BY ERWIN ‘AMBO’ DELILAN
ELECTIONS in the Philippines are synonymous to money. Sans money, one who wishes to run for any elective position might have a “stiffly” battle.
Such is the norm in the country that discourages others, especially the poor but deserving, to venture into Philippine politics. Though they’re intelligent and have vast experience(s) in societal leadership, they don’t have money to fuel their campaign.
Blessed are those who are (still) young, inexperienced and even less-tutored, but well-heeled since birth. The sons or daughters of seasoned and financially well-off politicians are quite privileged, too.
And lucky are those who have wealthy sponsors or backers. Their financial resources are just “welling” and could automatically boost their campaign, and ensure their winnability.
It’s rare to find someone who has (still) the guts to go against moneyed politicians nowadays. In
Cano Tan in Bacolod City and Joedith Gallego in SIlay City are readily bound to breach this political myth. And both, with or without money, are ready to weather the upcoming political storm.
Their very weapon is no other than the so-called “trust machinery”. They both bank on people’s trust in them, which they do believe can cause “magic” for their candidacies. And can lead to the realization of their noble intentions for the people and communities.
ANTI-CORRUPTION CZAR
Cano, if with no more hindrances, is reportedly running anew for Bacolod City councilor in next year’s elections. He’ll run as an independent candidate. He’s confidently saying no to offers from both Albee Benitez’s and Bing Leonardia’s camps.
In an interview, Cano admits being discouraged by his family to join Bacolod politics again. So, he took time to meditate and reflect on what’s (really) best for him. And at the end of the day, he says his heart is still “aching” to see lots of hapless Bacolodnons.
Candidly, however, Cano admits that going against the will of his family is no ordinary ordeal. But he stresses, “This is beyond politics and myself. Rather, this is for the people of Bacolod…I still have the heart to serve the people. And I can’t afford to rebel against my heart…And while my heart beats, I need to continue serving my fellow Bacolodnons.”
Cano is often dubbed the “man with the golden heart”. If given the chance, he is firm to continue his anti-corruption and good governance advocacies. He says he hates corruption – to the maximum level.
“Kontra ko gid ang baldog nga tawo kag tsupi nga serbisyo,” he said. “So, I promise to do everything to fight corruption.
And it’s believable. Cano is known to “walk the talk”.
It’s public knowledge in Bacolod that when he was still councilor, Cano set the bar high as the only official who shunned offers to have PAGCOR funds and Job Order (JO) allocation.
“Si Cano Tan indi kawatan! Kag ina ang mapa-bugal ko sa tanan!”
He says fighting corruption is one tedious task. “But I vowed to myself to be a good fiscalizer.”
Then, some good things follow.
NINONG NG BAYAN
In Silay City, Joedithm dubbed as the “Ninong ng Bayan”, is gunning to run for mayor. He is known to be a dedicated public servant for more than two decades. His humility is notably superb.
But Joedith’s only “handicap” is money. In a phone interview, Joedith didn’t hide the truth that he lacks money.
But such didn’t deter him not to submit to the will of the people, urging him to run anew. “Tawo na ang naga-tulod sa akon nga mag-dalagan liwat.”
And that’s his asset: people’s trust.
Joedith also admits that challenging incumbent mayor Mark Golez is still one “uphill” journey.
He believes that to be trusted is a greater compliment than be loved. And for him, the trust of the people is more than enough (this time) to catapult him to power.
Just in case luck will surprise him, his top priorities include:
* health desk in hospital to aid “poor” Silaynons seeking medical assistance
* school buses and free daily food allowance for the city’s college students
* massive implementation of “Dugo Mo, Kabuhi Ko” program to help the needy Silaynons in time of crisis
Cano and Joedith are truly rare political species. Santosh Kalwan stressed, “Trust starts with truth and ends with truth.”
Whatever “political hurricane” will come their way, still the politically “unblemished” Cano and Joedith are more than ready to weather such eerie weather condition. That’s because they’re equipped with people’s trust. For it is “basic” to say that fear leads to more fear and trust leads to more trust. And both Cano and Joedith are proud for still having untarnished image and credibility.
With the current health pandemic brought about by the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) changing even the country’s political landscape, the trust machinery in the upcoming elections is a must.
Yes, money remains as an essential thing these coming elections to woo voters. But I do believe that Filipinos, especially Negrosanons and Bacolodnons, are now a little bit conscious and wise in choosing the best leaders.
COVID-19 had already undressed some politicians, revealing their true identities as well as inefficiencies in leading their respective localities. Their mishandling of anti-COVID-19 responses irked citizens, prompting public uproar and avowals to choose the best ones in 2022.
And I share American Pastor Emerson Fosdick’s conviction that there are extraordinary possibilities in ordinary people like Cano and Joedith.
In sum, before the elections people may think twice or thrice, which is which: Trust or money?
Well, the potent answer is in the ballot because even the famous Abraham Lincoln underscored that the ballot is stronger or mightier than the bullet./PN
