Seven Guiding Convictions This National Election

MY 7 GUIDING CONVICTIONS THIS 2016 NATIONAL ELECTION 

Rev. Greg B. Fernandez Jr. 

April 25, 2016

1. I seek the Lord’s wisdom in choosing the best one for the presidential post.
Seeking wisdom from God is needed; only God knows the future and only He can guide us to make the best choice that honors Him.

2. I am and will be a good citizen no matter who is the president.

I don't wait for strong with an iron fist president before I will become a good citizen. Genuine change begins in me. Before there can be a change in the country, there has to be change within. Why don't we start disposing our trash properly? 

3. I don’t believe everything the media is feeding me. 
The media is not neutral and they don't observe the principle of impartiality. Not only that, people are creating black propaganda to malign and damage other candidates. 

4. I will not bash and slander other presidential candidates; I campaign for my bet. 

We don't have to destroy others to lift up the candidates we support. Bashing people who have different opinion from you is not a good example, Rather than destroying other aspirants, why don't you just focus campaigning for your bet? Thinking you can convince those who are already convinced others to join you is pointless. Destroying their bet makes you their enemies. I advice people to focus on campaigning for their candidates. The problem is, may of of my friends FB wall contains post on the candidates they are against with.  

I have not really campaign for anybody.  The video I uploaded few days ago concerning the Candidacy of Mayor Duterte is not for campaign perse. I found the movie funny and I am sure my friends would enjoy it so I shortened the movie and uploaded on Facebook. I didn't expect, it would become viral. Although, the movie's content is really to campaign for Duterte, the reason I uploaded was not to campaign but to share what the Igorot friends made. If you scroll down on my wall, there are no other post I've made introducing or campaigning for anybody. I admit I have my own preference, but I have not publicly endorse nor campaign for my bet because I know how divisive politics is. We don't have to agree who among the presidential candidates is the best for our country, but we don't have to become enemies. 

5. I will support and vote, not who I think is the best for me, but I will vote for the one I believe is the best for my country.

Some people are voting for a certain candidate for the benefit they can get before or after election. Some sell their vote. They are simply voting for what they can get now or later. I will vote for the future. I believe the person I am voting for is the best candidates to fix the rotten system of the Philippine government. 

6. I will vote based on my conviction not on popular opinion.

I am not voting based on the majority of opinion but based on my conviction. It is easy just to jump into bandwagon without a personal stand and conviction. Don't vote for someone just because everyone else is, but vote for the one you believe who can make a difference.

7. I will respect and support the result of the may 9 election.

I will respect and support whoever is honestly elected and voted by the majority of the Filipino people, with the hope that no cheating on the election is carried out.

Viral Video: LAMPITOK Endorses Duterte, Rocks the Igorot World

A short Igorot movie for Rodrigo Duterte has gone viral on Facebook within 24 hours after it was uploaded on April 22, 2016. The movie was first uploaded on YouTube on April 17 by Boyong Daguiness, the editor of the film and then shared on Facebook, but it has not gone viral until Greg Fernandez Jr uploaded a shortened version of the movie directly on his Facebook account yesterday. Within 24 hours after it's been uploaded on Facebook, the video has garnered  20,000 views and was shared 1,300 times.

Short version (28 minutes)

Although the clips of Duterte speeches are in Tagalog, the movie is in the Kankanaey dialect, one of the major regional dialects in the Cordillera region.

Igorot Films, the creator of Lampitok movie, has produced a 52-minute movie, Pabuyan Di Igorot Para Ken Duterte (Igorot Movie for Duterte), as endorsement and support for the presidential candidacy of Mayor Duterte.

The shortened version begins with scenes as Lampitok convinces his friend, Balatnek, to vote for Duterte by showing video clips of Duterte's viral speeches, including the famous song made by Freddie Aguilar for Duterte. After watching the Aguilar's song, Balatnek was convinced to vote and campaign for Duterte. 

Long version (52 minutes)

Due to some request, here is the movie in Ilocano (Cordilleran accent) with Tagalog subtitle. 

The Duterte Syndrome

Last week, over 7,000 pastors in Manila under the G-12 movement pledged their support to the presidential candidacy of Mayor Rodrigo Duterte. At the onset, let me make myself clear; this post is not an endorsement on Duterte's candidacy to the presidency. As already pointed out in my previous post, The Political Divide, I try to maintain my political neutrality to avoid the proliferation of political polarity in our society. Thus, this is  but an observation to his sincerity and why people are rallying behind the man.

Sometime, ago, as I was watching a video of Duterte's full speech during a forum in Los Banos Laguna, I cannot but admire the Mayor's genuine sincerity to save his country's future by ending corruption, criminality and drugs. After watching the video, I have come to understand why Duterte has both die-hard supporters and die-hard haters. Toward Duterte, it maybe difficult to be neutral! His acquaintances are pretty much divided in two camps; those who love, admire and support him and those who hate, dislike and campaign against him. This is the Duterte syndrome!

The people who clamor for genuine change in the Philippine political scene believe that Duterte is the only candidate that can truly bring change and get the job done. We Filipinos acknowledge that one of our worst problems is the lack of discipline. See how we dispose our garbage. See how we drive in the streets. Just look at the laws and regulation not being implemented. While others may disagree, many Filipinos believe that it takes a strong leader, with an iron hand to make the Filipinos bow and follow rules and regulations. Duterte seem to fit this assumption. His track records, experiences, and governance seen in Davao City, are undeniable. If he was able to do make Davao one of the safest cities in the world, he could also do the same thing in the entire Philippines, his supporters claim. The skeptics, however, see otherwise.

Those who are not in Duterte's camp worry about how will the mayor, if elected president, actually fulfill his objectives. How could Duterte ends criminality and corruption within 3-6 six months? This is "too ambitious", echoes at the anti-Duterte camp. They are concern about him becoming another dictator, violating human rights and killing criminals without due process. Filipinos who went through the Marcos regime believe that the country does not need another dictator. The fear of losing freedom and extra judicial killing, the mayor's foul-mouthed talks and womanizing were among the cited issues raised by the anti-Duterte camp. Not only that but, his critics are disturb with Duterte's contradictions, flip-flopping and his merciless attitude toward criminals. In contrast, his supporters are not bothered with the mayor's vulgarity and persona--these are just fractions in comparison with his accomplishment, ability, and platform for a better Philippines.

There is yet another reason why some would hate Duterte to the core. If indeed, he will deliver his promise of ending corruption and getting rid of criminals in high places, it is not surprising that those who want to continue their corrupt practices and criminal activities would make it sure Duterte will not win the presidential election. While others' concern seem to be legitimate, others' hatred are fueled by personal interest and selfish ambition.

30 years, after the EDSA People Power that ended the reign of President Marcos, the Philippines went deeper into a state of graft and corruption; and the national debt escalated beyond our capacity to payback. In the last 30 years, we have had two women presidents, a military general, an actor, and a bachelor. Yet, it is beyond reasonable doubt that the five Presidents after Marcos have not made any slight improvement in the endemic problem of corruption. The tide of corruption covers  the Philippine government but politicians are either ignoring it or simply riding with the tide for personal gain. Is there hope for the Philippines from the bondage corrupt practices? Don't worry, "CHANGE IS COMING," the pro-Duterte shouted!

Duterte's die-hard supporters are tired of empty promises being made by politicians to fight graft and corruption that permeates every government office and agency. People are hungry for change! Thus, rallying behind the only man they believe who can save the nation parallels their love for the country and for the next generation.

Here is the promise made by the tough-talking Mayor. "Corruption, the victimization of the poor Filipinos has become a way of life. If I become President, I will end corruption. Try me!” He also said, “If elected president, give me about three to six months, I will get rid of corruption, drugs and criminality." He had spoken this many times during his campaign. Duterte's promise for change is backed by over 20 years of governance. That is a sure certificate and credential; trying to discredit his accomplishments is non-sense. Yet, how many Filipinos will take him seriously and try him? We will find out in May. 

Meanwhile, I fully agree with my friend  Candy's blog post that we need to "seek divine intervention" who should lead the country in the next 6 years after the May election. But I also believe that if we truly care for our country, we should be willing to sacrifice our own preference, favoring someone, and vote for a better candidate as God leads. Join me in praying that in May, God will put someone in the highest office of the land by His divine intervention. Nonetheless, we must seek divine wisdom and vote wisely, for our own choosing will either break or make the future of our nation!

The Political Divide

The promises and clamor for change for a better Philippines created die-hard political supporters, polarizing the already fragmented Filipinos. The political polarization adds up to the geographical, cultural and linguistic fragmentation of the Philippine society.

Five presidential aspirants are competing for the highest post in the land in the May 2016 election. Their supporters are pretty much divided based on their belief and ideology or with the candidate's platform, persona, ethnic and political background. Die-hard supporters believe their candidate is the only qualified for the highest post. I am neither a die-hard nor a supporter of any candidate. As a preacher, even if I have my own preference, I refrain from endorsing any candidate that might inflame political polarization among my constituents which impedes them from electing the best and most qualified for the office.

As I watch the political campaign and scene unfold,  I am saddened and disappointed that even the media is fanning the flame of political divide and that the social media is being used as platform to proliferate it like a wild fire. The political polarization is dividing our society, leaving a huge gap that cannot be filled except by love.  Earlier this year, I tried to ignore as the divisiveness of politics drives me farther into a neutral state. But I wonder if political neutrality is the best response to such political divide! As I continue to reflect on the destructive power of political polarization,  pastors and church leaders should not endorse a political candidate. If pastors want to state the name of the candidate they want to vote for, it is totally their prerogative. They have reasons to make public who they are voting for and I don't question their motive. But, I am not in favor of pastors campaigning or endorsing certain party. I believe that we ministers should practice political neutrality to prevent the proliferation of political polarity. Imagine if a pastor campaign for one political party, but people in his congregation support another? Are people matured enough to handle political endorsement by a pastor without making the political divide wider?

Within the church, I understand that everybody has their own political bias and party they support. Our constituents are never neutral and we cannot impose from the people we lead a solid vote for someone. As we continue to promote unity, we must understand that our people cannot be truly non-partisan without losing their balance in matters of belief, ideology and principle.

I hope and pray that when the election is over, there would be healing from political polarity so that the Filipino people can move forward with spirit of unity. . 

Politicians Cheating on Election Versus Students Cheating on Exams

Students cheating on exam shared by Cambodian Facebook users

Cambodian politicians cheating on the national election versus Cambodian students cheating at the National High School examination are worth exploring for some comparison and contrast. Is it wrong to cheat during election while cheating at work, cheating on spouse and partner is right? Is it justifiable to cheat on exam but not on election? Is it justifiable to pay for higher grade, certificate and degree but not on voters' vote?  Why is cheating on spouse justifiable but cheating on the government fund is wrong? No one said either one is right or wrong for what justifiable cause exists for cheating?  As noted below, the students attitude about cheating in the classroom seems to imply that such is acceptable therefore it's justifiable. Cheating practices are wrong regardless of how one defines and justifies.

Villagers in Kampong Cham gathered in front of a commune leader's house to receive pay-out from CPP

Cheating is rampant and expected as over 100 thousand high school students take the national exam this week in Cambodia's capital. Cheat sheets are being sold for $5 per subject according to The Phnom Penh Post reports. The sad part  is that teachers are alleged of selling exam or cheat sheets to students. Teachers openly selling answers to students during exams  are unbelievable. Read the reports Prayers, Cheat Sheets Readied. 

How is this different labeling the Cambodian People's Party (CPP) being a corrupt political party if teachers who are not in politics do the same within their sphere of influence? The CPP being alleged to election fraud and irregularities during the national election has drawn insurmountable criticism on the web and social networks. The question nobody asks is if students cheat openly what is the guarantee that they will not cheat when they become government officials someday? When they are in power and authority, what guarantee there is that Cambodia will be corruption free? 

'A CALL FOR CHANGE'

During the election campaign, thousands of youth and students from the opposition party are shouting "Change" as they march on the street. They are calling for change in the government. Young Cambodian Facebook users are boldly criticizing the government for rampant corruption practices. 

Is the call for change genuine or a facade that hides a deep envious attitude toward what the people in power possess? Is the call for change from the youth real or simply an expression of disappointment towards those in authority? The call for change has to be selfless for the sake of the nation and its citizen.

Lots of people were shocked to find out a video of a pay-out  done by the ruling party after the election in one of the villages in Kampong Cham, province of Cambodia.  The video has become viral on Facebook and people are calling for investigation. There is nothing shocking about this; it happens widely in different forms. Students pay for a better grade. Others pay for a degree. People pay for promotion. In fact, just today, The Cambodia Daily reported that many students were able to cheat by bribing exams supervisors to take exams sheets into the classroom. Why is vote-buying different then? Why is cheating in the election different from cheating in exam? Of course it's different in its gravity, level, and effect, but cheating someone, cheating at school, cheating for promotion is still cheating.

Here is another question no one dare to ask: How will students and young generations call for change in the government if they themselves cheat on their exam, grade and degree? How can the citizen accuse the government for corruption practices when they do the same even if theirs is a smaller and limited degree? It's a human nature for us to see the fault in others but blind to our own blunders.

A call for change in the government must be from a changed individual/group or it's groundless. The foundation for change has to start in someone's character not from a reaction of others fault alone. Changing the government leaders does not solve corruption unless the change starts within the people. Youth calling for change to a corrupt government is shallow and meaningless without its basic foundation—character and integrity.

In Christianity, genuine transformation and change happen when one encounters Jesus Christ and experience the saving power of  the Savior.