“Let’s think broadly in the coming elections.”
In what may be aptly described as a “whirlwind” of events, the recent electoral substitutions stirred the political climate in the country. In this regard, there are two points I would like to discuss.
First, I know how difficult it is to make a decision on running for a government position, so much so for a national position. As a candidate myself, I also go through a time of reflection that allows me to solidify my plans for the election. However, we are all aware that this period is not without limits. It is important that candidates express their intent and decision in a firm and timely manner.
With the conclusion of the period of substitution, I hope that political parties now have cleared and established, with finality, their fielded candidates. We all know that a strong government is founded upon decisive and determined leaders. In particular, the stability of the government and the nation itself are conditioned and sustained by the strength and stability of its president. At this point where the pandemic proves to be unpredictable, we need leaders who are firm enough to be our stronghold in the years to come.
Second, we all know that Filipinos have a tendency to opt for candidates they often see and hear in radio and television, social media, and on print media. As mentioned before, popularity has always been one big consideration by Filipino voters. However, I urge everyone to look beyond the campaign materials and focus on the message and the platforms that candidates are trying to get across, especially at the local level.
Often, people are too focused on the national elections that they forget to exert the same amount of attention on local candidates. For a successful and effective government, it is important that both national and local officials are aligned with the same vision.
At the end of the day, it is the local government officials that will be left with the challenge of leading and helping the communities. It is best to have national officials who fully support local officials in order to effectively carry out and implement programs at the LGU level.
I urge everyone to think broadly about the elections. From the LGU perspective, we need unity and cohesion with the incoming administration in order to overcome the battle against COVID-19 and get the country back on its feet.