SHOWBIZ CELEBRITIES who have decided, or who are still contemplating to join politics should take their cue from a true legend and icon of the Philippine movie industry – Dolphy.
As contained in his authorized biography entitled “Hindi Ko Ito Narating Mag-isa,” Dolphy revealed that in the late 1908s, he got an offer from then incumbent Senate President Juan Ponce-Enrile to run for a Senate seat. He also shared that he was once asked to run for Manila mayor.
Despite his immense popularity that could assure him of a 100% chance victory, he shunned politics and turned down several offers to run for public office. The comedy king’s reason was plain and simple: “Madaling tumakbo, e paano kung manalo?”
When asked why they are aspiring for an elective pubic office, most people I know who are lured by politics always come up with one generic reply: “Bisa kung sumaup kareng kabalen ku.”
While I find this reason very noble and selfless, I couldn’t help but ask myself a myriad of questions that these public servant-wannabes should ask themselves in the first place. Do they actually understand and grasp fully what is expected of them as elected public officials? Have they even prepared themselves extremely well for their actual duties and responsibilities in the executive or legislative branch? Are they ready and willing to challenge the status quo and bring about the needed change in our society if their ultimate goal was to help the Filipinos?
Don’t get me wrong. I do not and will never demean showbiz personalities running for public office for the simple reason that they are from the entertainment industry. Let me put it this way. When someone applies for a job in a private firm or government office, he or she goes through a series of processes including submitting verifiable documentary requirements, taking a written aptitude and psychological test and answering tough questions in an interview. This rigid selection process enables the institution to choose the most qualified of the applicants. So why can’t we be just as critical of the people who will lead the government?
Sadly, we Filipinos have not shown any marked political maturity over the years when it comes to voting. Otherwise, we should have long gotten rid of all the clowns, historical revisionists and apologists, red taggers, nepo-babies, political opportunists and carpetbaggers masquerading as honorable lawmakers in Congress, or even in the local executive offices.
A few days ago, I saw a post where award-winning dramatic action star Philip Salvador was trying to endear himself to the public by saying that while he is not a lawyer, a doctor, a professional or an experienced politician, he is first and foremost a Filipino who simply wants to help his fellow Filipinos.
As expected, netizens were quick to respond. Nothing was more damaging and scathing as the comment posted by one pundit: “Kay Kris nga, wala kang ambag para kay Josh tapos ngayon tutulong ka pa sa bansa?”
This remark had me in stitches. Nothing can be as biting as reality itself.
I have a confession to make. On my second year as an Economics instructor at the University of the Philippines, a paternal relative and former elected official asked me and my parents to run for municipal councilor. Out of respect for this man who has been very good to our family, I humbly declined. A few years after, I was already working for one of the country’s top universal banks when another offer came; and my reply remain the same. Over the past 22 years that I have been the school head of the St. Nicholas Academy, the idea has been floated to my siblings by competing parties not just once or twice. Still, no amount of impassioned convincing and assurance of financial support can change my stand.
As Mang Dolphy aptly puts it, it is not in the losing that I worry but in the winning. At the same time, if helping others were my only reason, why would I still aspire for an elected position? As it is, my present role as educator is already allowing me to do exactly that.
