Endorsement by endorsers

Last week a couple of people shared their willingness and desire to support certain personalities who possess integrity, expertise and a great love for the Philippines.

The most visible and vocal expression of support came from Senator Panfilo Lacson who spoke highly of Supreme Court Chief Justice Puno and how the Senator was more than willing to be the campaign manager for the Chief Justice if he decides to take on the challenge.

Others were a little more private but no less passionate in their belief in someone else.

I had the chance to chat with OMB Chairman and respected actor Edu Manzano about the Lacson endorsement and Edu expressed “his” wish that Businessman Manny Pangilinan could be convinced to run for President.

Why not? More than any of his victories in business and social causes, Manny Pangilinan truly deserves recognition for “Believing” and “Investing” in the Philippines in spite of all the negative realities and corruption in government and politics. In the same breath, MVP as he is also called, has built up major businesses out of small or risky investments. As a leader and manager, he is very hands-on and responsive even to small matters.

Beyond the business, I also know that MVP is not always about business. He may want to close a deal so badly, but if realizes that someone is trying to take advantage he is capable of cutting clean and cold. He may have a soft spot for orphans and Juvenile offenders, but the man has zero tolerance for slackers and screw-ups and if he doesn’t like you, it shows either “tongue-in- cheek” or in your face.

But is that enough to be a good President? Given our past experiences and the so-called available choices, Edu might just be right.

I personally have found it strange if not stupid that in the Philippines, businessmen don’t exert or exercise their rights and their influence on politics. Every election, politicians from different camps, all go to the same businessmen to collect money for their campaign funds. Unlike other countries where candidates go only to businessmen who belong to their party, here it is “OPEN “ territory.

The “segurista” mentality of investors has sadly been their greatest loss. Instead of building up talent and relationship, they simply buy insurance which is empty and of no value.

You would think that for all the money “extorted” from businessmen, our politicians could at least give back in terms of “Business friendly” legislation or maybe even competent and capable cabinet members. But they don’t.

At the end of the day, businessmen and all Filipinos get what we pay for. How is it possible that the most important, most sensitive as well as critically symbolic offices and organizations for business are all headed or controlled by political appointees or dummies for the administration? How can we expect good relations between Malacanang and the Makati business club, if the President, is surrounded by failed businessmen or business people who profit by influence?

Businessmen are so short sighted that they are not willing to think in terms of programs and governance. Everything is about “the deal”. So rather than have a program to make government business friendly and institute competence in all positions of government, businessmen invest on lawyers and fixers to deal with the problem.

Just remember that guys like (ex) SP Manny Villar was just an Entrepreneur who eventually found it necessary to run for Congress and Senate because government often became a hindrance to real estate developers like him.

I have always believed that when SMC Chairman Danding Cojuangco ran for President it was not all about becoming President of the Philippines but about sending a message to his political persecutors that he had the muscle and the support of many people.

The message was so clear they left him in peace. He then went about reclaiming and rebuilding San Miguel Corporation, which is now a world- class success.

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It is interesting that product endorsers like Senator Lacson and Edu Manzano are being vocal or honest about who should lead the nation and why. Yet in all the color and bang, I sense a hurried desire to solve the nation’s ills through the sacrifice of one man. Once again we look to another person instead of ourselves.

I reminded Edu that although I don’t like him for closing down my DVD suppliers, he has done a lot in the fight against piracy and correcting our wrong behavior. As a TV show host he can certainly influence millions by voicing hope and modeling hard work. Senator Lacson, although controversial, has given that hope that someone is busting graft and corruption and making life difficult for corrupt government officials.

In much the same way, all of us are in a position to comfort the afflicted and enjoy afflicting the comfortable. You don’t need an Obama, a Puno, or Pangilinan to uplift your surroundings, all you need is a broom, a match and the will.

I lead a circle of 18 men who started out as minimalists in terms of prayers but radical about fast cars and fast deals. But when they discovered how team prayers have helped a woman recover after being given the last rites, they took notice. When they saw their marriages restored, their children healed and their business booming, they began to understand. No money has been spent, yet so many prayers for complete strangers have been answered.

I once read: “GOD DOES NOT REQUIRE YOU TO WALK ON WATER. BUT HE EXPECTS YOU TO STEP OUT OF THE BOAT”.

I also read: “IT MIGHT AS WELL BE ME”.

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God Bless and please buy “Made in the Philippines”.