THERE is something inherently wrong and woefully stupid in the statement — even if coming from a president or a senator — that one will run for this and that position of power in the coming elections next year if certain persons run, too, or decide not to run.
This is because seeking a public office through the election process is sacred to democracy. By filing a certificate of candidacy with the Commission on Elections (Comelec), a person is actually applying for his or her chosen job, with the employer being the Filipino people whom they intend to serve. One does not apply for a job provided his or her friend applies, too.
‘Again this announcement smacks of political greed, in the league
of similar statements we heard defending the continued existence of family dynasties…’
It is in this context that we criticize Sen. Christopher Go when he said that he will run for President only if President Rodrigo Duterte is his running mate as vice president. This reveals that he is driven by his personal interest in dreaming for a higher office, the highest position in government no less, and not for the sake of serving the people. The desire to work and help the Filipino people at this time of public health crisis should be the primordial objective of any one running for office.
In the same vein, Malacañang Palace thru presidential spokesman Secretary Harry Roque, on the directive of course by the President, is wrong in saying that President Duterte and Senator Go will withdraw their plans to run as a team if presidential daughter and Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte-Carpio runs for president.
Again this announcement smacks of political greed, in the league of similar statements we heard defending the continued existence of family dynasties from politicians Jejomar Binay and Danilo Suarez, both believers that good governance runs in the family.
Hearing the various pronouncements of prospective national candidates in the elections next year, we note that the younger generation of “leaders” are more politically mature and astute than their elders.
There is Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto who fights for the independence of local government units. Then, there is Manila Mayor Isko Moreno who said top government positions should never be inherited, and may we add, Senate and House committees, too.
What takes the cake is Mayor Sara’s brutal admonition to her father and Go that they should be candid with the public about their plans to run, and not involve her as reason for their running or not running. Sara deserves the praise she received from intelligent citizens by just saying what’s on her mind.
