Many of our choices today are influenced by history, indirect affiliations, and popularity. In fashion, our tastes and preferences are shaped by previous trends in the 70's and 80's which has now found its way back to modern society. In food, we find testimonials as the best reference for our choice of restaurants.
The difference though is politics, as we seem to get confused on how to look at our choices. We always base our decisions on a lot of factors, some that are necessary, mostly irrelevant, but we fail to look at motive and the attitude towards achieving it.
I read Conrad De Quiros's article on those presidentiables who were termed as "atat na atat". People like Chiz Escudero, Loren Legarda, Joseph Estrada- simply put, they are. They have done nothing but throw hasty accusations at the Arroyo administration, but on their part, what have they done? Well, they think of themselves as responsible politicians to begin with, but looking at their track record in politics, have got nothing to show for. These people just try to attract media mileage, because we all know for a fact that they do have political ambitions. The past congress has rather come up with quantity of bills than quality of legislation. Do we want to put mudslingers, accusers, ambitious politicians at seat of the highest post in the land?
Meanwhile, there are some who appear to be reluctant in running for the highest post in the land, those who call their candidacy resulting from the clamor of the "Filipino people". For once, let us not try to confuse respect from support. While people may have gone back to the streets to express their condolences for the Aquino family, it does not necessarily mean that majority of the people are clamoring for Noynoy's participation in the upcoming elections. People power's gift is not transferable nor is it handed to a son of a symbolic figure. I have nothing against Noynoy, but his stand in running wasn't even firm, and he even stuttered in his proclamation to run for the presidency. Noynoy's decision making is one that is based on peer pressure, and not on personal conviction.
We need to look up to a candidate who is willing to accept the responsibility of the Presidency, but is also willing to step down to give way based on principles of party nomination. Gilbert Teodoro is one that fits the billing. It was clear during the National Executive Convention that Teodoro was willing to submit to the party's decision if he wouldn't be chosen as party nominee, while he was looking forward to accept the challenge of the nomination with visionary plans for the country.
We need a leader who is willing to rise up to the challenge, but who also knows when it is time to sacrifice. That's Gilbert "Gibo" Teodoro- for you...
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