Let’s get this straight. We are near the election day, and so far we have heard many times the candidates’ policies, programs and platform of government. Apart from the COMELEC-sanctioned debates, Go Negosyo has also mounted several fora to be able to hear out the candidates. By now we have a better read on the pros and cons of each, a read on their personalities and competencies. In short, we all know they have areas of strength, but there are downsides and risks. And it now depends how deep our appetite for risks is. I am not officially endorsing any candidate but just to share with you in my own little way how I read each candidate, an impression from a entrepreneur-layman’s view, not a political expert.

Here are my insights to our candidates.

First, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte. He has been topping all the surveys recently. The clamor for a big change has resulted to a strong support for him. He certainly talks tough, and some see danger as well if he will go to the extreme of having extra judicial actions. Hailing from Davao City, his track record of implementing laws in his city has been commended for being effective. He promises a completely different government by implementing federalism. And he offers a drastic change and outrageous promises to save the country from crime, corruption and illegal drugs in three to six months. Supporters see him as the hero this country needs in order to experience a safer and better life. He is an unorthodox type of leader. Street smart. And very relatable to the Filipino masses for his simplicity. He says what he means, and means what he says.

But despite all these, some see Duterte as risky, who may go beyond boundaries. But there are those who want real drastic change for good, and they are willing to take a risk. As they say. more risk, more benefit if it works.

Mar Roxas. He is the candidate to continue the good progress the Aquino administration has started. As the next leader under Liberal Party is considered a decent and ‘presidential’ candidate. His public service record is outstanding after leading several departments in the government including the DTI and DILG. He is an expert on how the government works and knows its ins and outs. Although, he has also been accused for some performance lapses and anomalies this current government has been involved in. He has a concrete platform for the country. And promises to do good and do better. Mar Roxas is considered a safe choice. But others consider this also as a vote for less drastic changes and continuing issues with government.

Jejomar Binay is another candidate that is not without issues. With his record as a mayor of Makati, he has established a good following among his constituents. According to him, he has steered a municipality into the largest business district in the metro. But he has been facing a lot of allegations regarding corruption and issue on public’s trust. Despite promising to do what he did in Makati to the rest of the Philippines, he will have to fight hard and long in order to get the presidency.

Grace Poe is another safe we can choose. She has plans to sustain the country, and actions for current issues that needs to be addressed. Despite nationality and residency issues hurled against her, she continuous to promote her good plans for the nation. She has been referred to as the candidate with less experience in public service but she has clear platforms, realistic and doable. She offers a fresh perspective of how things will be done. Grace is a risk that one may be willing to take to experience change without ruthless actions. She promises to take care of the nation and guide it towards development.

In the end of all this elections, we can say that our choices depend on who we trust the most to lead the country. Nothing is right or wrong. At the end of the day, our votes will vary depending on our appetite for risk. How much are we willing to gamble? How much can we sacrifice momentarily in order to experience long-term advancement? What are you willing to compromise? Who among these candidates connects to you on a personal level, and speaks to you like he/she is genuine in his/her promises? Who among them shares the same values as you do?

In partnership with Cong. Leni Robredo’s Lakas ng Kababaihan (LK), Go Negosyo hosted a Mentor Me Seminar for their members last April 23 at the Champagne Garden in Naga City, Camarines Sur.

Go Negosyo Mentor Me Program in Naga City in partnership with Cong. Leni Robredo’s Lakas ng Kababaihan.
This program highlighted three major topics: Discovering the Entrepreneurial Character and Spotting Business Opportunities covered by Ed Pilapil Jr. (president, CreedoGroup Inc. and Go Negosyo Angelpreneur), Basics of Product Development and Strategic Marketing for MSMEs by Mylene Abiva (CEO, Felta Multimedia Inc. and Go Negosyo Angelpreneur) and Basics of Value Chain Management discussed by Efren Daniel de Leon (president and CEO of Worldtech Resources Institute and Director of Metro Naga Chamber of Commerce). Go Negosyo Executive Director Ramon Lopez presented how one can be a SMART entrepreneur while entrepreneur Desiree Duran also shared her inspiring entrepreneurial story to the audience of more than 200 LK members.