THE OUTCOME OF THE MAY 10 ELECTIONS is the triumph of Filipinos who value honesty, integrity, truth, justice, freedom and democracy. And in the light of the poll results, there are valuable lessons that can be learned. Some of them are:
• Of all virtues, moral integrity is of primary consideration; it is the attribute that the electorate is looking for among the aspirants.
• The use of “expensive celebrity endorsers” can backfire, especially if the candidate claims and proclaims himself to be pro-poor.
• It doesn’t pay to flaunt one’s vast financial resources by airing an excessive number of radio and TV commercials and publishing too many advertisements in magazines and newspapers.
• A candidate should never, ever, betray the people’s trust by evading questions begging for clear and straightforward answers.
• A candidate who had been leading in surveys and mock polls must never be overconfident and complacent as his or her political opponents might spring a surprise. Remember: the “battle” is not over until it is over.
• Keep the discussion of issues at a high and dignified level. A candidate should not engage in mudslinging. This can boomerang, with the object of personal attacks gaining the public sympathy instead.
• A candidate should never resort to buying votes even as a “last resort” to winning.
• Focus on the most timely and relevant election issues. In the May 10 polls, corruption was the top issue because the Arroyo administration is widely perceived to be graft-ridden.
Congratulations and best wishes to all the other winners. May they succeed in serving our country and the Filipino people well.
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