Green Flags vs. Red Flags: What to look for in a candidate

Article by: Alexandra Isabelle G. Delavin and Lorrieza Jhoilyn C. Punzalan

Graphics by: Ma. Alyssa Therese S. Manalang

It's campaign season again and suddenly, every candidate promises everything to the masses. To become an informed voter, it’s important to remember to look beyond the flashy posters and scripted speeches. Maybe ask yourself, “If they were my classmates, would I trust them to lead groupworks?”

Take time to look at the green and red flags before voting. Support those who lead with a vision and a sense of responsibility for the people and avoid the ones who are all talk.

As election nears, The New Builder enumerates some of the green and red flags that one must look at in every candidate.

Green Flags

Tahimik pero Dean's Lister

Drama is the center of social media, and Filipinos just so happen to become the best marites. Yet, true leaders are apart from the fake headlines and controversial topics.

You may not see them in the tabloids, nor in the headlines about arrests, but you will see them: in times when typhoons hit the hardest, in the laws they've helped pass, in the projects they've headed, and in the commitments they've fulfilled.

Remember the ones whose actions equal their words—the ones you would find in times that matter, not just during the campaign period.

Fearless Presi

Past the sweet messages and safe speeches of every candidate, there exists politicians without the need for sugarcoating.

There is someone who isn’t afraid to fight for the people who are experiencing injustices and call out people that oversteps the law; a person who becomes the voice of the masses without second thought.

Choose the people who will speak up for the oppressed and understand that the law is for everyone. These candidates aren’t just outspoken for attention, but outspoken for all the right reasons.

Role Model Student Awardee

Where accountability and integrity reign, corruption dies.

As the midterm elections approach fast, one must vote for a leader who is not driven by personal gain, but rather someone who will serve by the people as they believe that true power lies in what is given, and not by what can be taken.

Check their records, scan the books, research their interests, and ask yourself: Are the faces I see plastered on every poster the leaders who will genuinely serve the country?

Seasoned PolSci Major

As we stand at the crossroads of democracy, the future of the government is in our hands. Whether it's a college degree, a deep knowledge of the nation's history, or a track record of clean public service, credentials matter.

So, don't hesitate to question and fret not to create an impact, but instead fear putting people in power who only see political power as a retirement plan, step back from people who can only budots their way into your vote. See behind the intentions of those who would use the position to honor the law, not to run away from it.

Red Flags

Indifferent Rich Girlie

Most politicians come from wealth, but some are out of touch with the realities of living.

They speak of poverty as if it’s a choice without even trying to dig into the roots of this problem. Detached from society, they make meaningless suggestions of “working harder” as if their wealth wasn’t handed down to them. Perhaps they need reminding of who set that system up.

Someone running as a public servant should understand what it is like to live as a regular Filipino. How would they make policies for the masses if they don’t know the daily struggles of a normal citizen? Choose a leader that views the position as an opportunity to serve the people, not as a way to expand their wealth.

Self-Appointed Student Campus Cop

We admire leaders who are sticklers for rules until they’re the ones refusing to follow it.

These candidates are the type to switch the blame or be aggressive when the laws are pointed at them. They’re quick to demand and enforce the rules on people but hate it when they have to do it themselves.

The running candidates are the future lawmakers of this country, they will hold the power to influence people. That's why they should be the first to follow the rules. There should be no one above the law, no exceptions. Take a look at your candidate choices and analyze their principles and how they respond to criticisms.

Clout Chaser Org Officer

Popularity is the name of the game in the elections nowadays. The catchier your name is, the more votes you’ll gain.

Some candidates worm their way into politics with no qualifications that can justify them running for office. They may be present at meetings, but speak up only to make empty remarks or make controversial claims about the issues at hand to stay relevant. They don’t have credentials, just enough media exposure.

Public service shouldn’t be treated as a side quest for bored public figures. It should be done with devotion and a drive to serve the people and the country. Elections shouldn’t be popularity contests, but a test of principles, advocacies and qualifications.

Legacy Student Council Member

Working hard for the seat is out of the picture when your family’s been sitting on it for decades.

Their bloodline is treated like a precious diamond where each of them is a prospect for politics. Deep down, it's just a molding machine to make each member ready for claiming power. They’re only trained to run, not to have a passion to lead nor a clear purpose for doing so.

Leadership isn’t genetic, it isn’t passed on for generations. It is our right to meticulously pick who we are voting for. Vote because you believe in what they stand for, not because of what their last name is.

Put the familial relationships aside and see each running official’s potential to serve the country.

Remember: your vote is not only for yourself, but for the future of this country.