A Candidate's Responsibility

Thursday, 28 October 2010 06:46

Written by Malou Tiquia

I recall sometime in April 2010, a politician talked to me about joining a campaign effort because according to him, his candidate was a sure win. My years in political management have given me certainty that there is no such a thing as sure win in politics. From those years in handling local and national clients, I have come to realize that it is a myth to say, “no one is prepared to be president.” A candidate so serious as to think of running for the Presidency, to actually file his certificate of candidacy should and must have thought things out. A candidate who just jumps to the decision without much discernment is likely to hold on straws, riding on luck, and winning, yet not knowing where to take the country.

Part of the dynamics in political management is the relationship between a potential candidate and a political consultant, if not a political handler.  Such a relationship should not be based on ego massaging or singing hosannas to whatever the potential candidate says or does.  It should be a healthy, open and direct line of communication where debates and scenario buildings are a regular fare and discussed with candor.  It is the responsibility of the potential candidate to prepare himself, as it is also the responsibility of the political consultant/handler to ensure that the potential candidate is prepared for such a critical position –physically, mentally, and emotionally.

“No one is prepared to be president” is a lame excuse and when said out loud, to me, it’s an indication of a lack of sense of responsibility and an inability to introspect.  To even state “others pushed me to this task” or “I am a hesitant candidate” or “our people’s call for me to run for office” is insulting the public.  I don’t believe in a hesitant public servant.

Today, I hope it is crystal clear to us 50 million Filipino voters that experience is essential (not only for the leader but also one’s inner circle), a road map is primordial (to know where the leader is taking this country in the years to come), and a competent team to run marathon run for six years.  There is no debate that integrity is necessary, but it can’t be the sole value to bank on to keep this troubled country back on her feet.  Intelligence.  Industry.  Selflessness.  Wisdom.  These are equally critical.

For Bruce Weinstein, PhD., campaign ethics covers 10 values: Tell the truth; take responsibility; rise above the fray; criticize the argument, not the person; listen; don’t make promises you can’t keep; spend fairly; remember what the campaign is all about; take a break; and lose well.”

Does this country have enough responsible candidates ergo, responsible leaders?  Is it not about time that we have a Campaign Code of Ethics?

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