PHILIPPINES”, they care only of theirselves, none of them really want to work hard for the sake of the countries, in other words….”PAKITANG TAO LANG PO ANG LAHAT NG POLITIKO” I would say all politicians are worthless because even those “honest politicians” does not make their move to correct the system “IKA NGA NINGAS KUGON PA RIN” because they want change in the Philippines but until now, where is that change??
Alex tanangco
Well, the said ‘moral force’ of CJ Puno is now on the move may this movement gain momentum so that all Filipinos will stand united to choose a ‘real reform candidate’ this coming election.
Jeff
To Mr. Keh,
A reform leader if elected as President of the Philippines. Below is my suggestion of his platform of government or plans. If he can add more better.
1. Focus on road projects and drainage system.
2. Deal with public school constructions and donating computers to all public school laboratories.
3. Improve tax collections.
4. Increase the salaries and allowances of nurses, doctors, teachers and law enforcers.
5. Education is free to all levels (Elementary, high school, and College).
6. Free health services.
7. Make it sure that all government hospitals are fully equip.
8. Promote clean and green environment.
9. Promote zero unemployment and poverty rates.
10. Empower youth organizations.
11. Free allowances for our elderly and free cake for their b-day.
12. Free rice every year for my constituents.
13. Garbage collection is always on time. And promoting garbage segregation.
14. Always set a dialogue with my constituents.
15. Built a bliss type building for my constituents especially for the poor.
16. I myself have a direct talk to the insurgencies like NPA and MILF and I will convince them to lay down their weapons, and in return I will give the appropriate livelihood program for their families.
17. I will strengthen the Anti-Corruption agency to monitor all public agencies, public officials either elected or appointed.
18. My biggest project is to build a high speed railway system that can connect Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. This will bring big impact in the Philippines in terms of transportation an urban/rural development.
19. I will procure 3 F-16 Fighter Jet for Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The primary mission is to defend our aerial domain and monitoring our claims in Spratly Islands.
20. All police car nationwide has a GPRS so that they can tract down criminals or traffic violators easily.
21. I will instruct my Agriculture secretary to cultivate all idle agricultural lands. We should have an ample supply of rice and vegetables.
22. I will make it sure that all my constituents are insured.
23. With my slogan Pilipinas..Mahalin Natin…Atin Ito! I will promote nationalism among Filipinos. The Philippines will no longer be called “Sick Man in Asia” , or “Nation of Servants” But it will be called “The Land of Prosperity”. No one will left behind.
24. I will call all Filipino experts (Scientist, Engineers, Doctors, etc.) to discover new inventions (electronics, medicine, clean coal technology, etc.) for the benefit of Filipino people.
25. I will make it sure that all communications, and internet access are available most especially in the rural areas.
26. I will wave my salary as President of the Philippines as long as my family can eat 3 times a day.
27. During my term, I will open NAIA Terminal 3 to provide services for local and international tourist.
28. I will promote tourism in the country.
29. I will create a National Advisory Committee that compose of Student leader, Priest, Educator, Pastor, Military and Police Officer, Lawyer or Judge, Scientist, Engineer, Doctor, and Social worker. They can advise me in my critical decision.
30. I will make it sure that the water and electricity services will return back to government controlled corporation. This is to lower down the charges of the said services.
31. Malacañang is always open to the public.
godfrey ed
well, all candidates are good leaders come election time.
they give you all the best promises, the best platform of government and all the the very good and very best that you will hear.
all candidates are reform leader candidates they present new ideas, new platform and new hope…. nice to hear, all talks.
but when elected, all reform candidates become become deform, and become trapos, as they say.
we don’t need a reform leader, we need a strong leader, a visionary whose visions can put to action.
reform leader candidates?… there is no need for reform, we need action and implementation.
victor manalac
this would require a lot of money to communicate to the masses a convincing information about the reform candidate. i am apprehensive even or despite the “kaya natin” movement because the political powers will always find their way into these organizations. there will be a reform candidate but you have to accept the reality that his/her winnability will be poor. because it is not enough to have the right candidate. the change must be in the people. we are getting there. but not yet, at this point. it will take, i estimate, at least 2 more elections before our people will finally learn to vote on an intelligent basis rather the usual habit that we have all accustomed to, or the masa has been used to. it is only recently that ideas such as “moral force”, “kaya natin”, “reform candidate” has taken a lot of people’s interest. but not so yet a majority enough to bring that chosen one to the post. not yet. but we must not lose hope. by practice in choosing properly we will learn to each time and be closer to that stage in the long term.
for 2010, we could content ourselves with a “NEAR WIN”
paul
let us not be a victim of deception, you just have answered your own question. Are we ready for it or for him? that we should pray coz if by His grace our prayers are answered it or he will be unstoppable. please do coninue the advocacy, God bless us all.
Rudolfo Ferran
Dear-Ginoong Harvey,
Sa kala-hat-lahatan o kabu-uan ng iyong pagsisikap na mapa-buti ang Pilipinas, Dapat lamang na tumakbo ka o sumali sa isa sa mga kandidatong Senador, kaysa sa mga pa-POGING mga artista, kumu-kuha lamang ng kanilang “Pork-Barrel”, na nag-papayaman lamng..Siguro kung ikaw ay maging Senador, malayo ka sa kanila. Sa halip gagamitin mo para sa kabutihan ng Bayan o Bansa, lalo na sa edukasyon ang mga “Pork-Barrel”, sa halip na ipam-bulsa lamang, at lagi ng gina-gamit nila sa pag-bili ng mga BOTO, tuwing may eleksyon sa atin..Comment lamang po..”Ang iyong ka-alaman at talino ay kailangan ng Bansa, alang-alang sa susunod na hnerasyon.”..
Rico Baltazar
Who is this candidate? Wala ng iba kundi si BAYANI FERNANDO ,May katibayan na.I’m residing here in America I will go home w/ my wife as soon as BAYANi is elected as President of the Philippines.Nag balikbayan ako last 2007 nagulat ako when i visited my brother in law in Marikina sa nakita ko.Who is the Mayor ? BF, Ang galing naman ni BF.May pagasa naman pala ang Pinas, Nasa Lider pala ang pag asa natin.Biniro ko si bayaw , Dapat mag ambisyon ng pagka Presidente itong si BF.I was surprise last yr. when BF announced that he wants to be a President of P.I. Wala na kayong dapat i consider kundi itong taong ito.Sa tingin ko hulog siya ng Diyos.Wag na natin pakawalan ito.Hindi ko po kaanoano si BF ,My house is in Las Pinas City.
mang goding
every candidate in an election is a reform candidate.
for the reason that he will present new ideas, new platform agenda and new promises.
after getting elected, he will be called trapos… that’s what filipino are good for.
they expect too much and after not getting what they want, they complain, whine and blame.
it is not the reform candidate we want, it is the people that should be reformed.
eric manalang
Hi Harvey
Happy Easter!
Yes I agree with the ways we should search for the authentic leader and in a nutshell not from within the trapo system.I personally saw a few examples of trying to reform from within and sadly they have mostly failed,being gobbled up by the influence of 500 political dynasties who rule over our poor countrymen.Many do-gooders in the system cannot even go against the very irresponsible party that got them elected by GGG.Ibasura na ang sistemang trapo.We must create new model,remodelling the trapos are next to impossible in most cases.
The few do-gooders are similar to many illicit lovers who by day are fighting the system (to whatever extent) but at night is in bed with the big PapaTrapo.Sayang.
AKP exhorts all to look for and develop responsible political parties first to catch the those wanting to divorce from a wishy washy party.The platform of a responsible party is constant,is radical,is expectant and controversial as personal risk is involved in getting not only reforms but a new principled party system.Walang nang mga one time big time miracles then tapos na rin ang bagsak,ala Edsa 1 and 2.
The youth thinking surely sees the irrelevance of the trapo system so lets offer them an alternative they cant refuse.Kapatiran would be very joyful to see more principle driven parties where may are doers,less supertars.
Mabuhay tayong lahat.
eric
Rob' Ramos
So, given what you said, Harvey… was Kaya Natin! right in asking Mar Roxas to be part of your nomination and primary process?
Jay Tuazon
I read the article and i find do enlighting. I cannot agree more with your definition on Reform Leaders. In addition, they should be the leaders that are susceptible to modernity but still kept in themselves the morals and values in building cross-relations with the entire Filipinos!
Good Job!
Jay Tuazon
BPO - Team Manager
jml
Why not copy what they did for US congressman Ron Paul when he was running for US president. He had the grassroots support and had the most campaign contributors and contributions in their election despite very low media exposure.
Ramon Naguita
Who is the Reform Candidate?
A candidate that is God Fearing!; If your fear the Lord you cannot do anything against the commandments; Love of God and agape love for the people.
Consolidate all spiritual groups that are responsible for their flocks, as steward of
God you are responsible for the collapse of good governance and system.
Combine the Spirit of goodness against any demonic work of TRAPOS, their existing dominance will be wipeout and the Philippines will come out victorious and the people will leave in peace, happiness forever and ever..
No more deception among us instead love and respect will prevail.
Wake up Great Spiritual Leaders it is our only hope and chance in a life time.
Ernie B. Pideli
While it is true that it seems corruption in our country is now like a cancer in Philippine politics and government, let us not lost our hope to see the ” light at the end of the tunnel” like infra red rays, that will eventually melt this cancerous desease besetting our present ill government.
Gerry Bulatao
Harvey–If we apply the 3E test to candidates (Effective, Empowering & Ethical), I think Mar Roxas will rate very high. So will the Kaya Natin local chief executives. The challenge to me is not to pit them against each other but to find a way for them to work as a team on the same side of the fence — anti-GMA and pro-reform, including agrarian reform, of course. On the last point, people sometimes forget that the Liberal Party which Mar leads as president remains the only political party to take out a full-page ad in the Inquirer to state its support for CARP extension in unmistakable terms.–Gerry
apo
I join the ranks of filipinos like you who continually believe that we have hope by electing a leader that will eradicate corruption.
Santy S. Cortez
As of now I am already 60 yrs. of age and still working abroad OFW. I hope that the up coming President this coming 2010 inspiriing morally-upright, effective and ethical reforms.
ben
Dear Harvey,
Thanks for your article about the coming election, specifically on the issue of a ‘real reformer’ candidate. I believe we indeed need one for our country.
i am currently in Kenya working and i have seen the kind of leadership and governance here. i may say that here is even more worse. but i am not saying that we are doing well in terms of fighting corruption and selfishness of our leaders. I hope and pray that what i have seen in Kenya won’t happen in Pinas; that we won’t allow that it would reach that point.
Each one of us Filipinos has a responsibility and share for making our country a better place to live in. By choosing a good, real reformer with good tract record, but most of all a God-fearing at makatao, hindi selfish and coward to face the responsibility.
Please write more about the coming election, especially about the presidentiables. it would greatly help us who are not home to reflect and decide well.
God bless us all.
Cris
I hope these guiding criteria be also shared to the many Filipinos who do not have the access to these media (newspaper, internet). Computer tekkies and print media readers have the media to read and imbibe. Hopefully, the ordinary Filipinos who number the most shall also be reached out and shall be informed of these criteria and the many other eye-opening election-related stories.
vic del fierro jr.
am inspired by the criteria which you have defined for the much needed reform leaders of a new moral upright and ethica competent President. I hope we can have a ticket from the President down the local government and barangay level. The challenge is how do we replicate and multiply the Pampanga and Isabela experience. I for one experience the ardent need of our marginalized Flipinos in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao after almosdt 18 years of fighting for them vs. the Goliath Pepsi.
If we achieve this in 2010, we should be the miracle nation of the new millenenium. God will work through the convergence of anointed men. Kaya Natin!
vic del fierro jr.
I totally agree with the criteria for refrm candidates for President down to the local brangay level. This is a golden opportunity for our nation to rise from the ashes of moral decadence and corruption which has pulled the Philippines to rock bottom. I will glad and stand up and be counted.
roger lasquite
umi-iksi na ang panahon,at hopefully e lahat e tutuong nakakapag-dasal,upang mabigyan ng gabay,lalo na kung sa pagpili ng ‘reform candidate’,at ang isang malaking hamon siguro e ang kawalan ng mga sapat ng kaalaman sa mga kababayan nating,pwede o posibleng,ganito ang kwalipikasyon at pati na ang halos syempre e limitadong pesronal na ugnayan sa kanila,…bagama’t tutuo marahil na hindi dapat o pagod na o ang gusto ng iba e iba naman at bago,e ‘praktikal din na kilala na ng bayan,lalo na sa buong kapuluan.’ At ang mga lokal na leaders e ang maging mga ’sanayan’ o training,at kung paano silang uunlad sa larangan nila at sa kanilang lugar e, isang magandang pagkunan ng mga bagong lider, at maganda ring pagmunihan ang mga nariyan na at siguro ang kailangan din e ang palakasin and civil group,upang magsalubong kung saan patungo o dapat na maging mga unang hakbang na dapat pagka-isahan,…at ang kasalukuyan ang magandang basehan,’…at sana e patuloy ang mga diskusyon,tutuo o dapat at tama lang na palakasin ang mga maliliit na grupo o ang mga nasa lokal na nag-aaral o nagmumuni para sa isang pagkilos na hinahangad. Ang katahimikan sana e me magandang ibunga!
victor manalac
harvey’s latest article inspires hope. but this would be a little candle in a large space of darkness and at best create a dimly lit space. nevertheless his faith in the goodness of filipinos inspires the likes of us enough to work for a good choice of candidate for our government.
in EDSA I we toppled a dictator. that required a solid desire that cut across all regions to make a change. everyone took the risk and poured into the streets. this kind of want for change within each filipino heart should fuel a passion to do another kind of revolution - which means deviating completely from the traditional ways of choosing and away from the tradpols and all their allies. having done this and winning the elections we will face the more difficult war — fighting off the temptation to be swallowed by the conveniences of positions and the pressure from losers and greedy business to revert us to the old ways and to bring our new leaders down.
roger lasquite
“Isang taong (May 10,2009-2010) Dasal para sa Bayan.”
kung ano ang makayanan!
simulan na rin po ang ‘pagdarasal’,magkaroon ng mga ‘prayer warriors, o magsimulang magpa-Misa para sa malaking gawaing ito,at magkaroon ng mga healing and deliverance prayers,especially yung mga tumtrabaho na…’sinimulan ko na po ang pagdarasal at sana e masamahan nyo ako at dumami pa ang mga magdarasal para sa gawaing ito,’ At magmuni at magsisi at mangumpisal. Upang bigyan ng lakas at laging ‘pag-ibig’ mula kay Jesus ang siyang mangibabaw sa lahat at sa bawat gawaing haharapin. At ito’y gawin nating bilang handog at pasasalamat sa Kanya.
boy manok
who’ the reform candidate for 2010?
no one. because all these politicians young and old, old and new will soon become greedy. its a never ending cycle of greed for power and popularity equals corruption.
roger lasquite
subaybayan ang ‘Kapatiran’,…
roger lasquite
ngayon e me-lumahad na, na kandidato para sa Pangulo ang ‘Ang Kapatiran’ alam ko mabigat ang alituntunin ng partido,ngunit hindi baga’t ang ating hinahanap e pagbabago? isang tunay na pag-BABAGO!
Ating pag-munihan ito at mangahas at magdasal na maging-katulong at kaisa ng naisulat na plataporma.
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