Cartoon by: Jairus Kristan Samudio
Published by: Kristine Joyce Soriano
Date Published: March 25, 2025
Time Published: 9:58 AM
Many believe that kindness and a willingness to serve are enough to qualify for public office. However, running for the Senate requires more than just compassion. It demands law-making skills, critical decision-making, and the ability to shape policies that affect millions of Filipinos. Before filing for candidacy, one must assess their capability and knowledge. The question is, would we truly entrust the country's future to someone without political expertise and credibility?
In this coming election, aspiring candidates with little to no political background have once again surfaced, claiming they want to help Filipinos by running for the Senate. One of them is TV host Willie Revillame, who is running as an independent candidate. According to the latest OCTA Research pre-election survey conducted from January 25 to 31, Revillame is among the top 12 candidates, tied with Lacson at fourth to 11th place with 48 percent. [1]
This survey result alone is alarming. While we cannot blame people for supporting someone who has helped them before, hoping he will bring positive change, the one we could blame is the system that allows individuals without the necessary qualifications to file a candidacy. Filipinos already have low standards when it comes to choosing leaders, and this situation only worsens the problem. This type of candidate shouldn't be running in the first place. A senatorial candidate should have expertise, credibility, and a deep knowledge about governance. The fact that people with mere popularity and influence can easily enter politics is infuriating. These people with power and influence should really drink a gallon of self-awareness. Putting our country’s fate in the hands of someone with no political experience is like giving a grade-schooler an advanced algebra test. The only difference? In the child’s case, there are no real consequences. But in our situation, millions of Filipino lives are at stake. While Revillame’s desire to help is promising, entrusting the future of our country to someone who lacks political knowledge and credibility would be a huge mistake.
Willie Revillame stated the reason behind his candidacy is "Because of the fighting I see. Fighting after fighting. Fights between educated people. They think of artists too lowly. We are the ones who have good hearts for our countrymen. If I fight in the Senate, I will fight for the poor.” [2]
Although his desire and mindset to help the poor is commendable, compassion alone is not enough. The Senate is not just about charity work—it involves law-making, intelligence, and strategy. Running for senate without the knowledge to help the poor will only make them poorer. If he truly wants to help, why not start by joining a government agency focused on helping people? He could gain experience first before aiming for a legislative position. Or better yet, why not continue his philanthropy without entering politics? He already has the influence and resources to make a difference without needing a Senate seat.
If we reflect on the past years, he even swore that he will never venture into politics. Revillame revealed that he does not need any government position to serve. “Hindi ko po kailangan kumandidato. Hindi ko po kailangan manalo. Ang kailangan ko ay makasama kayo. Dahil sa puso ko, sa isip ko, dapat laging ang mga Pilipino ang panalo,” he stated. “Ako po si Wilfredo Revillame, nanunumpa sa inyo dito lang ako sa 'Wowowin' para magsilbi sa inyo,” he added. [3]
It is ironic that he has now swallowed his own words by filing for candidacy in this senatorial election. He once swore he wouldn’t run—yet here he is, running for office. If he can go back on his word so easily, how can we trust him when he claims he will ‘fight for the poor’? If his words mean nothing, how much more the promises he will make in the future? We cannot afford to be an enabler and watch as history repeats itself. We must take action before it is too late. Do we really want someone lacking knowledge and credibility to create and pass laws that govern our nation? The fate of millions of Filipinos are at stake. The choice is ours, and the future of our country lies in our hands. Are we really willing to let incompetence leaders and mediocrity corrupt our government again? Will we sit idly by as TV hosts, pastors, criminals, and actors masquerade as lawmakers, fill our government? We must ask ourselves these questions first and reflect on their consequences. We need leaders who are not just popular, but capable, leaders with education and integrity. We must demand competence, credibility, and real leadership. We cannot afford to lower our standards again, not when the future of our country is at stake. With that, let us vote for leaders who will serve with both heart and mind. Vote wisely. Choose responsibly.
REFERENCES:
[1] 9 admin-backed candidates in Senate race Top 12 – OCTA survey. (n.d.). Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1243827
[2] Gabriela Baron, & Gabriela Baron. (2024, October 8). Willie Revillame joins Senate race. Daily Tribune. https://tribune.net.ph/2024/10/08/willie-revillame-joins-senate-race
[3] ABS-CBN News. (2024, November 2). Willie Revillame is not running for any post in Halalan 2022 | ABS-CBN Entertainment. ABS-CBN.https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/10/07/21/willie-revillame-wont-run-in-halalan-2022
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