REELECTIONIST Senator Richard Gordon on Wednesday urged Filipino voters to be more discerning when choosing the next national and local officials.

Gordon said Filipino voters should resist the lure of instant gratification from populist candidates who are long on promises but short on providing realistic solutions to the country’s pressing problems.

“Sana matuto tayo na isipin kung gaano tayo kalayo sa ibang bansa dahil hindi tayo pumili ng mga tunay na lider. Inuuna natin ‘yung pangkasalukuyan o ang instant gratification,” he said.

“Happy tayo ngayon, ngunit hindi natin tinitingnan ‘yung gagawin dapat ng mga lider natin. Huwag tayong aasa sa mga lider, bagkus ipaalala natin sa ating mga anak na talagang kung nag-aaral, gumaganda ang buhay, pero sariling kayod,” he added.

Gordon pointed out that every candidate must be able to lay down a clear and concrete platform that will address not only the pandemic but also economic recovery.

He also called on the media to take a more active part in shaping the national discourse by making the public become more aware about the stance of candidates on issues that impact their daily affairs.

“Ano ba ang issue? Hanapbuhay, may pandemic, marami nang naghirap, hindi nakapaghanapbuhay, marami nang walang pampaaral. Importanteng Issue iyan na dapat nating pinag-uusapan,” Gordon said.

“Pangalawa, makakapagdala ka ba ng hanapbuhay? Ang hina-hina ng daloy ng investment samantalang ang ibang bansa, bumabanat na. ‘Yung pandemic, ano bang tatratuhin natin ‘yan, threat ba ‘yan or kailangan mag-adjust tayo na nandiyan na ‘yan habambuhay?” he added.