WE have just finished another democratic process, suffrage. Filipinos went to the polls to have their choice of candidates who will run the public office. We made our choice and the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines revealed the final options. Nowadays, we trust the machines. We believe they are more honest than humans. Perhaps.
Election in the Philippines is very festive. It is the talk of the town before the event. Political ideas are brewed in the coffee shops and beauty parlors. Winning candidates are diagnosed based on logistics, qualifications, number of fans attending the ‘miting de avance’, popularity of celebrity endorsers, musicality of the political jingles, strength of community-based organizations, and their ability in oration and debates. I don’t want to say that there is vote-buying. COMELEC has never proven one. There is always stamina in political alliances, but not always. Tie-ups in politics could be an advantage or a disadvantage. King makers are not even sure of their kingship.
Negros politics is a different serving. Negrosanons are not comfortable with dictators and puppets. We want our homegrown politicians, our own breed. Some puppets survive the elections by riding on two horses but they walk without honors. Negros electorates are not even comfortable with candidates with vile tongues. Because of artistic deception, some win but they live with cursed conscience. Their nightmares made them the replica of the living dead.
We would like to congratulate the winners. You are the voice of the people. We would like to believe that the voice of the people is the voice of God. The winning candidates should prove to us that there is the voice of God in them. That could be proven through good deeds, good governance, good fiscal management and good shepherding of the constituents. Just good at the start but we really want a culture of excellence soon.
Our leaders should emulate the leadership provided by experienced men through the ages. Colin Powell believes that there are no secrets to success: don’t waste time looking for them. Success is the result of perfection, hard work, learning from failure, loyalty to those for whom you work, and persistence. Those who are running the affairs of the government should always consider of having friends and co-workers to implement programs but at the end of the day, they should be their own men and they should be themselves down inside of them.
The leaders of Negros should be men of conviction. We want them to see standing with their principles not only in moments of serenity and facility but also in moments that their dignity is challenged because of a controversy. Always have in mind what Grover Cleveland said, “What is the use of being elected or re-elected unless you stand for something?” This has been agreed with by Ginger Rogers, “If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.” Success may not always make a man. Man’s value will be a measure of his personality.
Our leaders should be lions for a cause. Valor delights in the test. When I was in the secondary school, I was inspired by Shakespeare’s ‘Twelfth Night’. “Be not afraid of greatness: some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them”. Our leaders could always have a choice of their own. Dear Negros leaders, please be reminded of what John F. Kennedy left us. “For without belittling the courage with which men have died, we should not forget those acts of courage with which men… have lived.”
We want Negros leaders to lead with compassion. Be inspired by mother Theresa, “Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.” The leadership of our leaders could not be found by just seeking for greatness. Forget about greatness. Seek for the truth and you will find yourselves in greatness.