Can It Be?
By Timmy Nolan
Senator Loren Legarda ran for office in the year 1998. From that year up to the present, she has provided a great deal of benefits for the Filipino people – some of which are the Anti-Domestic Violence Act and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act. She has sent dozens of children to school and through the Bessie Legarda Memorial Foundation, conducts regular medical missions for patients suffering from breast cancer. Being an excellent environmentalist, the senator was also awarded with the United Nations Environment Program Award. Before elected as the country’s senator, she was a journalist.
In 2001, Noli De Castro was elected as Senator. He received 16 million votes – the highest ever in Philippine history. A couple of years after, in June 2005, Noli De Castro was inaugurated as Vice-President of the Philippine republic. Due to the allegations against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo regarding the phone call with COMELEC personnel, “Garci,” she was expected to resign. Now by law, if the president steps down, the Vice-President must take over the role of leading the nation. Knowing this, many were fearful that Vice-President De Castro would not be able to handle Malacanang because of weak intellect brought about by his broadcast-journalist background.
Being a broadcast-journalist probably played an important role in Senator Legarda and Vice-President De Castro being elected into office. The Filipino people viewed the two of them as trustworthy and intelligent as they delivered news daily. Many found them as a source of happenings around the country. They were able to create a name for themselves through constant exposure in television. A good speaking voice, a number of smart anecdotes, and a truthful discussion of news, were things that captured the viewers’ attention.
It is safe to say that as broadcast journalists before, Senator Legarda and Vice-President De Castro must be updated with current events. With their background, objectivity is one of the main keys to success. In finding news, they must have been very objective. In running a country, can the same thing be said of them? They were brilliant in searching for truth and notifying the public. They were amazing in writing stories that brought everyone up to speed. Yes, these are all positive things, but could they really run a country?
Based on the facts stated above, Senator Legarda is doing a pretty good job in being a tool of change in this nation. Vice-President De Castro, on the other hand, has his share of pains, but remains to be a good steward of his position. There are no reports about charity and foundations built by him, but there are no threatening scandals as well. We can say, then, that he must also be doing a good job in office. Taking these truths into consideration, I guess it is not as important to look at a leader’s background compared to looking at his/her desire to lead a country. If the desire to help and serve is what motivates him/her, then by all means, let him take part in service to the country. Of course, skills are also necessary, but having the heart to serve is even better.
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