Friday, January 05, 2007 Editorials: Honest intention to run
RUMOR floating in cyberspace has elicited strong denials from the Palace by the Pasig.
It said the Arroyo administration is now looking for people with surnames similar to those of potential candidates in the opposition’s senatorial line-up.
Examples are names like “T. Aquino” and “J.M. Cayetano,” which can be pitted against opposition candidates in the May 14 elections carrying the Aquino and Cayetano surnames.
The objective is to confuse the voters and ensure that votes cast for the Aquino and Cayetano bets will be invalid.
But a Malacañang source vehemently denied the rumor, saying the administration will fight the opposition in the May elections fair and square.
Loophole
The rule is that a vote is considered invalid if, in cases where there are two candidates with similar surnames, the voters write in their ballots only the surname.
This is a loophole in our electoral process.
Consequently, the practice of having a person run against a serious candidate with similar surname has become an effective political strategy.
But while it can be considered a valid and legitimate political move, it appears immoral and “below the belt.”
It would be like hitting serious candidates in the back while they are not looking.
Three ways
The Arroyo administration, though, vowed it will not use such strategy, branding the report as a lot of hogwash.
Administration political adviser Gabriel Claudio said Malacañang has three ways to ensure the victory of its candidates.
These are: the credentials and credibility of administration candidates, the might of the administration’s nationwide campaign machinery, and the preference of the electorate for sustained political stability and economic growth, something symbolized by the administration.
It is choosing candidates on the basis of capability and loyalty.
Honest intention
But whatever the political parties’ manner and means of selecting and recruiting would-be candidates in the coming elections, the point at stake should be that the candidates are men and women with serious desire and intent to serve the Filipinos.
They should not be candidates merely put up to destroy the political hopes of other candidates.
