By Movement for Principled Politics in Pampanga and Citizen Journalists Pampanga

What is the most important trait that Kapampangan voters want to see in a candidate?

According to the religious organization Dilaab Foundation, voters want candidates who are “God-fearing.” Fr. Carmelo Diola, overall coordinating steward of the foundation, said “discernment circles” consulted by Dilaab point to this quality as most desired by voters.

“Surprisingly, competence figured lower than God-fearing in terms of voter preference,” said Fr. Diola.

Dilaab Foundation has introduced what it called the “LASER” test in helping voters identify their candidates of choice. LASER stands for lifestyle, action, supporters, election conduct, and reputation.  This was the result of a series of reflection sessions called “circles of discernment for elections” (CIDE) involving more than 30 groups from various parts of the country.

The LASER test was used by Lebadura Asin Ilaw para sa Kinabukasan AkO (L.A.I.K.K.O), a new Catholic lay movement in Pampanga, to identify four candidates it will be supporting in the elections.

The organization came up with four names: Jo Imbong (Ang Kapatiran) and Alex Lacson (LP) who are both running for senator, and gubernatorial candidate Ed Panlilio and his running mate Marco Lazatin, both of LP.

LAIKKO has not come up with any presidential and vice presidential candidate to endorse. Other posts such as the congressional, board membership, mayoralty and council positions will have to be endorsed by their respective districts or cities.

Aware of the changing political landscape in the province after the 2007 elections, lay leaders from various religious organizations in Pampanga have gathered in a series of meetings to discuss how to help promote principled politics and good governance.

Aside from the endorsement of worthy candidates, LAIKKO plans to initiate moves to combat patronage politics, which is seen as a major block in sustaining political reforms in Pampanga.