In the Philippines’ coming May elections, the people we vote into power will, once again, reflect the values we uphold as a nation. The results will also determine, to a large extent, our reputation, credibility, and influence in the global community.
I wonder – have we, as a people, gotten so used to being derided, mocked, kicked to the sidelines, etc. that we’ve lost sight of the sterling qualities that can actually save us, as a nation and as individuals?
Under the Marcos regime, the Philippines was, for the first time, called “The Sick Man of Asia”. Under PNoy, we swiftly regained our stature as “The Rising Tiger of Asia”. But alas, we were shoved back to the gutter after PNoy ended his term.
If we want to get out of the quagmire we’re in right now, there are at least five Christian values we should look for when choosing who we will elect into public office. Consider it a fail-safe, error-free litmus test.
First, Character – “the mental and moral quantities distinctive to an individual.” Everything rises and falls on character. Does the candidate have integrity? Is s/he honest, reliable, trustworthy, hard-working, has a clean track record, tells the truth even in very basic things like his/her educational background and credentials?
Is the candidate law-abiding, pays taxes properly, files his/her SALN, etc. like any ordinary citizen should? Does s/he value human life, human rights? Do you see compassion, sincerity, kindness?
Or – is the candidate corrupt, lazy, a liar, a goon, arrogant and uncouth, irresponsible, unreliable, abusive of power, a murderer, has a private army, lives extravagantly on unexplained wealth, has a nefarious, sleazy track record, doesn’t follow the law, doesn’t pay the proper taxes, doesn’t have a factual SALN, etc.? How do the majority of his/her staff behave? Are they as kind and well-mannered as their boss? Or are they as arrogant, egoistic, abusive and entitled?
These are just some of the things that show a candidate’s good or bad character.
Second, Competence. Does the candidate have a consistent, strong track record of accomplishments in public office – as tangible proof of his/her competence? Does s/he have successful programs that effectively address the major and immediate needs of the people? Can s/he plan and execute well? How’s his/her EQ? Is s/he accessible to his/her constituents? Is there a free flow of communication between them? Is s/he intelligent and experienced enough to identify, harness, and manage people, expertise, and resources needed to run his/her programs successfully? Is he/she surrounded by people who are upright, intelligent, and competent? Does s/he show up when he/she is needed?
Third, Justice. How’s the candidate’s sense of Justice? What’s his/her track record? Does he/she uphold the laws of the land – with no abuse of power or influence? Is s/he fair, clean and upfront when dealing with wrongdoing, especially within his/her ranks – without covering up, protecting or giving special treatment to his/her allies and minions? Does s/he have a clean record when it comes to implementing Justice? Does he/she make sure that the poor and disadvantaged are given due process, given access to those who can help them get Justice?
Fourth, Accountability. Does the candidate hold himself/herself accountable to the people, the governing authorities, his/her own staff and supporters? Are funds audited by an external/internal, credible organization? Are there mechanisms in place that provide constant check-and-balance? Transparency? Is the candidate quick to admit to his/her mistakes, confess without being found out first, accept responsibility without making excuses, without assigning a fall guy?
Is the candidate willing to take the consequences of a wrongdoing or accusation – or does s/he flee out of cowardice and duplicity?
And fifth – Family. Although none of us has a perfect family or a perfect marriage – our family is always, always a reflection of ourselves, of the stuff we are really made of, the morality we uphold, the values we live by.
How can a person properly manage a country if s/he cannot even manage his/her own family properly?
Look at a candidate’s marriage. Is it strong? Are husband and wife faithful, respectful, loving to each other? Is there stability and strong commitment? We are looking for a candidate who is stable, who is capable of being faithful and strongly committed to our country –who won’t sell us out to anyone, at any price.
There’s a saying. “Show us your family – your marriage, your children. And I’ll show you who you are.”
What do you see in a candidate’s family? Are they morally upright, wholesome, truthful and sincere, accomplished in their own right, hardworking and responsible? Do they exhibit the qualities you would want your own children to have? When put under the rigors of politics and the harsh glare of the limelight – do they pass muster? Do they show grace under pressure?
Or is there rampant immorality and infidelity in the family? Discord and turmoil? Unbridled pride and arrogance? Negativism and disrespect towards each other? Are rumors rife about drug abuse, violence, or shady deals among the candidate’s children, family members?
Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.
What you see in a candidate’s family is a sneak preview of how he/she is going to run the country, his/her office, his/her constituency.
Please use this check list as an objective, reliable, and intelligent way of choosing a candidate whom we can trust. Someone who will lead us to a life of integrity, progress, and respectability.
These values are biblical. They are Christian values, based on Scriptures. They’re the qualities that Jesus would want us to look for in a candidate.
We can never go wrong if we use the standards of Christ.
