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Saturday, December 13, 2003
Libre: Questions Poe should ask himself
By Mel B. Libre
Seriously now
The Koalisyon ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino has drafted in absentia movie star Fernando Poe, Jr. as its presidential candidate in the May 2004 elections. The subdued smile in the faces of the group’s leaders, including Tito Sotto, Juan Ponce Enrile, Imee Marcos and Ernesto Maceda, as shown in published photos, reveal the uncertainty of their quest to take over Malacañang middle of next year.
What they got was only the phoned-in statement of Poe: “In all my life I have never experienced the trust that you have shown to me today. In the near future I will inform you about my response.”
Trust? Does Poe really believe the people pushing him to run think of him as the leader who can unite the Filipino people and bring prosperity to our nation? Or are they just cashing in on his popularity to secure their places in the corridors of power? Poe’s indecision may likely be because of his desire to ascertain whether he is being used or not.
We should not belittle Poe for he has proven his capabilities as actor, director, film producer and endorser of the best selling beer in the country.
Each individual has God-given talents that must be used wisely and shared for the greater good. Each person, too, has limitations that he/she must be aware of otherwise he/she may pursue endeavors that would likely bring personal failure, if not suffering for many.
If there is someone who knows Poe best, it is only he – not his wife Susan Roces, not his friend ex-president Joseph Estrada and certainly not Tito Sotto and his bunch of political opportunists.
The most important question Poe should repeatedly ask himself and reflect on is “Do I trust myself enough to become president of this nation?” This should lead to other questions: “Do I have the heart to take on the job?” “Do I have the skills to handle the complicated task of nation building?” “Do I have a vision for my country?”
Politics has been described as a snake pit – and it is. Surrounding you are people who either believe in you, use you or abuse you. By becoming a public servant, you must be willing to receive criticisms more than praises. If you do right, that’s your job. If you do wrong, you will be roasted ‘til your burn. If you are unwilling to open your closet to the public, if you are onion-skinned, if you are weak of heart, don’t be a politician.
Even if you are determined to serve, you must have the hand for the job. Training and experience are needed for that. If you lack both, you can surround yourself with the best minds to help you govern—but do you have the ability to handle different persuasions, vested interests and personal ambitions?
If not, you may be manipulated or simply be clueless. A prime example is Estrada, who didn’t know what hit him. And to think that he served as mayor, senator and vice president prior to getting the presidency.
If you think vision can come out in a workshop, think again. It comes from the moment of birth. It is your lifetime assignment from the Divine Creator. It is planted in your subconscious. It is in your dreams. It is in your being. It is one that answers that question, “Why am I here?”
No person can dictate it upon you. It is the covenant between you and your God. Your personal vision is tied up to everything you do – in your family, in your work, in your community, in your country, in the world.
I can only pray that Poe reads this piece. Because whatever decision he makes will surely impact on each and every Filipino. Let us pray he will be guided not by politicians surrounding him but by the omnipresent Almighty God.
(December 13, 2003 issue)
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