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| http://www.newsflash.org/2004/02/tl/tl013631.htm |
During my pen-and-paper days, I was already involved with
politics. My grandpop used to be a campaign manager and adviser of our municipal
mayor for a couple of years. During the election, we used to distribute flyers,
sample ballots and stickers, we always go to meeting de avance during the
campaign period. That was 1992 election, when Ex-Pres Fidel V. Ramos won the
election, or so it says on the result. But one popular personality, and I pity
you if you do not know her, assumed that she won the 1992 Presidential
election. You know now who she is? Yes. She is Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago.
I (partially) know how politics works. I was a
representative, a college Auditor and University Treasurer during my college
days. It wasn’t that easy to win the hearts of your co-students. They check
your high school, your organizations, your achievements and everything about
you before you convince them that you are deserving to be part of the student
body. Because you will know their standards, and their willingness to involve
themselves in selecting a good Student Officers that will govern them over the
entire school year.
Five months from now, and another set of politicians from
different corners of the Philippines will govern the country. The world is
watching the Philippines closely and with great importance. And while everyone is busy to
register, I am busy looking for the achievements of our Presidential candidates.
People should vote WISELY and RESPONSIBLY. Do not depend on other’s vote or
decisions. And so, I found this web (joeam.com) mentioning 10 qualities to look
for in a Presidential candidate. Come take a look, ponder and decide. There
actually 8 (un)official presidential candidates, although, let’s take a look on
these 5 personalities.
10 Qualities to Look for in a Presidential Candidate
Integrity/ Honesty – Does
your chosen candidate have a track record of being an honest person? Dishonest
leaders had been voted into office before with great costs to the citizenry.
Money stolen by a mendacious official is money earmarked for public
infrastructures and services the citizens will never receive. A corrupt
pilferer of government coffers should not receive any vote.
Ability to delegate – Has
your pick demonstrated an executive ability to hire, supervise and monitor
people? The president has the duty to pick and appoint upstanding people to the
Executive Office of the President and the Cabinet. The government is a complex
system with a lot of duties and responsibilities to its citizens that is
dispensed through its various offices and departments. The President needs the
ability to delegate, as he cannot do all the tasks needed to run a country by
himself.
Confidence/Security– Does he/she
exudes confidence and appears secure? A confident and secure leader has no
problem believing and engaging others. He/she does not have the need for
arrogance or feeling of superiority in order to convey his presence. As they
say in the Southern US, “ If you have to tell someone you are a lady, chances
are you’re not.” It is je ne sais quoi and someone with confidence
and security radiates with it.
Communication Skills – Does
he/she communicate his/her intentions effectively with people from all walks of
life? Communication is done not only by speaking but also by listening. A good
leader speaks in clear and concise manner and listens attentively. A good
president will need communication skills to keep the citizens up-to date with
the government’s performance, successes and failures as well as to find out
what his constituents want or need from the government.
Sense of Humor / Positive Attitude –
Does he/she smile a lot and not take himself/herself seriously? Is he/she able
to diffuse a difficult situation by looking at its lighter side? A good-natured
leader will often make better decisions, as he/she is not afraid to show his/her
humanity in public.
Commitment/ Passion – Has
he/she shown commitment and passion in her past jobs? Committed and passionate
people make highly effective leaders, as they are tenacious and persistent.
They will see to it that a goal is met and a vision is realized. Their focus
and perseverance often pays off so betting on a committed and passionate
candidate will likely yield positive results.
Ability to Inspire – Does
he/she has achievements that motivate others to emulate? Is he/she sincere and
forthright? The ability to inspire is an important quality, as people look up
at the president as a role model. “Do what I say but don’t do what I do” will
breed societal resistance and sanctimony.
Competence – Does he/she has
the necessary skills, knowledge and abilities to govern a morally and fiscally
insolvent country? A competent president does not need to be an expert in all
theories and practices of public administration but he/she needs to be
self-motivated and a fast learner.
Courage – Is he/she decisive
and able to make tough calls when it’s needed? A courageous person is not
fearless. He/she just has the ability to face fear, danger, pain, uncertainty,
intimidation and other difficulties without warping or caving in. Calm
self-assurance raises the level of confidence in one’s decisions.
Servant hood/Selflessness –
Does he/she put people first as his/her priority? Does he/she eschew personal
power and wealth building on the back of the masses? The president is still a
public servant who is tasked to look after the well-being of the populace.
He/she works for the citizenry and not the other way around.
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