The way Grace Poe is testing the presidential election waters, it seems she is being tossed by the waves of criticisms coming from the camps of those who have similar motives.
That is "normal" in Philippine politics. Women will always have a difficult time offering themselves as public servants. Miriam Defensor Santiago receive the most difficult treatment -- being cheated of her votes. That is actually what we should guard against should Grace Poe run. The taunts against her running for the top post are nothing insulting than being deprived of that legitimate right to assume the post.
Now, Susan Roces dipped into the political waters recently to defend Grace. That is also "normal" as she is the mother. However, a statement from her could have sufficed. Ms. Roces is an actress and so to hear or see her defend her daughter should be done when Grace is already a candidate. She could talk about the personal experiences of her raising a conscious child, a child who will be serving the country later on, the traits that Grace has for being a socially-aware child. Then, how did she influence her decision to study in the United States? How did she feel when Grace decided to take up American citizenship and then renounce it? How did Grace look at her and her husband's profession? How will Grace help the movie and video industries once she gets to be president? How will she help women and children? How will she deal with the raping of girl children or the crimes against women.
Meanwhile, media folks I think should not pit women candidates against each other. Pinagsasabong. That is so disastrous to the women's movement to gain equality in society. We are not here to compete but rather help each other be strong to become good public servants for the people, to be strong advocates for raising our country to the heights of being a humane place for everyone regardless of age, sex, color of the skin, religion and political creed -- except that of the creed of terrorists.
So to our great Kababayan, let us help each other get the right people to the government -- public officials whose hearts will be on the right place and who have the strength of character to become leaders.
Picture of Grace from BoholChronicle.com
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