The evil politicians we should all reject
It is the height of stupidity, among Filipino voters, to keep on complaining against thieving, incompetent, and dishonest public officials when these were precisely put in power by the unthinking voters themselves. The voters deserve the kind of officials they voted for mayor, governor, congressman, senators, or party-list representatives. Corrupt officials are elected by voters who allowed themselves to be corrupted, hoodwinked, or intimidated by scoundrels, rascals, and scalawags with the gall to call themselves honorable. Incompetent public officials are placed in power by incompetent, ignorant, stupid voters. They thus deserve each other. Neither have the right to complain.
If we only use our common sense, simple minds, and conscience, then we should reject all candidates that do not deserve our votes: First, we should reject any member of any political dynasty. No matter how brilliant or good-looking that bet is, he or she is tainted by a family's scheme to monopolize power. That is political greed, avarice, and selfishness. Second, we should reject any candidate with a pending or a string of graft cases. Presumption of innocence is good only for people that are not notoriously scheming, but these trapos had been found, by prima-facie evidence, to have probably committed the felonies they are charged with. Why take a risk on them? There are honest alternative candidates.
We should also reject candidates lacking in competence and knowledge. Why do actors, singers, boxers, and basketball players want to be senators? What can they do in the Senate? They do not even know the fundamentals of political science. They cannot even explain the principles of separation of powers and checks and balances. As senators, they are going to ratify treaties, what do they know about treaties? As senators, they have to legislate and amend laws. What do they know about legislation? If they are champion boxers, let them box until they reach 80 if they want to. But the Senate is not for them. If they are actors, let them be the vida or the contravida, but in the Senate? Por vida!
We should reject come-backing candidates, like former governors who want to be governors again. What makes the office attractive to them? Like former senators who want to be senators again. They are just playing games with the three-term limit. They had their chance and they bungled it. They had been measured and were found wanting. They are not Rectos, Laurels, Tañadas, or Dioknos. These illustrious names performed with extraordinary excellence. Today, there are Rectos who are not Claros, candidates who won because their spouses are famous actresses, or adopted daughters of famous action stars and matinee idols.
It is not improper or cruel to reject those who do not deserve. On the contrary, to use our mind, conscience, and heart, is the solemn responsibility entrusted to us by God when we choose the people who shall lead us.