On candidates and self promotion

I am generally suspicious about people running for office who seem to become active only during campaign period or the time leading to the official start to the campaign (which should actually be illegal if the Comelec just had the balls to be strict about its rules). For me, it shows the opportunistic nature of a person rather than a display of commitment and truthfulness that are often desired from someone running for a public post.

I suddenly see people posting photos on social media showing them donating stuff to a neighborhood school or being involved in a feeding program at a church when previously there was none of those activities on his/her timeline. I see people having photo opportunities with politicians like incumbent local government officials, flashing smiles that to me is more ngisi than ngiti. It is frustrating and disappointing that people tend to believe in their promises, their pretentions. It is  pity that these same voters only expect them to be donors or benefactors for things such as basketball tourneys, barangay fiestas and small public works when for many, the mandates and responsibilities are for legislation. Marami ang tumatakbo na hindi alam kung ano ang responsibilidad ng kanilang inaasam na posisyon.

I take two cases of people running for local government positions whom I know since they were children. I just wonder how they can be qualified for the posts they are seeking and if they do meet minimum qualifications, why do they think they are better or more suited for the post than others. One is being praised by common friends and acquaintances with not a few saying we should vote for the person. What has he done or what is his potential contribution? Will he be able to legislate good ordinances? Or does he look at the position as a way to become a benefactor or padrino? By the indications of his own Facebook posts I am not optimistic about his becoming a good public servant. There is a significant difference between being a donor/benefactor and being a public servant. This is what many who are running for office do not understand. Unfortunately, these include even the most seasoned politicians. Kaya may kabulukan sa sistema.

This is probably applicable to many other candidates running not just for local but national posts. Mas malala pa in many other cases where political dynasties reign supreme or where politicians take advantage of the kamangmangan of the electorate. There are times when I share the views that certain segments of society shouldn't be allowed to vote simply because they are uninformed. While I do believe in universal suffrage, a part of me thinks that perhaps this concept is applicable only to more mature and responsible societies or where the majority is informed and know what they are doing. In the Philippines, this is (sadly) not the case and too often the results are disastrous for the future of a town and the rest of the country.

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