Nancy Binay and everything wrong in Philippine elections

ANYARE? After a much prod from netizens, Nancy Binay refused to debate
Team PNoy senatorial bet Risa Hontiveros

Netizens were quick to point out Nancy Binay's seemingly "no show" policy when it comes to debates and public discussions involving candidates gunning for an election seat this coming midterm elections. Nowhere in any debate or program, be it on television or radio, even online-based news organizations, this daughter of the vice president was seen subjecting herself in a manner in which the public eye could scrutinize her qualities or qualifications (if there's any) to be the next representative of more than a billion Filipinos. 

We can safely assume that being a Binay already fronts her within the circuit of politics which includes exchange of words, exposure to criticisms and the need to address pressing issues demanded by the people, which in the first place a responsibility of those who hold public office. So Nancy, why so illusive?

Lately, the internet is abuzz with memes, satires, lampoons, even plain jokes floating in different social media - all with Nancy Binay in the center of it and her alleged incapacity to be a senator of the republic. The latest is a lengthy blog entry detailing a pseudo-temporary protection order (TPO) granted in favor of her by a Makati court against all forms of public discussions, debates and the likes. Her father, Vice President Jejomar Binay admits he's hurt by the criticisms thrown to her daughter. Nancy, posing a brave front dares her critics to file disqualification case against her. 

In an editorial by the Philippine Daily Inquirer, they tagged Nancy as "unqualified." By law, no provision could bar Nancy Binay from running for a senate position. But by standards, surely any thinking person would question her qualifications or lack thereof. 

She has no experience in holding public office, she was employed by her own parents, she was not a member of any advocacy group or has no advocacy of her own that she publicly pushed for and quite frankly, we have not heard of her before the 2013 elections started heating up. It was disturbing the way she admitted in interviews before that she was a half-hearted candidate. That it so happened that her name kept popping up in pre-election surveys, so her generous father offered her a space in his coalition ticket. And so the ball started rolling for Nancy Binay - the "nanay de pamilya" of the Senate. 

Nancy Binay's candidacy mirrors most of the rotten things in Philippine elections. To mention a few, there's political dynasty, the self-servicing multi-party system, acceptance of mediocrity and adherence to trapos. It is not her fault though and she is not alone making up this tragic veil enveloping this once Pearl of the Orient nation. 

This is why we cannot push her to take on the spotlight of a public debate. Delivering a speech, be it a prepared one or extemporaneous, is on so many levels easier than participating in a public forum or let's just simply say debate. In speeches you just talk, give people the exact words they expect to hear from you which in this country means a candidate simply saying "I will end poverty." Period. 

This is probably why Nancy Binay finds no problem in joining her coalition's campaign sorties all around the country. The traditional politician's (trapo) acts are always easier: shaking hands with the locals, throwing candies and other goodies while on top of an open truck, waving and smiling - the usual. 

Debates would find her alone: no daddy, party mates, or campaign managers to feed her what to say or take hint in which side of the corner to stand. It will expose her to demons of politics, issues hounding her and her family. And of course, it would be the litmus test of her eloquence and her own grounds, which she would have to bring if she wins that coveted seat in the Upper Chamber. 

All these are enough reasons to fret. Maybe it's just the nerves. Maybe she can talk and speak herself but having to live in the shadow of daddy as personal assistant in all those years dried up her conviction, her confidence to stand on her own. But in this, the danger of her winning stretches further. 

The Senate is no practice field. It is where half of the country's future is decided. More than a billion Filipinos - hungry, dying and struggling - all resting their heads in laws and money a senator will have juggle. How can she lead us with still no experience of leadership at her age? How can she stand her ground if she didn't do so previously, contenting herself as the "forever personal assistant" instead of facing the concrete jungle of the professional world like most of us do? Where's the conviction in her words where she said she will address poverty if she didn't do so for the past years?

But in the end, beyond Nancy Binay and her likes, there's only that one chilling question every Filipino should ask: if we are correct and that she really is unqualified to be a senator, who's fault it would be if ever she get elected? 

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The author's opinion DOES NOT reflect the views of his news organization.