THIS coming May 9, 2022, I am going to vote. But the difficult question that I need to answer is whom should I vote among those who are running for President, senators down to the local positions? I think this is also the question of a lot of Filipino voters. How I wish I know them all personally so that I can check if they qualify and pass my 5 criteria as inspired by Fr. Bernard Lonergan, S.J. and in his words, he calls them the Be-Attitudes.
First is Being-Attentive. Are those running candidates REALLY Attentive to the real needs of the Filipino people especially the last, the lost and the least?
Such attentiveness or mindfulness can really open the eyes and ears of our politicians to the cries of the poor. Most often, an egoistic politician will only see and hear himself or herself and so his or her projects become self-serving.
Second is Being-Intelligent. Are they REALLY Intelligent in terms of understanding the real situation so that they can come up with intelligent solutions to both small and serious problems we the Filipino people are faced with?
Politicians, just like the rest, do sometimes fail to understand the real situations, not because of ignorance, but because of their failure to ask themselves and raise intelligent questions.
Third is Being-Reasonable. Are they REALLY Reasonable in their understanding of the experiences of the Filipino people they promise to serve?
Politicians need to always ask, "REALLY?" They need to always verify and validate what they see and what they hear or else they become biased or prejudiced in their judgments.
Fourth is Being-Responsible. Are they REALLY Responsible in making decisions or plans so that those who are supposed to benefit will be able to?
Irresponsible actions and decisions especially by our lawmakers will REALLY make us all suffer and even prevent our country from progressing.
Fifth is Being-in-Love. Are they REALLY In-Love with God and their country more than they love themselves and their personal interests?
Those who are in-Love with God and country are the kinds of politicians who are more often compassionate, responsible, reasonable, understanding-intelligent and mindful. They are the ones who are willing to forget themselves and even sacrifice their time, talent and treasure for the sake of others. These are the politicians who REALLY feel and know the real meaning of the words "public servants."
These are my 5 criteria for deciding whom should I vote this coming election. Feel free to use them if you haven't made up your mind yet. Use them even if you have already have someone in mind in order to validate your choices. Doing so will REALLY benefit not only our present generation but also those who will soon grow up and make a good difference in our beloved country, the Republic of the Philippines.
Let me end my reflection by sharing with you one story I read about an intelligent person and absolutely in-love with God. According to Harold J. Sala (2006), as written in his book Today Counts: 365 Guidelines for a Meaningful Life, "May I speak to the one in charge of this household?" It was an uninvited call to the Gaines household when Buddy answered the phone..."Well, then you must speak with Jesus Christ." (whom Buddy and his wife Martie consider as the head of their house).
Those who are familiar with the Bible can easily recall a verse (15) from the Book of Joshua (chapter 24), i.e., But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves whom you will serve... But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. I hope and pray that the same inspiration will REALLY move whoever will win in the upcoming elections.