What’s your agenda?

DAGUPAN Mayor Benjie Lim is the epitome of the kind of politics that has dismayed young, experienced and principled government leaders like Alaminos Mayor Hernani Braganza.

After reneging on his statement that he will announce his candidacy plans – whether to run for re-election or challenge House Speaker Jose de Venecia for the fourth district congressional seat – by the end of January, Lim recently made pronouncements that he is open to swinging towards the opposition’s camp. This after he won twice for his current position under the administration’s banner and a member of the ruling party Lakas-CMD-UMDP.

Last week, he even accompanied senatorial candidate Francis Escudero, one of the most visible and staunchest oppositionists, while on a campaign sortie in Dagupan City. Remember, Dagupan, and Pangasinan for that matter, is the bailiwick of the administration.

At the height of the “Hello Garci” scam, Lim never came to the defense of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Worse, he himself threw   lashes at the administration. Remember? But why didn’t he quit their party then? Why hasn’t he until now when he has publicly admitted that he is peddling himself in the political market?

We can come to many conclusions, but the one undeniable thing about Lim’s exploits is an utter lack of administrative agenda and an absolute interest solely on his personal agenda. He is not really thinking about his program for governance, he is obviously only concerned about taking hold of that precious power that people vest on their elected leaders. To Lim, it does not seem to really matter whether he becomes mayor again or a congressman. What is important to him is to stay in power because his intentions are not dictated by a solid plan on what to do when he does get voted.

And that is exactly the kind of politics – unprincipled and aimless – that has frustrated the hardworking Braganza; the very kind that voters should be wary about.

As the candidates, whether for national or local positions, start doing their campaign rounds, ask them, “Ano po ba ang plano ninyo para sa mga boboto sa inyo?” Simply put, “What’s your agenda?”

Incumbent officials running for re-election are easier to judge based on this question. Voters can simply look at their track record and be able to more or less gauge whether the repeat candidate is worthy of another term for public office. New aspirants need stronger convincing powers.

It is easy to be blinded by looks, be brainwashed by eloquent speeches, and be mesmerized by candidates who stand on our doorsteps. But let’s drop the “fan mentality” now. You are not a fan. You are a voter. You are a citizen. Remember to ask for an agenda. Demand an answer.

Braganza’s decision to walk away is both sad and unfortunate. But the bigger tragedy is when voters throw in the towel and give up hope on the future of their community, their town, their province, and the country as a whole. Braganza may be right in saying that the state of political affairs in the country is “terrible.” But it will only stay that way if we continue to allow candidates with mere personal agenda to become our leaders.

Share your Comments or Reactions

comments

Powered by Facebook Comments