Embarrassing as it may seem, I have never been an active participant in the election scene. Maybe because I was busy then at school or wasn't really aware of my rights. Whatever reasons or causes of my lax on this particular social obligation have brought me to certain realities in life far more discernable now than before. .
It never occurred to me to question the intricacies of how our local elective officials are voted. Just the mere fact that your name is so ubiquitous and money never ceases to flow out of your life, then you could be a candidate - or even a sure winner. But in reality the prerequisites are: (1) twenty one years of age and above or being at legal voting age; (2) a natural born Filipino and (3) can, at least, read and write. Nowhere can you find appallingly famous or filthy rich as requirements.
But do we agree or disagree with such qualifications. I take my stand on disagreeing. First thing's first, the capacity to manage and lead a government. Sure enough we live in a democratic system but that isn't a sound basis for anyone to just jump into an elective position. And second is credibility. First impressions do last, but longevity creates a more grounded relationship for one-to-one correspondence. .
Running a government is a big task. A big task necessitates being worked on. When there is something to be work on then there is a job. A job in turn requires qualifications. These qualifications needs proper basis from which to determine if it suits the job. For example, not to be proud or anything, my landing a job in the government (below still the pecking order), required long painstaking hours. We waited in long lines, filled up numerous application forms, subjected to panel interviews, examinations and still long lines. Though the job didn't coerce a college diploma up our sleeves, it was obvious that most of the applicants were professionals before even finding out the vacancy.