Number of online users in last 3 minutes

Monday, May 28, 2007

Thank You from Dr. Martin Bautista

ELECTION'S OVER

The election is over. It is time to examine, and to both skeptics and sympathizers alike, explain my participation in it.

I gave up a flourishing medical practice in America, joined Kapatiran and ran for the Senate because I wanted not merely to prove a point, but to live by it.

And the point is this: we can change our country, help our people, not by talking or theorizing but by actually doing something about it. One cannot simply make a statement. He must apply it in his life, by example, by involvement, by action. Our political campaign was such a statement.

Did we succeed? We did not get enough votes for a seat in the senate. But we did get the attention of the electorate and, more importantly, we made people aware of alternative solutions, better political options.

We demonstrated that it is possible to conduct an open, honest, vigorous campaign on programs, not personalities.

We showed that there is no need for false promises, political gimmickry, immoderate spending; but that there is a need for continuing communication, defending and justifying our positions and priorities.

Our fundamental premise is this: Politics is not a means of livelihood. It is not an economic investment that will pay off in future material gain.

Politics is a way of giving, of sharing, of helping. It is not soliciting support but providing it. It is not about rendering service in the senate when elected, but rendering service now, in the present, in this time and place, in one's capacity as a candidate, a citizen, a Filipino of compassion.

If we have, even in a small, tentative way, we have redefined politics in the Philippines, then we have been fully recompensed for our efforts. The accomplishments of our greatest heroes cannot be judged in the simplistic terms of triumph or defeat. Like Burgos, Gomez and Zamora, the Kapatiran candidates won no instant victory. But they achieved a beginning, advanced the cause for reform, and awakened a hope that such reform is possible.

A personal note of accountability. We received donations from many sectors of society. Added to our own private contribution to the campaign, the total amount exceeded our modest campaign expenses. The balance we shall turn over to Gawad Kalinga in accordance with our conviction that politics is not an enterprise for profit.

Finally I wish to extend my sincere appreciation to all the men and women of goodwill who stand with us in the common belief in a Filipino future. Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat.

Martin D. Bautista, MD

----------------------------

I voted for this guy! Will watch out for him in the next political exercise.
- Dexter

4 Comments:

Blogger Novice Blogger said...

mabuhay ang kapatiran. mahahanap na nila ang asian treasure!

May 28, 2007 4:48 PM  
Blogger THE ANiTOKiD said...

Very well said! Indeed, like our heroes, you (Dr. Bautista) have served as a catalyst for awakening the Filipino spirit and belief that there is still hope! And I just hope and pray that your idealism and sense of responsibility and accountability will not wain - for the country needs men like you. And Jay Bubwit is watching you! And I kid you not!

May 28, 2007 4:58 PM  
Blogger I AM SAM said...

It is a pity that the best alternatives are left unnoticed. Unfortunately for the Kapatiran, money speaks louder than platforms. We can always blame the system and the people making the system run. But why not blame ourselves. Instead of pointing a finger to the culprits of our distress, why not raise a hand and accept that we are the cause our own misery. After all, it is our votes that decide.

May 29, 2007 2:12 PM  
Blogger jedianalyst said...

Ayus! This guy will get my vote in the next Senatorial election.

Democracy is legalized mob rule. What do we expect when we settle for the common denominator? It works only when you have enlightened voters. The current generation of Filipinos are generally corrupt and short-sighted. I don't even know where to begin if we are to change this mindset.

May 29, 2007 2:53 PM  

Post a Comment

<< Home