“Leadership is not about the next election; it is about the next generation” – Simon Sinek
In the thick of things in this election season, unsurprising are the strategies of destruction against opponents but projects infallibility at the surface. As if he was sent by God to open heaven’s gate. Arguably, these are dismissed downright by many with a grain of salt. Be that as it may, what cannot be taken for granted are the solid affirmation of the electorate to leaders that even if walloped with lies and cannoned by fake news are consistently supported and respected.
Awfully, certain political camps have mustered the art of destruction rather than platform and vision presentation. More than a generation ago this was proven most effective when the internet was not invented yet where the platforms of tirades and mudslinging are only – the radio and the stage. Local political arena during this time was so polarized and made more exclusive between two contending colors when Bacolod was governed “hacienda-type”. No new names, no middle class but only a handful of elites which was wrecked in the mid-1990’s.
MISINFORMATION AS SELF-DESTRUCTION
The evolution of electoral exercises comes double-edged. While it is ideally a battle between and among better slogans and platforms of governance as the major basis for people to choose. It has come full circle around multi-faceted forms of destruction reaching to the core. The Philippine electoral exercises would be most surprising if, for instance, there is no premature campaigning—campaigning outside or before the official time-lined campaign period. Not only that it becomes contentious, but one can hardly glean a thread of a difference if compared to the official campaign period. This is heavily characterized by excessive use of campaign materials where only one word is missing – vote.
Another major spice of this practice is the intense political rivalry that creates tensions, not only among candidates but more so among their supporters where villages, zones, groups and even family members are divided along political lines – a Philippine classic. Expectedly, this is worsened by misinformation to discredit political rivals. Misinformation that comes in more innovative ways but more fractious with the advent of the internet. Exposes are left and right prevalently undertaken by armies of trolls without personality thus without accountability.
It is disgraceful however, that misinformation or fake news continuously finds its way among e-citizens. Well, we are not a top notch social media country for nothing in this regard but efforts to at least regulate this undesirable practice remains a challenge. While a challenge, one or two political parties capitalize its use according to their will and intent regardless of the impact. In general, it violates Omnibus Election Code and the Fair Election Act but as to who is accountable, is like a complicated human maize puzzle – you know where to start but absolutely clueless where to end.
In this context, misinformation and the commitment to fair conduct of election campaigns stand at odds and is done in a more deliberate manner that mislead, misinform, and distort public pulse and opinion. I am more than certain however that whoever does this in the context of winnability – stands as a definite loser.
COMPASSION AND GRIT AGAINST GRIM AND DESTRUCTION
At its core, public service must be guided and propelled by commitment, accountability, track record, and readiness. Rolled into one – it is a candidate’s compassion to service most especially if he has first hand experience of what a constituent goes through in his everyday life. Public service is about delivery of basic human services towards public good and the society’s well-being as a whole – no more, no less. And a good leader understands and listens to the clamor because their clamor are their travails a leader must address.
It is his fulfillment if his brand of service and governance is appreciated that no amount of black propaganda, lies and all forms of fabricated stories thrown against him can ever weaken him. Grit and compassion above all else. And true leaders take bold risks – if Bacolod is to become a great city then taking risks is more than an imperative and they must be supported. Should they be criticized? Yes, civilly and objectively.
Criticism is far different from destruction. And those who destroy are simply fond of defeatism. That is a grim fate of self-destruction. I know one, I bet you do, too.*
