The First Rule of Leadership

“First rule of leadership: everything is your fault.”

This quote comes from the villain of A Bug's Life, Hopper, but there is truth and wisdom in it nonetheless.   Of course, this “first rule” is technically not true all of the time.   There will always be things out of the leader’s control, making any degree of competence a non-factor.  Nevertheless, a good leader understands that this seemingly unfair “first rule” comes with the territory of being a leader.  Leadership is a great power.  And, as what Spider-Man taught us, with great power comes great responsibility.  If something goes wrong during the leader’s watch, then the leader should be ready to take the responsibility for it.  No excuses.  Thus, it takes a set of serious balls for someone to embrace this harsh reality.  But that’s the main point: a good leader has balls.

Besides, a good leader is always rewarded by good subordinates.  And good subordinates, whenever the organization falls short, are willing to take the fault to themselves to shield their leader from damage.   

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Finally, Who I Would Vote For President

Earlier this year, I wrote an essay about my initial research and thoughts about those running for president this election.  But back then, my mind was not yet made up who I would vote for.  This time around, I finally have my candidate.

This is my second analyses of the candidates.  In the previous essay, I did it in random order.  Now, I rate it from my least preferred candidate to the candidate I would vote for.

So, here goes...

JC de los Reyes makes the last place because he does not impress me one bit.  It’s a losing race for him.  My mother told me that he at least has guts to run against giants.  I rather think it’s arrogance. 

He struck me as a guy who thinks he’s infallible and has the answer for everything.  In one of those segments on TV for us to know the presidential candidates, he claims that he has some statistics on something (related to condoms, health, population and sex in Thailand.  Don’t bother to know the details, I think you know the picture), and when one of the panelists sited a WHO statistic contradicting his statistics, he claimed that the latter is false and doctored and that the statistic he has, which he got in some seminar he attended, is the correct one.  Without concrete argument or backing, he boldly claimed that the statistics he got from some seminar is correct and that the data from a UN specialized agency, which has to be independent and objective and credible, is false.  The arrogance.

He’s a nervous wreck.  He can’t make the connection for the audience to believe his plans if elected (at least, for my personal opinion).  One instance was when he defended his stand that sex education should not be taught at school.  With awkwardness and nervous laughs, he was not able to deliver a definite answer.  One of the senatoriables in his ticket at least gave the correct answer (in my opinion, it was the correct answer) during another situation:  sex education should be taught at home since it is the responsibility of the parents (Bravo).  

I don’t think he has the nerves needed to be an effective president.

Noynoy Aquino is the frontrunner of this race and might actually win.  He has his ace, his sister, who is the Greatest Endorser in the History of Advertisement in the Philippines.  Our presidential race is actually a popularity contest, with the presidentiables as products.  And whatever product Kris Aquino endorses becomes successful.   Conclusion:  Noynoy has great probability of winning.  He already has the showbiz glitz factor.  See, here?  He appears to be already comfortable with signing autographs.      

But, come on, he actually got nothing.  I really like this table:

But my father - who I think is going to vote for him - that among the other candidates, Noynoy was the only one “forced” to run, while the others had already plans before the filing of candidacies – thus they already have their own agendas.  Therefore, Noynoy has no agenda for himself and might be sincere in his desire to make a change. 

I would not vote for him for the argument that though it could be true that “he will not steal”, but basing from his records and his willingness to accommodate traditional politicians (does he realize that these politicians might be just using his popularity for their own ends?), he might not have the will to stop those under him.

Moreover, Noynoy – contrary to many people’s belief that he’s “clean” – has his own share of dark pasts.  He had that Hacienda Luisita controversy.  And the most damning of them all, he used to be an ally of PGMA and had defended her during the “I am sorry” controversy.  Now, he’s a prominent anti-PGMA.  What happened?  He actually realized she is evil, or is he actually a "trapo", changing sides for his convenience?

Because of some brilliant programs and accomplishments, and having proven good managerial skills, I might actually had considered voting for Manny Villar if not for: a) his C-5 extension scandal, which is so obvious to be expensive and disadvantageous in the part of the government, anomalous and had benefited Villar.  Thus, Villar is not fully a man who became rich “sa sariling sikap” and had also used his position to benefit himself financially, like the other traditional politicians; b) his arrogance of having too many absences, and ultimately refusing to attend sessions, in the Senate after being ousted as Senate President and during C-5 scandal Senate hearings; c) his rags-to-riches mystique advantage was shattered by the fact that there are public records claiming that their family back then owns some land, and, also, that death certificate issue about his brother which could be proof that he faked his poverty and they were actually, at least, middle class.  Plus, he did not actually start from zero to become a super rich tycoon.  It is said that his wife was actually rich, and thus when he married her, he was able to have the capital for entrepreneurial expansion and become richer; d) now, this could be some black propaganda, and could be not true, but it leaves a black mark. It is also said that he stole lands from our ethnic people and then turned them into subdivisions; the dates on the titles for the lands pre-dates the actual date of the foundation of the agency that registers such land titles; and e) another probable black propaganda but minus points nonetheless, is that he is the real candidate of PGMA.  That he had made deals with her.  (This is actually believable.  It is just like her to plan something diabolical.  Using Gibo as diversion, but in fact, supporting Villar.  And when they won, Villar as President and PGMA becomes Prime Minister, they reveal the truth that they are going to rule the Philippines forever!  Chilling conspiracy theories…) 

His advertisements are actually so popular and a hit with Filipinos, that he is in par or second to Noynoy in ratings.  Thus, many would vote for him.  But just like I won’t vote for Noynoy, I won’t vote for Villar.  I would not succumb to making this election a popularity contest.

It is actually sick what some Bro. Eddie Villanueva supporters are implying: “If you are a Christian, you should vote for him.”  As if it is required of our Christianity to vote for him. 

I am a Christian.  And that is actually the reason why I won’t vote for him.  As a presumption, unless God tells me otherwise, his calling as a pastor is nobler than running as president.  Tending the sheep and being a tool to evangelize lost souls is actually more Christian-oriented than running for president.  A Christian has a mentality of being a Citizen of Heaven above his nationality, and unless, it is in sync of God’s will, running for a public office is not a priority compared to preaching the gospel.

My prime criticism on the Bro. Eddie campaign is that church machinery and resources, instead of promoting Christ, are used to promote Bro. Eddie.  The Great Commission is forgotten.  Bro. Eddie also compromises his beliefs (like his appearance on Quiboloy’s church) just to help his campaign.  The rest of the Christian community might be labeled and be distorted because of what he is doing.

I am not against a coalition of faiths to venture into politics.  But it has to have a distinct identity from the churches or faiths they belong.  Meaning, as individuals, though guided by their morals, they venture into politics without using their churches as support groups.  And, supporters should support as individuals and not as a church.  Sadly, this is not what Bro. Eddie’s coalition is doing. The churches become tools for his campaign.  It is almost implied that one is required to support him if one is part of the JIL church, or their ally churches.     

I am also not dismissing that God might have called him to be president, as he claims to be.  But as I can see in his campaign, I see someone that it is not relying completely on God’s hand, but someone acting on his own by playing the political game by the world’s rules.

But if God is with him, who can be against him? He’ll win if he is indeed called.  I, however, am not being called to vote for him. 

All I can say about Nicanor Perlas is that he is smart.  But his type is not for the presidency.  His type is effective as part of the Cabinet.  

What?  I rate Erap Estrada this high? Yes, I do.  I know he has flaws. He has vices.  He has been convicted (and pardoned) of plunder.  He actually might had been stealing from the government during his first tenure.  And he’s old.

But, he’s also an open book.  You already know his flaws.  While in the other candidates, they could be wolves hiding in sheep’s clothing.   He had also done some great things during his presidency.  He crushed terrorists in Mindanao.  Actually defended some poor farmers from greedy landowners.  Made programs for the poor (don’t believe me?  Then why do the poor love him?).  He turned a negative economic growth to positive.

 In my opinion, Erap was only ousted by power because the rest of the country, those in the provinces which are made up of his “masa” supporters, do not have the resources or capabilities to voice out their support for him.  While the anti-Eraps are all situated in or near NCR, therefore being able to create a huge crowd in EDSA.

In Erap, what you see is what you get.  Plus, he has never stopped entertaining us even after he left showbiz.    

Just as I expected, the majority of the youth vote meant for Chiz Escudero was diverted to Gibo Teodoro when Chiz chose not to run.    I can see it in my Facebook wall (a lot of my peers are joining the "Di sayang ang boto mo kay GIBO TEODORO dahil marami tayo!" group).  They are enchanted by Gibo’s intelligence.

I, for one, was actually considering voting for Gibo back then when Chiz decided not to run and Mar decided to be Noynoy’s vice president.  I was almost prepared to ignore that he’s PGMA’s lackey.  Though hesitant and half-heartedly, he was the one I was favoring back at that time.  Then the Ampatuan Massacre happened.  Then Martial Law came in Maguindanao and soldiers sent there dug out the weaponry held by the Ampatuans.  How on earth that such stockpile of weaponry, purchased by government funds, was held by the Ampatuans?   All of this happening under Gibo’s nose.  If that can actually happen when he was Defense Secretary, it could happen when he is President.  For the sake of political alliances, he was willing to turn his head and look the other way.

Gibo almost got me as a voter, but, no, thank you.

And the shocker… 

Jamby Madrigal

Jamby! I am actually considering Jamby when I had said before that I was not taking her seriously? 

Yup.  Jamby Madrigal impressed me during those TV presidentiable debates and forums.  She always has straightforward answers and knowledge on all issues thrown to her, and she has brilliant ideas on how to deal with the problems of the nation.  She never hides her richness, and never avoids topics about this.  She also seems sincere in wanting to help; I think one of the reasons she chose to run for president is because she is frustrated that such man that she considers a villain (Manny Villar) gets a high rating in the surveys, and she wants to stop him from getting the highest position in the land.     Her witty sharp tongue is entertaining.  She is strong-willed and smart (a “Mirriam Defensor-Santiago”- type).  And, the factor that made me rate her this high, is her cowboy-ness. I had always admired cowboys.  Jamby is a gunslinger – always ready to make a stand, down to the last bullet.  So even if it seems a losing battle, she still runs independently for president.  True crazy cowboy mentality.     

But, I am wary of her crazy impulses.

So, who would I ultimately vote for this May 10? (drum roll)

I will be voting for…

Yup.  I will be voting for Optimus Prime himself, Dick Gordon.  He’s the most equipped in terms of qualifications and experience.  Again, let us look at this table again:

There you go, the most impressive "bio-data" is of Dick's.  And what he did to Subic was dramatic and wouldn’t it be nice if he can do it to the whole country?   He is smart and has strong political will.  Yes, Philippines becoming like Subic seems possible with him on top.  

Of course, his personality is like the “totalitarian-type” and could have the nature of tending wanting to have his way always.  This could have a neagative effect (but let his cabinet deal with that initialy if this concern does arise).  And of course, I am not really sure if he can do it and would not screw up when he gets the office.  For this, I would vote for him but he has not impressed me to actually campaign for him.

This is a gamble.  But so far, at face value and actual evaluation, Gordon is my candidate.  Hopefully, he can set things right in this government and country.

Hopefully, you got the balls to go with your name, Dick. 

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Initial Analyses of the Candidates for the 2010 Presidential Election

Hit the proper age.  Check.  Register as a voter.  Check.  Pick the presidential candidate.  Check.  All ready.  I’m now all set to send Francis “Chiz” Escudero to the Malacañang Palace.  Uh, what?  Escudero’s out of the race? Bummer.
     

So with my man Escudero not running this election, I have to pick a new bet on this first national election that I’ll be able to exercise my right of suffrage.   Let’s get this straight, I am a patriot.  I do love my country, though I make fun of it sometimes.  I might joke of getting excited of finally being able to vote to get rich from all those candidates’ bribe money, but in truth, I would never allow anybody to buy my vote (“Owwws”).  My pride is not worth it (“Owwws”).  I am not going to do something that would make me in the same league with these power-addicted politicians that have no set of morals! (“Owwws.  Mega hypocrite.”)
    

Anyway, I do research on this people running for president.  I watch the TV specials/forums/debates of the presidentiables (finding out these guys are nearly as interesting and funny as those outrageous and crazy nuisance candidates when they file their candidacies).  I surf their sites.  Look at their achievements and platforms.  Not as if I care what they achieved or what they claim to do if elected president.  It’s just a way on trying to figure out these candidates.  There’s no way we could really know these people. They all wear masks.  But in an initial way, I could make an initial analysis on these candidates to help me pick my candidate.

So in no particular order, here are my analyses…

Joseph Ejercito Estrada (“Erap”) – Partido ng Masang Pilipino
    

Let’s start with the “People’s President.”   He’s soooooooo popular with the people.  People love him.  Are Filipinos really suckers for movie stars turned politicians?  He won in the 1998 elections even though it was claimed the government was rigging the election for Jose De Venecia to win (The late FPJ was not able to do so against PGMA and Garci’s rigging in the 2004 elections).      And even if he was kicked out of his stint as president back in 2001, he’s still mighty popular.  The name Estrada ensured the victory of his wife Loi and son Jinggoy in the Senate.

Sure, he talks and acts like an idiot most of the time, but he has a good track record as mayor.  And during his short run as president, the Philippine economy was turned from a negative growth (inherited from Ramos) to a 6% growth by 2000 (Yeah.  Yeah.  I still think the momentum was set by Ramos for that growth, but it was, take note, two years after Ramos left.).   Another thing I liked about when Erap was president was he went on all out war against the Islamic terrorists (I refuse to call them freedom-fighters, they are definitely not!) and crushing the MILF (when he was kicked out and PGMA took over, the MILF regain their strength).   I never liked People Power 2 (the first PP was justifiable because it was against a dictatorship, but in Erap’s case, there is no “secret police” or martial law that can hinder a proper process).  If a president has to be removed, it should undergo due process.  That’s what an impeachment trial is all about.  (Erap’s lawyers kick the butts of Joker Arroyo and his colleagues.)

Erap’s “Erap Para Sa Mahirap” slogan gives the illusion that he was once poor.  Give the fact that he never graduated in college and the illusion is complete, as if he did not complete college because of poverty.  But actually in reality, Erap was from a rich family.
    

All things considered, I will not vote for Erap in this election.  He’s better off returning to the movies.  By his insistence of running himself in this election, instead of supporting a candidate (like Chiz, maybe), what I see is not someone that has the burden on wanting to continue serving the country after being “interrupted.”  What I can see is someone addicted to power.
    

Another point against him is he’s old! He’s, I think, 73 years old.  Would you want a president that talks and walks like that?  And someone, though not convicted “without reasonable doubt” (yeah, I also think the trial for plunder was rigged), has a tarnish of scandal?  Hell, no.  Never.

Eduardo Villanueva (“Bro. Eddie”) – Bangon Pilipinas Movement
    

Let’s get it straight.  I am a Christian.  What you call Born-Again.  So, you can say I am in the same religious wavelength with Bro. Eddie.  Some Christians would blindly vote for him because they say that he is righteous and that what we need is a righteous leader that would change the corrupt political system.  I am not one of them.  I believe I am not alone among the evangelical community that would not vote for him.  We are forgetting one thing:  he is a preacher of the Gospel and it would destroy his testimony if he seeks office.
    

As my father pointed out, Jesus Christ himself did not at all seek political power to correct the corruption and injustice in the political system back then (that was not his mission, he was here for something more important).  He actually ran away when some wants to make him a political leader.  He was only interested in what really matters: the Good News.  So when you are a Christian preacher or teacher, you teach about what really matters, you teach about Jesus whom you know and love.  Nothing else matters.  What is happening right now is Bro. Eddie is now, instead, “preaching” about himself.  I find it uncomfortable when he is being claimed as the “Pag-asa ng Bayan.”  (As Christians, Jesus is our only hope).  Moreover, I find it uncomfortable that the resources and machinations of the “Jesus Is Lord” denomination are being used to promote, not Christ anymore, but Eddie Villanueva.  Their Sunday shows on Sunday mornings in GMA-7 are now used for Bro. Eddie promotions and propaganda. The gospel is lost.  It really shatters Christian testimony.  It seems they force the message of “Gospel=The Rise of the Philippines as an Economical and Power=God’s chosen one is Bro. Eddie Villanueva.”   For my fellow Christians, please, we should all go back to the basics.  Sure, it is not wrong to love your country.  It is not wrong to pray for our country.  But we should remember that we are Christians-first and Filipinos-second.  Our Christian purpose is paramount.  The Kingdom we belong in is not of this world.
    

And that’s just another thing what I think is wrong with Bro. Eddie.  He acts as a “Filipino-first and Christian-second.”  His love for his country is more than his love for his God.  We can see that on his answers on the TV forums.  He is afraid to proclaim his faith would be his guiding force when he makes national decisions.  A good Christian national leader should not be afraid or ashamed to admit that he will be on his knees praying to his God when tackling difficult national matters even if he will be ridiculed or be accused of being biased of his faith and morality when deciding national issues (The guy I am talking about is, guess what, George W. Bush.  Surprised he’s a Christian?).  Another thing is when Bro. Eddie went to the wake of Iglesia Ni Cristo’s patriarch Eraño Manalo.  What is he thinking?  He’s acting like a politician, playing the game like on the world’s terms.  He’s courting for INC’s support.  To add more damage he talked of Manalo as a great spiritual leader.  What the - ?   Hello?!  The God you are preaching about is different from the God they believe in (Don’t give me that “we all have the same God with different names”-crap.  Totally naïve.)  The God that became man to die for your sins is not God to them but a mere human.  Come on.  Isn’t that an insult to the God you love?  Just for the sake of getting their nods, you’ll kiss their… whatever.  It’s a job for politicians.  You’re a Christian leader, not a politician.
    

Being an activist before he became a Christian, I think being a radical Filipino patriot is really integrated in him.  His heart probably sincerely aches of immorality, corruption, poverty, and injustices in our country.  He really wanted to make a change.  I do respect him.  But I wish he realizes that he is doing a more effective way in combating these evils in a heavenly perspective as Christian evangelist.  Promoting God as the only answer.  It is a more blessed calling.
    

We can never really judge him. What if God really did call him?  If, indeed, God calls him to be a president, well, surely he’ll win.  If God is with him, who can be against him?  But if he just decided to run because of his burden as a patriotic Filipino that wants the Philippines to prosper… well, he’ll lose.  Maybe by losing, he’ll realize what really matters most in his life: God, and not the prosperity of his country.
    

For now, my stand is I will not vote for him.  My mind would change if these things would happen: 

a.)  He will start acting as a “Christian-first, Filipino-second.” I am not against a Christian going into politics, I am against a Christian, who thinks that changing the country and the political system for its economic and moral revival is the gospel, going into politics.   
b.)  He’ll leave as the leader of JIL and would separate himself from the denomination in identity.  

c.)  His campaigning would not be run by JIL funds and machinations and TV time (Sundays are for preaching the gospel and not campaign ads).  

d.) And the most important part, if God calls me to vote for him, I would.

John Carlos de los Reyes (“JC”) – Ang Kapatiran
    

Excuse me, who?  A national nobody.  This guy actually thinks he’ll win?
    

Well, when I first heard his name I did pay attention to him to know this nobody.  Could he also be a charismatic youngblood (like Chiz)?  He seems to claim he is the representative of the “youth.”  But I found out he’s not at all charismatic.  Not at all articulate and cannot construct his thoughts well.  He’s so nervous in those TV specials for the presidentiables and seems so close to crying.  Like, startle him with a “Boo!” and he’ll break down crying.
    

Did he ever think that the youth votes would go to him when Escudero decided not to run?  I don’t think so (Those youths that are mesmerized by Chiz’s fluency and youthful intelligence would find it in Gibo among the remaining candidates, thus it is probable that the votes will go his way, and never de los Reyes’).
JC’ll never win.  I promise to eat this laptop I am writing this essay on if he ever won.
  

Maria Ana Consuelo Madrigal-Valade (“Jamby”) – Independent
    

If I hadn’t researched, I wouldn’t have discovered her complete name.  I am actually amused she decided to run as independent for the presidency.  Makes us wonder what is going on her mind.  Is she crazier than Miriam Defensor-Santiago, or she just has the Messiah Complex to save the Philippines from the evil known as Manny Villar?

She is part of an elite family, but is more known having a "palangkera"-attitude (very Miriam).  She is almost like Miriam  (but Miriam is still more entertaining) who have some short bursts of insane and sharp-tongued comments or attacks but, nonetheless, being a fearless, smart and knowledgeable legislator.
    

I won’t really vote for her, though I joke I would and hope she would win.  Is insanity a ground for impeachment?  If she won, and Mar Roxas won as VP, she would be impeached and someone decent would be president.
    

Enough about her.  I never really bothered taking her seriously.  (Though I would had voted for her if she had run for the Senate instead... like I would vote for Miriam.  The Senate is fun with them in it.)

Manuel B. Villar (“Manny”) – Nacionalista Party
    

The greatest advantage of Villar is his “rags-to-riches” story.  Someone who was poor once, but through “sipag at tiyaga” (hard-work and diligence) became a multi-millionaire who can burn lots of money for TV ads jingles that get stuck at children’s heads (if you are an elementary pupil and you don’t memorize the song, you’re not in).  Yeah, his catchy TV ad is the reason he is closing the gap between him and top-survey Noynoy.  But, remember, catchy as Villar’s TV ad is, just the same as the regular catchy TV ads for products, they are designed to hypnotize you to buy the product and when you finally do, you’ll realize it was all hyperbole and lots of bull.
    

Villar might be accused of corruption (the c-5 extension scandal) but he does have an admirable record.  Starting out as a fish vendor, he financed his education, became a CPA and then became a successful entrepreneur and founding a vast property conglomerate.  He became a congressman and Speaker, and during his stint created two major cities, Las Piñas and Muntinlupa, which are now strong business hubs.  He was also a Senate President when he became senator.  He has promoted entrepreneurship programs and built housing projects.  With his success in business and politics, he does have the capability.  Give Villar his dues, not all of his boastings in his ads are empty.
    

But will I vote for him?  Ah.  He’s still not my candidate.  His life story really appealed to me, as well as his political warmth and charm and his managerial skills to get where he is now.  But the C-5 scandal keeps nagging at me (watched the Villar segment in “Failon Ngayon” in ABS-CBN).  Why wouldn’t he face it in the Senate if he is indeed innocent?  Instead, he does not go to work anymore just to avoid the issue?  Villar could have been a nice guy at some time, but I think he is among the ones who are already corrupted by power and was tempted to use a position for personal gain.  It’s hard to trust someone who has the potential to steal money when he is on top.  There might be a slight chance I would still vote for him, but for now, no, I would not vote for Villar.  Maybe I would consider voting for him if he do some silly dance in a campaign ad like what he did in 2007 Senate elections (really, Villar dancing with that smile of his was so funny).

Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. (“Gibo”) – Lakas-Kampi-CMD
   

 “Galing at talino” is Gibo’s slogan.  It’s not at all empty words.  He’s smart and competent.  It shows.  When he’s on those TV forums, he gives clear answers on the issues and questions thrown at him.  Among the candidates, he is the one, I can observe, which have a focused vision if elected.  As I’ve said, he’s intelligence and fluency might get those youth votes that were meant for Escudero.     
      

He was a bar topnotcher.  He has some solid education from Harvard.  He has deep experience from being a corporate lawyer, a congressman, and as the youngest defense secretary in Philippine history.  According to the profile I read about him, he brings to his job “youthful dynamism, a civilian perspective, and blue-chip pedigree.”  He’s fresh and tough.
    

I was actually considering voting for him.  He impressed me with his intelligence, articulation, and focus.  But I am not still sure.  Though he has the integrity (that’s why the Administration pick him as their bet), he will always be PGMA’s lackey.  It’s a scary thought.  PGMA as Prime Minister (if her diabolical plan of being elected as congressman and then spearheading a cha-cha to make her PM) having a hold on a President Gibo.   Scary.  Gibo might not be corrupt but he’s surrounded with people who are, especially his boss.  If he wins, the same people behind the current administration that runs this government will remain in power.  Thus, all this factors considered, I am wary of voting for him.  

Nicanor Jesus Pineda Perlas III (“Nicky”) – Partido ng Bansang Marangal
    

He actually has an impressive bio-data.  But he’s too ambitious if he ever thinks he has a chance of winning.  He’s a known environmentalist that wants to legalize divorce in the Philippines – that alone put his chances of winning the presidency from to 0.00000001% to full oblivion.

He was already dismissed as a nuisance at first, but because of the Court, he was returned back to the race.  It was better off if he stayed disqualified, saving him a painful loss as - possibly - the last placer in the election.

He's intelligent but a non-factor.

Richard Juico Gordon (“Dick”) – Bagumbayan Movement  
    

Among all the candidates he has the best, tested and proven, administrative skills.  He did not really do anything special as senator, but his true talent is not in the legislative branch but in the executive branch.  His optimistic spirit and quick-action mentality are big pluses.  He did wonders with Subic, and he is an effective Red Cross chairman.  With what he did and his experience with Subic and the Philippine Red Cross might just make him a good president.
    

I could vote for him.  Having him as president – someone that could deal with crises immediately and effectively, that could improve economic status of a city, and act in a disciplined and focused manner – could make dramatic changes for a country.  But I am not committing anything.  He’s really not that popular and we are not really assured if he will be an effective national government leader as much as he is as a local government leader.

Benigno S. Aquino III (“Noynoy”) – Liberal Party  
    

I really can’t find anything special in him, or any special thing he did in the government.  He’s just the son of the legend in the 500 peso bill, the son of a former president that was also a symbol of democracy, and the brother of the Philippine’s greatest product endorser (only rivaled by Manny Pacquiao).  That’s it.
    

I admire his father, Ninoy Aquino Jr.; he was intelligent, articulate, charismatic, and a noble patriot.  If Noynoy inherited his father’s strengths, in a blink of an eye, I would vote for him.  Unfortunately, he did not have his father’s strengths.  Though I think of his mother, Cory, as an incompetent and overrated president, I would give it to her that she was a symbol of democracy and an inspiration to nationalism.  Noynoy is also a symbol… but only a symbol of being an Aquino.  People just see him as the son of Filipino legends, not as a person, an illusionary symbol on what his parents stood for.
    

He is also accused of being lazy and not taking his job seriously, often being late on his appointments and work.  I don’t know if it’s true, but it’s minus points for him.
    

His platform of government is cannibalized from Mar Roxas, whom is actually equipped and understands most, if not all, of the issues of the land (Mar is my second choice, but unfortunately, he also decided not to run for president to give way for, ugh, Noynoy) .  At the forums in TV, he delivers unsatisfactory answers, makes me question if he really knows what he’s doing or what he’s going to do if elected.   

“Hindi ako magnanakaw” he promises… Mmm.  Maybe he wouldn’t for the sake of the honors of the name Aquino.  But it doesn’t make him invulnerable to temptation.
He’s actually the frontrunner in the surveys, so it is very probable he would win.  Hmmm.  If he wins and, mmm, somehow, something happens to him, that would make Mar president!  A good scenario.  Morbid thoughts.  Just kidding.  Anyway, if he wins, I hope he surrounds himself with smart and honorable men to advise him.  Give Mar an important designation.  Maybe even asking those guys that run for President and Vice-President to help him.  He could steal Gibo from PGMA’s clutches, put Bayani Fernando as DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) head, Gordon or Jojo Binay in DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government), Perlas as DENR secretary, etc.  That may go well.

*     *     *

    

So who would I ultimately vote for then?  I got no candidate to support yet.  But there’s still a few months left till Election Day, enough time for me to think who would deserve to be president.  Who knows, maybe one of them would pay me a hundred K to vote for him.

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In Defense of (Burned) Bush

"I admire that journalist that threw his shoe at President Bush," an acquaintance of mine said.

I replied, with an eyebrow raised, "What's so admirable about throwing his shoe? It seems a show of immaturity and a lack of grace and self-control."

"Well... Bush is a bad president."

"What made you say that he's bad?"

"Mmm... He's mighty unpopular... People hate him... and..."

And nothing. He just laughed it all off when he got nothing more to say to back him. I did not smile. The moron.

That was a year ago. And it has been nearly a year since George W. Bush, 43rd president of the USA, stepped down. So, why am I writing this piece right now? Seems untimely. Well, one of the reasons I write is for therapy, and I write to blow some steam of a particular annoyance. Some recent event just reminded me of my great annoyance on people who pretend their smart or righteous without the facts or credibility to back it. These are the know-it-alls... those who take hearsays or gossips as truths without confirming them, and since these hearsays or gossips are popular ideas, jump into the bandwagon. (I even annoy myself when I sometimes succumb to this annoying flaw of human nature.) One of these popular ideas is the incompetence and lack of credibility of George W. Bush - which I do not agree.

I am not a Bush fan at all. But I recognize him as a strong leader, though not perfect, equipped with competence and character to lead the most powerful nation on earth. And I find this blind animosity to Bush by most Americans as almost baseless as a "know-it-all" mentality that I am particularly very annoyed at. Probably, this is because of the effective and harmful slanders, propagandas and machinations against Bush by the Democrats. The Democrats succeeded in establishing their slanderous comments as truths.

Bush's unpopularity started with one particular topic: the war against Iraq. Let me stick with that. This was the seed of it all, and this is what the Democrats used as ammunition and this is where they started from with their effective attacks at Bush that destroyed his credibility and made him mighty unpopular with the Americans.

The Democrats slandered Bush that he lied about Iraq having Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). They said that Bush falsified intelligence on Iraq WMD to justify attacking a sovereign nation - to drag the US to an unnecessary war. They accuse Bush that there was no concrete basis that Irag had WMD. But wait a minute, not only did all the intelligence gathering agencies of the US were convinced Iraq has WMDs, the international intelligence communties - UK, France,Germany, Russia, China, Israel and Jordan - thought so, too. How can Bush falsify such intelligence data of different independent sources? How can they say that Bush has no concrete basis? But wait, here's something even better, during the Clinton administration (when the Democrats were in power), the Democrat politicians were convinced that Iraq do have WMDs. The Democrats believed and claimed to have evidence that Iraq has WMDs. They still had this stand even when Bush administration was on its early years. But why the sudden change of tone later on? Simple, the Democrats wanted to destroy Bush's credibility - and they succeeded. It was dirty politics. From then on, Bush became very unpopular.

You might say, "But wait. They never found WMDs when Iraq was finally invaded by the US." True, that they never found any nuclear weapons but they found chemical and biological weapons, which are illegal, and considered as WMDS. Moreover, Mossad intelligence claimed that the nuclear weapons were probably moved to Syria before the Americans deployed for war.

Let us not forget who was the Iraqi leader: Saddam Hussein - a tyrant, a terrorist, a criminal, guilty of many UN violations and genocide. Besides, the attack of the US to Iraq is not only based on the existence of WMDs. In the 23 clauses to use force against Iraq, only two mentions WMDs. Saddam provoked the US to attack. Regardless of whether Saddam has nuclear weapons or not, he was acting as if he had them by showing arrogance and defiance. The US didn't have legal or moral burden of Saddam proving he had WMDs, it was Saddam's burden to prove that what the US accusses is false. But this he did not do so. Consider: following Iraq's defeat in the Gulf War, Saddam signed treaties promising to get rid of and not produce WMDs, allow UN inspectors and spy planes to fly over to verify that he was not in breach of promises. But he violated those treaties, denying the inspectors to do their jobs and continually shooting at US aircraft in the no-fly zones. But even of these clear violations, the UN lacked the moral courage to enforce its resolutions and punish Saddam. So, Bush showed balls and did the right thing by finally doing something about it, by leading the US against Iraq. The countries that supported the US in that war did the right thing and showed balls, too, and I am proud that the Philippines was one of those countries even if our troops were only there for show (it's a pity we have to withdraw them because of the hostaging of Filipinos by terrorists... but withdrawing was the right thing to do. The hostages' lives are paramount. But it's still a pity).

We should also consider America’s role as “world police.” Their country is a symbol of freedom and democracy. Saddam is a threat to what their country stands for. Thus, the US has this responsibility, being the world’s most powerful nation, of finally destroying the danger to the principles of freedom and democracy. US also did the right decision back then of going to Vietnam. The only problem was they were arrogant and unprepared that cause so many unnecessary and unjustified casualties in that war. But in Iraq, the Americans came prepared and efficient, thus, it cannot be criticized as it was with the Vietnam War.

Besides, America was on a “War on Terror” and it is clear that Iraq had dealings with Al Qaeda. Iraq was a training ground and haven for terrorists. Democrats only denied the fact, claiming that Bush is lying, and the people believed them. Striking Iraq was also a way of preventing another September 11. What would have happened if Saddam finally have a working nuclear weapons program? Attacking or pressuring Saddam by then would be difficult. The threat was too great for Bush to ignore it. Thus, invading Iraq at that time, when the nuclear program as still premature, was a good decision.

At the risk of being unpopular, Bush made the right decision. Amidst the constant attacks by his critics, and the people starting to hate him, he remained strong in his stand of what is right. Such courage and character. That was admirable.

I really don't get it why most Americans hate him. He did not cheat to win the election. He does not have any scandal about graft and corruption or stealing from government funds. Compare him to PGMA. Come on, why hate him?

With what the Democrats did to Bush, I think the current Democratic Party had lost the decency or "gentleman-ness" of being an effective intellectual and moral opposition to the Republicans. The purpose of the two-party system is to be able to have a conservative and liberal view in all issues, and to hold in check each view. Democrats should debate against the Republicans (and vice versa) with their country’s interest in mind, and the debates should lead to betterment and cooperation in the long-run. Now, by what the Democrats did to Bush, it seemed they now only want to protect or improve their political interests. I don't know if the Republicans, which are now currently the opposition, would act as the Democrats did. (By the way, as I had written in a previous essay, back at the elections, I wanted Obama to win, not because I know of and agree with his policies but because I want the dramatic: the first black president of the US. But I am not really sure if he is better off than the rest of the Democrats, or if he also thinks like them.)

As finale, the lesson I want convey here is we have to get rid of our nature of judging people, which is unfair, not only to big leaders like Bush, but to ordinary persons as well. Believing hearsay without us confirming it… jumping into bandwagons…. the arrogance of the "know-it-all" mentality… blindly criticizing and hating… biases…. we have to get rid of them all, since these are the bases of our tendency to crucify our true heroes.

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And so, Obama won

Barack Obama won. The most dramatic win in US Presidential Elections history. Most of the world rooted for him. And America did, too, as proven by the election.
I myself wanted Obama to win over McCain, though I consider myself a “Republican” because I had liked more Republican presidents than Democrat ones in US history. I don’t pretend that I support Obama because of his platform of government, no, I do not know much of his policies. I am a Filipino after all, and what appeals to us is not a candidate’s policies, but his drawing power, or “star value”. Consider this, Obama is a black – an “underdog” in white-dominated US, and boy, we Filipinos, including me, love the underdogs (though Obama was the more popular in the ratings than McCain anyway prior to the election). Although Filipinos also love the dramatic, which McCain have, being a former prisoner-of-war, it was not much reason for me to support him. Besides, it was more dramatic for me to see the election of the first black US President. No contest, Obama had more “star value” material; he can deliver speeches very well that made my skin crawl. And that is why I rooted for Obama to win; Obama winning would be more entertaining and dramatic to satisfy my Filipino political taste.
There was no way McCain could have won. There was no way a Republican could have won. Bush’s administration was very unpopular among the Americans that it made the environment toxic to any Republican campaign. That’s the first reason why Obama won. If Hilary Clinton beat Obama in the Democrat primaries, she, instead of Obama, would have beaten McCain. The USA is tired of Republicans, and the Americans turn to the Democrats for the answer (bad move?  Probably.).
Second factor was Obama’s incredible campaigning. His campaign out-spent McCain’s. He had campaigned extensively through media. He had hordes of volunteers campaigning for him door-to-door. And just look at his celebrity supporters – that factor alone could have assured his success. “Star value” indeed.
Third, of course was the “underdog” sympathy. 98% of all blacks voted for him. Many voted for him for the reason alone of being a black. And thus, being a minority, all other minorities in the US – the Hispanics, the Asians, etc. – voted for him, too.
So now ends the easy part of putting Barack Obama in history. Now comes the hard part on how he would be remembered in the textbooks. Would he be along the few Democrat Presidents – John F. Kennedy, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Harry S. Truman – that I had liked in US history? He will initially face two major problems – along with other domestic and foreign matters – when he steps into office on January.
First is the economic crisis that the US faces today. He could be remembered – along with his being the first US black president – as the leader who led his country to bounce back from the economic turmoil, or the one who screwed up and led the economy to complete ruin.
Second, US’ role in the war against terror. No matter what bad things they say about Bush, I still think of him as a strong leader. He had kept the US safe and gave back the feeling of security among them after the 9/11 attack. The US is the “cops” of this world – the country who can send military and political pressures in many hotspots in the world and all at the same time. Bush had exercised the responsibility of being a “cop” very well. Love him or hate him, that was one good thing about him – he was strong. (The American should at least be thankful that though Bush has his faults in their eyes, at least he is not like the current President of RP.) Obama also have to be a strong leader like Bush – someone that would make those terrorists think twice in planning to mess up with the US and the world. God blessed America in military power, and though it doesn’t mean he should lead the country to every war, it also does not mean he should always remain quiet when the US can do something about a crisis.
Sincerely, I wish Mr. Obama good luck and may God be with him. Our own presidential election is near as well – less than two years away. And I also pray God will give the RP a good leader like He did to America throughout their history – even if we Filipinos pick our candidates because of his or her “star value”.

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A Thought on Leaders

It is saddening how leaders abuse their powers. They use their powers to enrich or benefit themselves. Sure, I believe in the privileges of rank. But when the leader abuses his privileges, it is no longer right. Besides, to abuse privileges is not part of a leader's privileges.

Some leaders forget the true essence of leadership. Good leaders are also good followers and servants. They should also set as a model and an inspiration of the subordinates. He should make his subordinates see the importance of teamwork.

I admire leaders who can sympathize with his subordinates. A leader who can make his subordinates feel that he is one of them, without losing the dignity of a leader. A leader who shares the suffering and trouble of his group, and thus inspiring and motivating his subordinates to finish or solve the problem.

We cannot help encountering leaders who cannot effectively lead us, but instead these leaders take advantage of us. And we cannot help feel that there is injustice and all is unfair when these leaders abuse their powers and privileges. We feel bad and discouraged because of this injustices and unfairness. But there are always someone higher above these bad leaders that might see the unfairness that these leaders do. And if there are none, there is always the Big Boss who sees this unfairness, and  He's higher than all the leaders and top-of-the-hierarchy-people of this world.

Which reminds me of the story sent by a Corporal Vaughn Witt to Reader’s Digest:
“At the Annual Association of the U.S. Army convention in Washington D.C., a large crowd was waiting for the elevator in the convention hall. After several carloads arrived and left, filled to capacity, I finally boarded. We descended two floors and stopped, and the doors opened to reveal a captain. ‘I want everyone off this elevator,’ he arrogantly announced. ‘There is a three-star general who wants to get on.’
“From the back, somebody said, ‘To hell with that three-star!’ Everyone turned to see who had the audacity to say such thing – and instantly a pathway opened to show a four-star general standing there. The elevator doors closed on the captain, and with a roar of laughter we continued on our way.”

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