I guess I didn't really find any reason to vote, which is why I wasn't rushing to exercise my right to suffrage. At that point, there were only a few candidates who have already decided to run for president, and to be honest, they weren't really knocking my socks off. It's like, why would I rush to the mall for a sale when the gorgeous silk dress that I've been eyeing on is still sold on the regular price? Clearly, you can imagine my lack of enthusiasm, but as May 10 drew nearer, I was beginning to regret my decision.
When Richard "Dick" Gordon decided to run for president, I was ecstatic. I've always found to be a pretty straight guy. He's smart, loquacious, and unlike most politicians, accomplished. He spent most of the eighties and the early part of the nineties as Mayor of Olongapo City, bringing about what is arguably Olongapo's golden years. In the year 1983, during his first term, Olongapo became a highly urbanized city. He was a realistic leader, choosing to face issues without throwing practicality and feasibility out of the window.
Gordon battled prostitution in Olongapo by working with it, not against it. He knew that prostitution can never really end, and that banning it would simply increase the demand for a black market. That's why Gordon opened up health centers where sex workers and their clients could get regularly checked for sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies. His detractors may say that this is an immoral decision, but how else can you collectively satiate the clamor of all sides without sacrificing your principles?
His legislative experience is also a very formidable force. During his time as a senator, Gordon became the principal author of 185 bills. Thirteen of those bills have been enacted to laws. The alcohol, cigarettes, and tobacco tax or the "sin" tax bill, made as a measure of fiscal reform and revenue-generation, was spearheaded by Gordon. He also wrote RA 9499, the Filipino World War II Veterans Pensions and Benefits Law, which allows our veterans to receive benefits from Philippine Government.
His efforts as Secretary of the Department of Tourism, WOW Philippines in particular, won various international awards in 2002. He's been touted as one of the 20 Great Asians of the Future and Ten Outstanding Young Men by Asianweek and PublicAd, respectively. Aside from all that, Gordon has been the chairman of the Philippine Red Cross since 1986.
It's really sad that whenever I talk about supporting Gordon during elections, I am always told that while he's incredibly qualified, he will never be popular enough to secure majority of the votes. The same goes for his vice presidential partner, former Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Bayani Fernando. Gordon's stellar resume does not give much weight in public's eyes, especially in comparison to the astounding popularity of fellow candidates Noynoy Aquino and Manny Villar.
While I don't doubt that Villar's sob story has made a significant impact on the financially destitute, Aquino's lead in the polls happens to be a real mystery to me. Aside for the sympathy being given to him due to the recent passing of his mother, Former President Corazon Aquino, and the popularity lent by his celebrity sister Kris Aquino, there is barely anything to recommend Aquino with. To date, Aquino has filed a total nine bills in the Senate, with none of them being enacted into law. Aside from being chairman of the Committee on Local Government and vice chairman of the Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Aquino has not made any notable achievements during his office as senator.
With Gordon vis-a-vis Aquino, it becomes a competition of capability versus popularity. I have so much disappointment in Aquino that I'd even vote for Villar, amidst his C5 Scandal, because he's definitely more qualified. Why the public doesn't even care to probe on these realities is extremely saddening. It makes you wonder if a famous last name is really the only thing you need to succeed in Philippine politics.
At the end of the day, while I'd love to go on top of rooftops to shout about my ever-growing love for Dick Gordon, I am pretty much chasing pavements. As much as I'd love to contribute to nation building, I've partially sealed the fate of the country when I decided not to register for the elections. I don't know what would be more upsetting: seeing a candidate who didn't deserve the presidency win, or knowing that with my meager vote, I could've done something about it.
by: Margarita Buenaventura
-from The Benildean Student Publications
De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde
