Sen. Noynoy Aquino’s platform of governance as President
What is a platform of governance?
Bloggers have been bugging Senator Noynoy Aquino to come up with a platform of governance since the day he announced that he was running for President. The online clamor for those aspiring for President to present a platform is a very good sign and shows that some Filipinos are really trying to get other Filipinos to look beyond appeals to emotions and platitudes.
A platform of governance, by its most basic description, is a declaration of principles and policies adopted by a political party or a candidate. In other countries, platforms are quite specific and defines the character of the candidacy itself.
Regardless of whether the platform states general principles or specific actions, most candidates will attempt to come out with a platform that appeals or conforms to the sentiments or opinions of as large a voting population as possible.
Ben Kritz, an American blogger and businessman living in the Philippines, describes certain elements of what makes a platform.
A platform:
• States the problems and issues
• Describes the solutions and objectives that address those problems and issues
• Explains the reasons for those particular solutions and objectives
Beyond the platform itself, voters must also look at the candidate’s history of delivering on whatever commitments he makes.
So, one of the questions we have to ask ourselves is can Senator Noynoy Aquino can deliver on this platform? Is there any indication in his past or present that can give us some assurance that he can do what he says he will do?
I will leave you that question to consider.
Anyway, without further ado, here is Sen. Aquino’s platform of governance.
(I have taken the liberty of shortening the platform as originally published. If you want the original copy, go here.)
A SOCIAL CONTRACT WITH THE FILIPINO PEOPLE
THE PLATFORM OF SENATOR BENIGNO “NOYNOY” S. AQUINO III
A Commitment to Transformational Leadership:
- From a President who tolerates corruption — to a President who is the nation’s first and most determined fighter of corruption.
- From a government that merely conjures economic growth statistics that our people know to be unreal – to a government that prioritizesjobs that empower the people and provide them with opportunities to rise above poverty.
- From relegating education to just one of many concerns – to making education the central strategy for investing in our people, reducing poverty and building national competitiveness.
- From treating health as just another area for political patronage – to recognizing the advancement and protection of public health, which includes responsible parenthood, as key measures of good governance.
- From justice that money and connections can buy – to a truly impartial system of institutions that deliver equal justice to rich or poor.
Economy
- From government policies influenced by well-connected private interests — to a leadership that executes all the laws of the land with impartiality and decisiveness.
- From treating the rural economy as just a source of problems, — to recognizing farms and rural enterprises as vital to achieving food security and more equitable economic growth, worthy of re-investment for sustained productivity.
- From government anti-poverty programs that instill a dole-out mentality — to well-considered programs that build capacity and create opportunity among the poor and the marginalized in the country.
- From a government that dampens private initiative and enterprise — to a government that creates conditions conducive to the growth and competitiveness of private businesses, big, medium and small.
- From a government that treats its people as an export commodity and a means to earn foreign exchange, disregarding the social cost to Filipino families — to a government that creates jobs at home, so that working abroad will be a choice rather than a necessity; and when its citizens do choose to become OFWs, their welfare and protection will still be the government’s priority.
Government Service
- From Presidential appointees chosen mainly out of political accommodation — to discerning selection based on integrity, competence and performance in serving the public good.
- From demoralized but dedicated civil servants, military and police personnel destined for failure and frustration due to inadequate operational support — to professional, motivated and energized bureaucracies with adequate means to perform their public service missions.
Gender Equality
- From a lack of concern for gender disparities and shortfalls, to the promotion of equal gender opportunity in all spheres of public policies and programs.
Peace & Order
- From a disjointed, short-sighted Mindanao policy that merely reacts to events and incidents — to one that seeks a broadly supported just peace and will redress decades of neglect of the Moro and other peoples of Mindanao.
Environment
- From allowing environmental blight to spoil our cities, where both the rich and the poor bear with congestion and urban decay — to planning alternative, inclusive urban developments where people of varying income levels are integrated in productive, healthy and safe communities.
- From a government obsessed with exploiting the country for immediate gains to the detriment of its environment — to a government that will encourage sustainable use of resources to benefit the present and future generations.
This platform is a commitment to change that Filipinos can depend on. With trust in their leaders, everyone can work and build a greater future together.
For God’s sake why do these politicians that we have are fond of throwing mud at each others face? Why destroy each other and why don’t they plan well their political platforms of government? is that are they going to do if they would be put in the office? open the closet of each others?