Making an informed choice for 2013 elections

We’re seeing more election stories now that the polling precincts are due to open in less than two weeks. The mood in the business community remains generally cool if only to underscore the sentiment that this mid-term political exercise will not affect the current optimism enjoyed by the country – yet.

While media attention is focused on the so-called “Magic 12,” or the new senators who will fill in the upcoming vacant seats in the Upper Chamber of Congress, jostling for the 291 posts for representatives in the Lower House is equally significant.

The P-Noy government desperately needs to muster the numbers in both Lower and Upper Chambers to fulfill what it vows is a continuity of its “Daang Matuwid” mantra, and consequently keeping the trust levels of government high.

Business knows only too well that the recent investment rating upgrade that the Philippines received, as well as the continued economic growth, could not have been possible if not for the overall confidence given the current government.

Break this trust and immediately, the local stock market will see its index levels plummet, and any interest in investing in the country withdrawn.

Choosing the best candidate

This vulnerability of the economy alone makes it important for the business sector not just to keep an interested eye on what is happening, but to take a more active role in ensuring that the health of the nation is protected. And the best way is not to look at parties or party affiliations, but to look at individuals instead.

Several election watchdogs have sensibly gone this route, and are espousing the “Daang Matuwid” campaign not because it is P-Noy’s battle cry, but simply because it is the most sensible way to go forward.

Good governance means having credible government officials who will not exchange the most basic principle of honesty in the conduct of their duties. This means knowing how to choose a good candidate who will be able to serve the country with integrity.

There are many measurements that are available making the wisest choice. What is important is finding one that you understand and are most comfortable with, and applying this to the many personalities that you have to vote for.

It can indeed be a major undertaking especially for the position of senator. One needs to choose 12 candidates from as many as 33 contending individuals – then moving to choosing a district representative, party representative, all the way to the barangay councilors.

Informed choice

So how do you ensure that you are able to make the best decision come May 13?

One of the best ways to arrive at an acceptable listing is to join groupings that are also in the process of making an informed decision. This may be your immediate family or officemates or friends you regularly meet. Exchanging regular feedback on candidates is a good exercise.

Reading up on reports or scorecards of organizations like Movement of Good Governance is also another way to make an informed choice. But first, make sure that the people who make up the organization are people you trust and admire.

A useful guideline

When choosing a senator, a congressman or a party-list, it is important to remind yourself of the extent of influence these individuals have on the policies, laws and programs that will be crafted for the next three to six years.

Below is part of a Voters Education series by the Ateneo de Manila University-School of Government, Friedrich Naumann Stiftung Foundation, and the Kaya Natin! Movement for Good Governance and Ethical Leadership.

For Senators:

1. Pass bills beneficial to the people and amend those that have become obsolete or irrelevant. Hold power to approve, suspend, or disapprove bills passed by congressmen. Discuss and craft the final plan for the national budget ratified by the Lower House, before it is passed on to the President.

2. Hold power to impeach government officials through a decision made by two thirds of the Senate.

3. Ratify or repeal treaties and international agreements even when approved by the President through a decision made by two thirds of the Senate.

4. Declare the extension, promotion, revision, or suspension of Martial Law along with the suspension of warrant or arrests with the initial approval of the Lower House.

5. Investigate people, policies, or procedures as a function of legislation or to recommend courses of action to other government agencies.

6. Receive P200 million from the Philippine Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) every year to fund their programs.

For District Representatives:

1. Author, sponsor, or reject bills to be enacted on a district or national level. Create projects and build infrastructure for the benefit of their districts. Major pieces of legislation aside from the national budget include bills on taxes, profit-generating measures, and guidelines on the operation of public utilities.

2. Investigate people, policies, or procedures as a function of legislation or to recommend courses of action to other government agencies. . Hold exclusive power together with other district representatives to impeach a government official through a decision made by two thirds of the Congress.

3. Receive around P70 million under the Philippine Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) to fund district-level projects.

For Party-list Representatives:

1. Author, sponsor, or reject bills to be enacted in a national or district level. Represent sectors of society with distinct issues important to the nation’s growth that may not easily be addressed by district representatives. Create projects and build infrastructure not for the benefit of their geographical district but their sector.

2. They must come from the sector they are representing such as labor, youth, fisher folk, urban poor, indigenous cultural communities, elderly, handicapped, and overseas workers.

3. They must occupy 20 percent of the seats in Congress.

This guide is useless if you don’t use it. So as early as now, start figuring out who you will entrust your vote.

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Should you wish to share any insights, write me at Link Edge, 25th Floor, 139 Corporate Center, Valero Street, Salcedo Village, 1227 Makati City. Or e-mail me at [email protected]. For a compilation of previous articles, visit www.BizlinksPhilippines.net.