When I was young, a lot of people told me that honor students don’t always succeed beyond the classroom. It was annoying! I felt like they were minimizing my academic achievements. Now that I’m an adult, it has become more evident to me that book knowledge does not necessarily translate to wisdom. In fact, many of our problems are stemming from intellectuals’ fine-sounding theories that fail in real life. From turning occupational therapy into a dumbed down public health to grooming children for sexual exploitation, ivory tower dwellers weaponize politics to force upon us ideas that are detached from daily realities.
It’s important for rulers to empathize with ordinary citizens’ struggles. Because of this, I’m going to use the former’s non-political careers as a criterion for voting for them, along with their platforms and track records as politicians. I now ask, “Will I avail of this person’s goods or services if they weren’t elected public officials?” A job outside of politics provides a person with on-the-ground experiences in producing what people need and want. It can shatter the prospective politician’s delusions about the world.
For instance, I would definitely want Sen. Panfilo Lacson to rescue me if I get kidnapped or held hostage. The man has a stellar record as a policeman! There were lots of significant reforms in the Philippine National Police (PNP) under his leadership. Those are two of the many reasons why I’m voting for him as President. It’s too bad that Bongbong Marcos, Jr. (BBM) and Leni Gerona-Robredo, the two leading presidential candidates, are not as qualified as he is.
Both BBM and Robredo are academically smart. BBM got a special diploma in social studies from Oxford University. Robredo graduated with a degree in economics from the University of the Philippines, went to law school, and passed the Bar. How did they use these credentials in their non-political careers?
BBM: Reservist and Vlogger
I thought of voting for Bongbong Marcos (BBM) before considering Lacson. I decided against it because I disagree with BBM’s stand on abortion. Lacson’s platform is also better overall. Moreover, it’s disturbing that BBM barely did anything outside of politics.
BBM was a reserve officer for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). He even finished an extremely rigorous scout ranger course. Unfortunately, he neither fought major battles nor herded evacuees during disasters.
BBM is also a vlogger. Yes, for us millennials and GenZers, being an influencer is a legitimate job. To his credit, he expounds on issues in ways that are understandable to laypersons. He’s also diplomatic and charming. I’m just wary of what he says because of his political baggage.
Leni Robredo: Developmental Lawyer
As for Robredo, I will never hire her to be my lawyer. I will most likely end up in jail or my enemies might go scot-free because of how illogical and inarticulate she is. That doesn’t mean that Robredo is stupid. In fact, her IQ might be at least above average. I do think her voluntary legal work for the Sumilao farmers and advocacies for marginalized groups are important achievements. They’re just not enough to convince me that she’ll help me win court cases. I prefer someone with more practice experience that produced better skills.
Obviously, I’d also like my lawyer to have passion for his profession. Whenever I listen to Robredo, she rarely frames issues based on how lawyers would perceive them. Professionals often interpret and communicate about events based on how they were trained in their specialties, especially if they love their craft. Robredo doesn’t come across that way.
Again, it’s not because she’s stupid. My impression is that she goes along with what other people think she should do instead of forming her own conclusions. She also doesn’t seem to be making career decisions based on what her strengths are. Hence, Robredo comes off as inauthentic, while BBM appears to genuinely enjoy thinking and talking about social issues.
Pampered Elites
It’s noteworthy too that BBM and Robredo come from highly privileged backgrounds. BBM is the son of a wealthy late president. Robredo’s father was a judge. If certain people from Bicol are to be believed, Robredo is a lot richer than what we think because her Gerona clan is quite well-off.
Be wary of these two politicians. They want to control how we live even if their families' wealth sheltered them from experiencing their constituents' struggles. Both are therefore prone to push for destructive policies and programs that sound good only in the ivory tower.
Thank God we have Panfilo Lacson! I’m glad that he’s like us in many ways. The son of a jeepney driver and a market vendor, Lacson rose through the ranks of the PNP because of his competence and integrity. As a senator, he advocated for laws and programs that have greatly benefited us.
No wonder many tried to destroy him.
(Photo by Ben Seymour)
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