Press Release
March 14, 2009

Gordon: People, not surveys, elect leaders

Independent Senator Richard J. Gordon today said that choosing the next leaders of the country is a decision made by the whole electorate and not by surveys participated by only a portion of the populace.

Gordon said he has faith that the Filipino voters have grown matured enough not to be swayed by survey results and wise enough to consider the track record of political candidates in choosing the country's next leaders.

"Election is not about popularity, money, or political party. It is about the careful choosing of our nation's next leaders who should have clear vision and right values, and the competence, integrity and reliability," he said.

"People, not surveys, elect leaders. Otherwise, let us not have elections anymore but coronations," he added.

While surveys may help aspirants decide for their political careers, Gordon pointed out that the results of such surveys should better be kept private to prevent undue conditioning of people's minds.

"When you publish survey results, that is mind-conditioning. I am against any kind of mind-conditioning because the people are beclouded to make careful decision based on the qualifications of the candidates," he said.

The senator added that the people should look beyond the surveys, and instead should examine the track records and qualifications of the candidates, and have a careful look at the things they have done for the country.

Gordon said every vote is precious, which is why it is important that people use their right of suffrage wisely, stressing that the electorate should know every candidate's position on issues crucial to the nation's progress and development.

"We must be able to discern well for the common good of our nation. If we believe in a candidate's qualifications and track record, we should vote for that candidate and not let others influence us," he said.

"Our country needs a leader and not just a political figure. We need a leader who knows not only what the country needs, but also what should be prioritized among those needs and how each necessity should be addressed," he added.

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