Gwen, the qualified Palin?

Boy Abunda declared in what has now become a controversial interview with Cebu’s governor, Gwen Garcia, that she is the “qualified Palin.” That declaration, said during our evaluation segment towards the end of the show, was not aired, probably because some of the really good bits had bad audio—no thanks to the strong winds the day we shot that episode by the beach at Crimson Resort and Spa (at the height of the tsunami alert, no less).

 Boy was obviously impressed at how Governor Garcia answered our questions, notwithstanding her phenomenal rise to power and how she’s made sure that she didn’t waste the opportunity of a lifetime given her by the Cebuanos, making her mark as local leader with national, even international, clout and significance.

 The ‘qualified Palin’ tag is an acknowledgment that she has the ability to be a strong local-to-national contender in the next polls, much like Alaska Governor Sarah Palin was in 2008, coming out of nowhere and suddenly becoming the star of the Republican Party, successfully electrifying its lonely base. But unlike Palin who has seen a significant decline in her credibility after a series of gaffes in interviews cast doubt on her readiness and qualifications to take on the vice presidency—a heartbeat away from being the most powerful person in the free world—Gwen Garcia has already become widely known for her unique brand of leadership, her brilliant and witty remarks, promoting and perpetuating cultural heritage, and her no-nonsense kind of politics.

 Palin didn’t see things through, her political star quickly faded set side-by-side the Obama-Biden-Clinton powerhouse (and because the Republicans were being called to task for the severely unpopular war in Iraq), but ‘twas mainly because her small town politics highlighted how insular her take on things was (“As Putin rears his head and comes into the air space of the United States of America, where– where do they go? It’s Alaska. It’s just right over the border.” –Sarah Palin is quoted as saying, explaining why Alaska’s proximity to Russia gives her foreign policy experience.)

 On the other hand, Cebu’s feisty, way more brainy version, will have her local politics and local political network as assets in a national bid. Apparently one of the governor’s leadership and management mentors, former President Gloria’s strength and success in staying in power despite the tumult that’s defined her 9-year reign—apart from her temperament and inherent political savvy—is largely due to her knowledge and superhuman grasp of local politics and geography.

 In this sense, it could be said that Sarah Palin is a bubble gum pop star, without much talent but with so much hype, and Gwen Garcia is a rock star who writes her own songs.

 Best Governor?

 So much has been said about the last bit of that momentous interview (the first time the Governor has ever admitted being open to a national position, and on national TV no less!) where she said “yes” to the question “are you the best governor of Cebu?” I was there and witnessed the whole thing, unlike some people who have rendered judgment without even bothering to see the entire context of her answer.

 I guess if you’re really a critic of hers, you wouldn’t have anything good to say. If she said “no,” I’m sure these know-it-alls and holier-than-thous would still have a field day criticizing her— “sus, pa-humble effect pud!” We can never please everyone, and so the best recourse is to always speak from the heart. I place a high premium on humility, I even minced no words criticizing the braggart Rabusa declaring also on The Bottomline that he is a hero (“Oo, bayani ako!”), but I’m likewise not a fan of false humility.

 At the risk of being accused of having double standards, being painfully disgusted by Rabusa’s claim and impressed with Garcia’s ‘yes,’ I guess if you watch both episodes you will understand more what I mean and where I’m coming from. Besides, to each his own.

 Sustainable Governance

 To prepare herself for a national post, the governor needs to work on her environmental governance scorecard, perhaps where she fairs the lowest in the different facets of her leadership, as per environmental NGOs. She needs to engage in more sustainable development initiatives as sustainability and conservation defines leadership in this era of climate change.

 But if her pronouncements on saving the century-old trees in Perrelos are to be an indication, asking the DPWH to find ways to build around the trees, I think the governor is on the right track.

 The Bottom line

 Palin has since reinvented herself and managed to remain in the American consciousness, even starring in her own reality show. Let’s see if all her efforts pay off in 2012 when the US elects a new leader.

 As for Gwen Garcia, if she does decide to run for higher office in 2013 having said in that historic Bottomline interview that she’s keeping her options open, will I vote for her? Let’s just say that, like her, I’m keeping my options open—very open!

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