THE IDEAL FIRST FAMILY
by Antonio C. Antonio
November 4, 2014
The Filipino is a family-oriented person… a character that
is a result of long-drawn customs and traditions. His/Her family remains to be his/her basic
support system where he/she draws strength and guidance in his/her decisions
and actions. It is therefore easy to
assume that the strongest influence a Filipino has comes from his/her family. In choosing the President of our Great
Republic, we, therefore, must also be wary (meaning: feeling or showing caution
about possible dangers or problems) and concerned about the members of the (would-be)
president’s family… this is on the pretext that they hold so much influence
over the manner by which the president will manage state affairs.
2016 is just around the corner. We will again be bestowed with the painful
task of electing a President. While most
of us will be focusing on the presidential candidates, little effort is made to
evaluate the family members of these candidates. I personally believe the candidates’ family
is also of equal importance. So what
then should be the ideal First Family?
Here are some common notions:
- A First Family who considers themselves “servants” not “masters”.
- A First Family who knows the true meaning of modesty, are willing to live like ordinary citizens and have no illusions of royalty and privilege.
- A First Family whose members have not been involved in scandalous behaviour.
- A First Family who would reject designer cloths and apparels (like the present First Family of Indonesia).
- A First Family whose members will be willing to fall in line in a public transport station.
- A First Family who will not think that theirs is the only family who can best serve the Filipino people and therefore take turns getting elected.
- A First Family who will never influence government functions.
- A First Family whose in-laws will never get involved in government transactions.
- A First Family whose relatives will never force themselves into government positions no matter how unqualified they are.
- A First Family who will limit themselves to whatever business or livelihood endeavours prior to being First Family.
Philippine politics have been treated as a family “business”
for so long. Traditional political
families have ruled politics with impunity from all levels (from barangay up to
the presidency) and branches of government (particularly the executive and
legislature). No matter how well-meaning
these political families are, they will always succumb to graft and corrupt
practices when their ascension to power is a predictable reality and their term
of office is unlimited.
There really has to be an end to political dynasty. The First Family, where political dynasties
could also emanate, should be chosen wisely.
And in so far as choosing a president is concerned, we could all start
by making our own “wish list” on the ideal First Family.
Just my little thoughts…
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