Musings
What Would It Take to Put Up a Political Party of Dedicated Catholics that Can Win in the Philippines?
This means putting up a Catholic political party, choosing candidates, campaigning and winning elections, and running a government
Let’s fantasize. Let’s imagine that we have a core group of professionals, businessmen and women, and community leaders who are staunch Catholics. Let’s assume that they all believe that applying Catholic beliefs and moral standards in the governance of Philippine society can help effect lasting change for the better in our nation.
One of the first things this core group would have to do is get involved in the political process as one solid group. This means putting up a Catholic political party, choosing candidates, campaigning and winning elections, and running a government.
How would they go about doing it? If you had some influence with this group, what would you suggest?
Let’s tick off a To-Do List:
1. Organize the core group as a Catholic Lay Group for Social Change. Membership should be by-invitation only, of mixed-gender, and should include millenials, middle aged, and seniors. Members should be financially self-sufficient and be leaders in their respective civic, professional, and/or business organizations. There should be members from each of the official regions of the Philippines.
2. Invite a handful of bishops, priests, and religious as an Advisory Group. These should be well respected in their respective dioceses or congregations for their probity, wisdom, spiritual leadership, and good public relations in the community.
3. Convene a Solidarity Retreat for the Core Group and their Advisors. The retreat program should be designed for spiritual reflection and affirmation as well as strategic and action planning. Some attention should be given to sourcing of members and funds. Working committees should be set up to carry out the key functional operations of the core group, such as Membership Recruitment and Development, Party Platform and Organization Development, Funding and Logistical Support, and Legal and Administrative Support.
4. Organize and register the Political Party.
5. Develop and conduct a Mandatory Membership Orientation and Training Program.
6. Identify and vet potential candidates for all eligible positions in all the regions of the country.
7. Develop and conduct a Mandatory Candidates Orientation and Training Program.
8. Design and organize a Campaign Strategy and Program.
9. Launch a Party Rally and start the Campaign.
10. Proclaim the Winners.
How about it? Any takers?
Ave Maria!
