A sacred mandate (Sabong News)

“Why do you have to campaign; why can’t you just be mayor right away?” That was the question my eldest daughter asked me several years back. I was set to run for the position of Antipolo City mayor for the first time. I told her it would be a busy season, that I would be away for long periods of time, and that I may be very tired when I get home. Apparently, my daughter was not a big fan of politics at that time. She did not relish the idea that the time that her dad should be spending with her will be snatched away by the grueling task of campaigning for votes. My daughter’s question led me to ponder the reason why aspirants for elective post go through the punishing ritual called the campaign. While some might think that campaigning for an elective post is “fun”, the fact is this is an experience much like what a plebe in a military academy has to go through to be welcomed and integrated into the corps. A political campaign is more than the glitz of the motorcade or the hoopla of the rally. It is more than just posters and streamers and the noise of the campaign jingle. The campaign is a test of determination, commitment and stamina, both physical and emotional. The first time I campaigned for an elective post in 2007, I discovered the truth to what our mentors in Rizal province had warned us about – that the campaign is a “humbling experience.” Yes, it is. Contrary to perceptions that the campaign is a candidate’s moment of glory, the effort to win over votes exacts a heavy toll on his or her physical, mental and emotional energies. Contrary to common perception, the campaign season is not the time when candidates are placed on pedestals. The fact is this is the time when they are “stripped naked” and subjected to the strictest scrutiny by those whose votes they are courting. The scrutiny happens as the candidate answers these questions voters ask. First, “What do you intend to do for us?” Second, “What proof do you have that you can do that for us?” Third, “What proof do you have that you can do that better than the other candidates?” Fourth, “What proof do you have that you will really do that if you are elected to office?” The voters’ questions put the candidate’s abilities and performance under the microscope. However, the aspect of the candidate’s person that gets to really be stripped to the bone is character – his or her The biggest issue is not about the candidate’s ability to do his or her job. The most important question that voters’ attempt to answer in their mind is “can we trust you?” “Can we entrust to you the powers and resources that come with the office you are vying for,” is the difficult question they ask. This is a fair question and it must be answered well. After all, when a candidate garners more votes than his or her rival, it does not simply mean winning an election. It means winning and being given the people’s “mandate.” The dictionary defines “mandate” as “authority.” That means “power.” It is the power to carry out programs and policies that will affect people’s lives. The “mandate” they give to a candidate can shape their future, define the quality of their lives and livelihood, and their ability to fulfill their dreams. That mandate is, therefore, precious. In fact, it is sacred. This coming March 25 , I will be joining thousands of other candidates who will be asking for that mandate from voters at the local government level. My view, it is more than just a “mandate” I will be asking for. I will be asking for “blessing” from those I will be serving. To be “blessed” by someone means to “given approval,” “to favor” and to “be given protection.” One who serves many others would need all those. This coming March 25, I will be campaigning – not just to win over other aspirants, but to be given the sacred mandate and the blessing needed to fulfill it. Once again, I will be subjected to serious scrutiny. I look forward to that grueling and taxing process. After all, the sacred mandate can be given only to one who can prove to be worthy of the people’s trust.