Endorsement is declaration of one’s approval or support of an ideology, a product or person who seeking public office. In this election season, it means the backing of a political candidate.
Why is an endorsement important to a candidate? An endorsement is important because the stature or approval rating of a person or institution will boost the chances of a candidate in an election. Political scientists have determined that the endorsement value of P-Noy and Binay are more or less of the same impact. And it shows, because, according to the latest survey, the first twelve- senatorial slots include first timers, Binay, Villar,Aquino, Ejercito, and Enrile. The rankings of re-electionists-Legarda, Cayetano, and Escudero is expected having proven themselves as incumbents and aligned with P-Noy.
That is the positive effect of an endorsement, and in this election season, politicians have made it their business to boost the ranking of allies and partymates. But, what about other institutions like religious groups?
Local headlines recently trumpeted the support of “priests and pastors” for incumbent Governor Roel Degamo, extolling his qualities as a non-traditional, Pro-Life politician. Will this endorsement have an impact on his chances of winning? We will find out on May 13, 2013. However, prudence is on the side of caution, knowing that in the history of elections in this province, this kind of endorsement by a religious aggrupation, is not a sure thing. There are still many factors to consider. For instance, what will be the impact of the public revelation of P-Noy that there is an impending legal action on the 480 million calamity fund released for the benefit and rehabilitation of the victims of the recent earthquake and typhoon/floods. There is a case filed against the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), by the province, and likewise, there is a countercharge against responsible officials involving the same calamity fund. Whatever is outcome, the consequences of this calamity fund controversy, will involve administrative and criminal charges. For no one can escape the long arm of the law- those who violated the essential requisites of the proper release of the 480 million calamity fund – earmarked for a particular purpose, in the nature of a trust fund, will have to face legal processes.
Now, what will this calamity fund controversy do to credibility and integrity of the “priests and pastors” who have openly endorsed Governor Ruel Degamo? Whether they like it or not, the negative implication of such calamity fund controversy will also attach to those identified with the endorsement. How did they arrive at the decision to endorse the candidacy of one politician? What were their considerations? This is the reason why endorsements of political candidates is not encouraged among religious groups. Because the question of morality, sinfulness or spirituality is very fluid, relative to the reputation of the person endorsed, and more often than not, it is a question of sifting out, “the lesser evil”;
In the same manner that El Shaddai endorsed some senatorial bets, identifying them as Pro-Life, or Anti-Rh Bill, as the determinative factor. Does it mean that it is alright to have been engaged in adultery, concubinage, plunder or even murder, as long as one is Anti-Rh? This is the same line that is taken by some Catholic parishes when they identified “Team Buhay” (Anti-Rh) as directly contrasted to “Team Patay”(Pro-Rh). The endorsing groups are exposing themselves to Relativist Morality- an eschewed sense of what is right and wrong, depending on what is supportive of their own point of view. Will these endorsements influence your vote? PLEASE BE CAREFUL IN KNOWING THE CANDIDATES! VOTE WISELY!
