Britannica - REN
Many were disappointed if not appalled by the performance of Presidential candidates at the various sponsored debates. A famous iconic candidate in the field of sports even made himself funny and laughable in the recent forum presided by an Academician. He was incoherent. Though he was purpose
driven.
This would have not happened in our laws if in our written and unwritten election codes, only Ren as in China are allowed to run for public office. What is Ren: a superior man, an upright man both in morality and skills for public and civil service. Many of the Chinese civil servants I met have multiple masteral degrees in various foreign schools of government or business
While we are strict about qualifications of civil servants, it is not true for public servants. This post is not sure if finishing elementary grades is a requirement. We even allow convicts to run for public office, and even get elected. Only in the Philippines.
Following this only 3 of the candidates would qualify for Ren: a lady fmr VP, lawyer, ,fmr congressman (thus is experienced in public service) a current senator fmr chief of PNP, and again a fmr senator governor and vice governor The others; a former labor leader, a security adviser, a lawyer doctor former cabinet member may have the academic background, or practical background in their respective field but to lead a nation? They lack the depth and visionary leadership needed for a future President
In the two Party system, the Party conducts its own screening process and makes sure they have winnable candidates and who best represent someone who would be President. They hold conventions and elect their own candidates and write the line up.
Here we simply would accept who has the guts and the ambition to be a President, but lack the credentials the skills, ability to be one.
