What’s your advice to political candidates?

It’s campaign season once again. Getting involved by supporting the right candidates and going out to vote are our duties as good citizens. Since it is our taxes that pay our government officials’ salaries and fund the projects and benefits that they give back to us, we have to make sure that we elect the best for the job. If you were given the chance to talk to this candidates, what advice would you give them?

Mandy Navasero, photographer-Batanes Photo Safari

If the candidates’ vision is to lead our country and people to better our lives,  go for victory and gear the country to progress.  It will not be fair if candidates will cheat us, who believed in them, and fail us in their victory.

Armand Dean Nocum 1, president and CEO, Dean & Kings Public Relations and Marketing Communications

Play down the slogans and promises and concentrate on projecting what you have done for the people or your communities in your personal or public capacities. People are more discerning now, they want to see solid accomplishments and track records from neophyte or re-electionist candidates. Also, use the social media more because people now have a heightened sense of participation and interaction and would want to exchange comments with their candidates in real time. The posting of pictures in your social media sites such as Facebook can also convince people of your accomplishments because pictures indeed speak thousands of words.

Sharmain Arnaiz Ochoa, actress

To every candidate running this election I would advise them to remember to have the best interests of our countrymen in every decision they make, most especially if they win in the elections because they will truly have the opportunity to make a difference. To never tire of thinking of ways to help improve the lives of the poor people who live in the streets, who can’t study or eat a good meal each day.

Juana Change, Anti-Epal and Anti-Dynasty Movement

Ngayon ay digital na ang karma at nagbabago ang kamalayan ng Pilipino. Ang maipapayo ko sa tumatakbong mga epal at myembro ng political dynasties na maghanda na sa kanilang pagkatalo at katapusan.

Rina Go, businesswoman

Be sincere in delivering your message as today’s audiences are discerning. Make promises you can keep.

Gilbert Remulla, congressional candidate, 7th district, Cavite

There are two pieces of advice given to me by my dad and mom when I first ran for office. The first is that money cannot replace hard work in a campaign. It’s the relentless handshaking in a house-to-house campaign and communicating in person, whether on stage in a big rally or to small groups in intimate meetings, that wins the day. The second is that everyone wants to feel important. Take time to listen to people and offer help no matter how small because at the end of the campaign and on election day, they are very important.

Christian de Leon Espiritu, fashion designer

So they may woo the voters, they should express what particular area of knowledge and expertise they have to solve specific problems their constituents have. They should pinpoint the prevailing problems where they can effectively play their individual roles. Perfect example: Tinting Cojuangco, who we all know is running to have a seat in the Senate.
 Since her entire persona, primarily her keen love for fashion, we, the fashionistas, meaning all the guys and gals involved in fashion, are all rooting for her because we are dead sure she will be sympathetic to the plight of the local fashion industry. Being a fashion person herself she can work out solutions that will help the government agency where the fashion industry falls on.
 In a nutshell, Tingting Cojuangco has the solid vote of fashion people. With all the people involved in designing, cutting, sewing, beading embroidery, sources of fabrics and sewing needs  will have her name on top of their lists

Junie del Mundo, chairman and CEO, Eon The Stakeholder Relations Firm

I have always subscribed to the belief that a “public office is a public trust.” In line with this, I would strongly advise candidates to adhere to the principles of servant leadership. This means that they should think less of personal gain, and instead focus on the needs of their primary stakeholders: their constituency. If applied correctly, these principles have the potential to change the public’s perception of Filipino politicians. I would like to believe that servant leadership in our country has already gained traction, and is slowly being imbibed by our leaders.  This has been validated by the results of EON’s Philippine Trust Index conducted in 2012, which showed an overall increase in the Filipino Public’s trust in government and their elected officials.