Ethics for those who lost in the elections

Philippine history provides losers in the last polls with many behavior models to emulate if they wish to maintain their decency and still wish to make their political comebacks in 2028. The next three years should provide them time to reflect on their behavioral patterns as politicians and public servants.

- Atty. Josephus B. Jimenez

The first and perhaps best model of grace and dignity was the late Don Sergio Osmeña as official candidate of the Nacionalista Party in a clean party convention attended by his partymates Manuel Roxas and Elpidio Quirino. When Osmeña defeated Roxas, the latter bolted the party and founded the Liberal Party with Quirino. That was the beginning of the long-drawn rivalry between the Nacionalistas (NP) and the Liberals (LP).

Both candidates were Visayan and they split the votes in Visayas and Mindanao. Roxas had an advantage in Luzon as his wife, Trinidad de Leon, was a rich heiress from Baliuag. Roxas' vice president, Quirino, secured the Ilocano votes. Osmeña lost by the slimmest of pluralities. When the votes were counted, Osmeña congratulated Roxas and attended his inauguration. He turned over the reins of government and cooperated in the transition.

When Carlos P. Garcia, NP, lost to his vice president, Diosdado Macapagal, LP, he received Dadong in Malacañang and oriented him on all pending issues. When Macapagal lost to his former partymate turned NP, Ferdinand Marcos Sr., he and his first lady, Eva, invited Marcos and Imelda to the palace, they had a nice dinner and exchanged pleasantries.