Women Power for 2016!

“Any woman who understands the problems of running a home will be nearer to understanding the problems of running a country.”
-Margaret Thatcher

We have had two women presidents. But both have track records mired with scandals and controversies, especially for that of former President Gloria Arroyo. But this May 2016, two strong-willed women have vied for the two highest positions – Grace Poe and Leni Robredo. They may not come from a single party but the character and qualities of the two complement each other.

Grace Poe should be our President. We don’t need a Roaring Dragon/butcher/human rights violator who would just disregard our Constitution and rule of law. We don’t need a “Jefe” (Chief) Bribemaster who would only plunder the public coffers. We don’t need a Master Racketeer who is a seasoned bureaucrat and traditional politician. For this election, we need a restart and Poe is the face of change.

Leni Robredo should be our Vice-President. She, along with her late husband, is the image of genuine, grassroots leadership that will be anti-corruption and pro-poor, pro-marginalized. Robredo will not be an idle, lame-duck Vice President (like the incumbent). For her, the Vice-Presidency is a position of power and influence to effect social change. Unlike her opponents, she views it as a position of power and influence and not as a platform to boost one’s chances to be the next President.

Despite coming from different political parties, the two would find a common ground from which they can build trust and cooperation. Both are women, mothers who have experienced taking care of their respective families. We need a President and a Vice-President who will look at our country as a household that needs to be cleaned up and improved, will look at its citizens as children that needs to be reared and treasured and will see to it that our nation’s finances would be properly budgeted and would be free from corruption.

This election should be a test of character and leadership quality and not of popularity, financial capacity and sensationalism. We need leaders with clear policy proposals and a vision for our future. Grace Poe and Leni Robredo is the right tandem for the next administration.