New meaning to snap elections

It seems as if Fernando Poe, Jr. lost his cool and raised his voice at some reporters who asked him some questions during a party hosted by Sen. Loren Legarda. Poe was used to dealing only with movie scribes, now he has deal with political journalists. For his own good, we hope he learns how to cope with reporters who conduct what is called "ambush interviews". He should not snap over election.

The election campaign officially starts on February 10. It would be good if even as early as now, the leading candidates can agree on, first, what are the national issues confronting our nation; second, what are the solutions and programs they have to solve these problems. In that way, issues and not personalities will be discussed.

The biggest pre-election issue is whether Poe is a natural-born Filipino. If he is not, then he will automatically be disqualified. Only documents can serve as evidence to settle this case one way or another. But those who seek Poe’s disqualification on the grounds that he is not a natural-born Filipino have the burden of proof.

During a rally of the Puwersa ng Masang Filipino in Pasay City, Poe attacked President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s administration as lacking in "rule of law and transparency in the government". Malacañang did well in not dignifying the attack with an answer. Campaigning does not officially start till February 10. The leading candidates should set the example to their followers of refraining from election activities till that date.

No one can deny that among the candidates running for office, President Macapagal-Arroyo has the most experience. Former presidents Cory Aquino and Fidel Ramos had more experience than she, but they are not in the running.

At the same time, the popularity of Da Box-Office King Fernando Poe, Jr. cannot be gainsaid. Even Erap Estrada who has been impeached still enjoys very great popularity. We believe that in the long run, the movie world’s entry into the political scene will be disastrous both for the political situation in the country and the movie world. There will be exceptions, of course. Rogelio de la Rosa, for instance, was a good elected official and was later a credit even as ambassador of the country. It is a matter of education and past training.

The country must move forward, what we need is knowledge and wisdom, not entertainment. There was a time when issues were discussed during political meetings. Today, entertainment is being substituted for issues. No wonder we are now the second most backward nation in Asia, next only to Bangladesh. The only talent people now truly admire is the talent to entertain and usually it is the lowest form of entertainment. The people, they say, deserve whatever form of government they get. There is still time for the people to be able to distinguish facts from fiction. It will have to start with media. That is where people today acquire their values.

The official campaign period will start in a week. We hope issues – not personalities – will be discussed.