Last February 6, I was fortunate to have been invited by Yehey.com to the official launching of a political movement that seeks to screen the various presidential candidates to the 2010 Elections until they find the most “deserving” of them all. Four political parties (Aksyon Demokratiko of the late Sen. Raul Rico, Bigkis Pinoy of PAGCOR Chair. Efraim Genuino, Partido para sa Demokratikong Reporma of Sen. Renato de Villa and Kilusang Bagong Lipunan of the late Pres. Ferdinand Marcos) converged at Centennial B of the historical Manila Hotel to profess to the world that they are united by a common mission, and are serious about it. They call themselves the Coalition for the Deserving.



The Philippines still has hope. Or so what 88% of Filipinos believed, based on a national survey done by SWS. According to them, the coming elections are our last hope. We simply cannot ignore the fact that we are so left behind by other nations in Asia in terms of growth and development. If we would catapult to power the most deserving of them all, then he/she may steer us towards progress and national solidarity.

But then, choosing who among our potential presidential candidates is competent to be called “the deserving” is easier said than done. That is the reason why the Coalition for the Deserving has laid out some standards to screen them. There are three qualities that make a candidate a deserving one:

1. Inspirational. His/her accomplishments are worthy of emulation.

2. Trustworthy. He/she must be morally upright, pure and incorruptible.

3. Compassionate.He/she must have a generous spirit and is able to lead and love his people.

As I see it, the Coalition has very good intentions. But like I pointed out earlier, it is easier said than done. First, they would need resources to support their objectives. It would be best if the information will be disseminated fast (like an epidemic) to Filipinos nationwide. That is where the Internet can be a powerful tool. Voters are the target here in the first place.


USB freebie from the event

Aside from informing them, they also need to educate the voters about the importance of their votes. Vote buying is rampant in this country, and that’s a hard fact. Now if only Filipinos don’t sell their votes and would give them instead to “the deserving,” then this will be very easy. But we all know it’s very far from that. Much hard work and vigilance is needed for this goal to be achieved.

After the introduction of the members that compose the political movement and while in the middle of a hearty lunch, an open forum ensued. The members of the Coalition, headed by its President Atty. Perfecto “Jun” Yasay answered questions from the media, including those thrown by the bloggers present in the event.


blogger attendees

I’d like to see how the coalition will carry out their work in the coming months. To know more about their cause, visit the Coalition website.

Any views, opinions or violent reactions on the advocacy of the Coalition of the Deserving? Let me know your thoughts on this so we could have a healthy political discussion.

P.S. Thank you to Carl Valenzona for the photos.