In the heart of Filipino voters

Man's character reveals his thoughts and actions. Often his first response to situations and events surrounding him defines a man. His past exploits may provide clues of undeniable facts about his total being.

Today different individuals are vying for the highest position in the land. They have different backgrounds and experiences but have the same goals to serve the country once elected, luckily by majority votes.

But what is in the heart of the Filipino voters? How does Juan de la Cruz choose a leader? It is a simple question but may have a complicated answer.

Intellectuals said Filipinos are pragmatic voters but not intelligent enough. Many merely chose leaders based on popularity without enough ability and competence. Many are showbiz people whose life experience revolves around scripts and storylines. Others are from the sports sector whose expertise is more on games and amusement rather than promulgating laws. Congress may be dramatic at times, but no basketball court or boxing ring.

Lawmakers did not enact the anti-dynasty law because of family and personal interests; hence, people still vote on sons and daughters of family dynasties. So, the next generation of voters has a limited choice of who can run the country better. Can people expect a big difference when the same family member runs a city, province, or district?

The current lineup of presidential candidates has the same profile as the past leaders, one from the showbiz world, another is from sports. Both rose from rags to riches and popularity because of rare talent and hard work. But can this be enough experience to run the country?

Next, two presidential candidates are former military generals whose track records against drugs and criminality are unsurpassed. But whose names and reputation never skipped the eyes of human rights groups. The last two candidates came from opposite worlds --the mighty political dynasty of Ilocos against the inexperienced widow of Camarines Sur. Both had a close fight during the 2016 presidential election for the vice presidency until the latter finally proclaimed a winner. The two will compete again, along with the four ambitious aspirants. The seventh most formidable candidate has been considered the game-changer among the remaining, but is undecided as of the date.

A Filipino voter's heart has the quest to find a leader who can implement the actual change. A bold leader with the iron will to enforce changes from the old political graft-ridden system to something novel and ingenious.

Such a leader won't compromise national interest, territorial integrity, and national sovereignty, someone who can pursue an independent foreign policy and the right to self-determination.

Past leaders failed to deliver the goods. Filipinos have gained more freedom, but we lost essential values of integrity, respect, and discipline. We change leaders from time to time, but the cancer of corruption is still in our system. We need profound political and moral regeneration. Filipino voters have an ardent desire for change but are constantly challenged by numerous factors and complex traditions.