Advocating for clean and honest elections

Time and time again, some people would convince me to return to the province of Oriental Mindoro, to run (again) for public office.

Though I have been in politics for nine straight years as No. 1 city councilor, No. 1, board member and two-term vice governor, I still could not understand why candidates have to spend so much and be subjected to all attacks when in fact, they are offering their services to the people? 

Being a public servant is a sacrifice. When I entered politics, I had one private car and left politics with no car. I stayed in the same house (my parents’ house) in Block 6, Calapan City before and after politics. Have the same bank accounts before and after and even had to close them coz I could not even sustain the maintaining balance. Unlike other positions like mayor, governor and congressman who are prohibited to practice their profession, as vice governor we do not have the same prohibitions. Hence, as vice gov, I continued to practice as a lawyer. I received my salary as vice gov and as a practicing lawyer. But I tell you, the amount you spent each month FAR exceeds your monthly income combined.

You know how it is when you are in a government position, some people have that (false) notion that you have bottomless pocket. I know you need not give them what they want all the time, but most of the time you would feel obligated to pay their transportation expenses visiting you in the office, at least.

With the above scenario, it seems that no rational, normal people would run for public office. Why? Because it takes a lot of money, money and money and demands a lot of sacrifices for you and your family. No wonder, there were well-qualified politicians who dared and then never again entered politics after their first term. 

Thus, I plead with our dear voters to be kind and show some respect to our candidates especially those who are sincere to serve and with no hidden agenda. It is a tough process. It is energy draining. 

To those candidates who are running not for the perks nor to pursue their hidden agenda, but running with a genuine desire to serve, I really salute you. God knows who you are! Hats off to you.

Candidates, you may or may not win, but know that this process would build your character. You will never be the same after the elections.

You may lose the election but not your life and those who’ll win the election (sometimes) lose their life because the POWER they get changes their values. As they say, you will know the true character of a person when you give him power. Ten years from this election, you will know whether this election made or broke your life. I hope it is the first.

When I ran for Congress in 2010, a well-known journalist requested for a secret and highly confidential meeting and suggested that I reveal the alleged never been revealed proofs of irregularities and personal affairs against my opponent/s.  He said those documents would sway votes in my favor. Without hesitation, I simply said “NO, it is not my thing” (and will never be!). My thought was, I want the people to vote for me because I am competent and qualified and not because they do not like my opponent.  

To those running a dirty campaign, you may win the elections, but you are CHEATING not your opponent/s but your OWN destiny! Yes, opportunities outside politics are endless. On the contrary, had I won I probably would be facing again (and again) some baseless charges before different tribunals or coming home longing to have a family of my own.

My point is, if you are indeed for the position you are running for, let the people decide and earn that position, fair and square. That way, you know what your true destiny is. 

Several years ago, when you choose the candidates for example for the Senate, you have difficulty choosing the best ones because they are equally great. Thus, you choose the best among the rest. Now, I see many posts asking who else to include because as they say, there are not much options considering the past civil, criminal and administrative records of most candidates. Now, instead of choosing the best among the rest, you choose the lesser evil.

For us private citizens, let us do our share. I read in one post, Everybody wants to change the world but could not even replace the tissue paper in the toilet! This means, if we want to change the world, start with little acts. This election gives us the power to mold the future. It is like replacing the tissue paper in the toilet (when necessary). Let us do our share to make this world a better place. – ESTEE ACERON BISNAR, Esq., founding member, Alliance for Clean and Honest Elections-Oriental Mindoro, Philippine and New York licensed lawyer; The Immigration Law Offices of Maria Estela Aceron Bisnar, Irvine, California