What Filipino Politicians can learn from Naruto

There’s one lesson that politicians and Filipinos in general can learn from the hit Japanese animation series, Naruto Shippuuden. It’s amazing how such a simple cartoon series offer so much insights and values which we can apply to local politics and to nation building. This lesson is something that needs to be heard by political dynasties and especially by the “elder” senators who have served multiple terms already. This likewise also has to be heard by the Filipino youth. It’s about believing in the next generation.

To those who don’t know what the basic story of the animation is here’s a summary. It’s basically about a young ninja named Naruto who initially is hated by his village because he’s the host of a demonic beast. Eventually though Naruto wins the admiration and respect of his peers and elders. He becomes a well-loved hero who protects the village and the Ninja world.

In episode 158, the Hokage, or the leader of the village, Tsunade, berates both of her advisers when they tell her to keep Naruto hidden because their enemies, the Akatsuki, are looking for him. The advisers want to keep Naruto hidden so that they can use him as a “secret weapon” when the time is right. Tsunade grabs both advisers and throws them to the floor and explains to them that they should stop thinking of Naruto as just as a kid or a secret weapon. She then says that both of her advisers don’t have one trait that previous great leaders had in the Ninja world. Tsunade explains that unlike the legendary leaders of the past, they didn’t believe in the next generation. They didn’t want to trust them enough to give them bigger responsibilities in changing the future of their village.

To watch this episode, CLICK here and just fast forward to the 10 minute mark. You’ll be able to watch Tsunade talk to the elders there.

“Mt duty is to be a model to the next generation and to help them out. For that, I’d happily give my life. – Jiraiya”

True Mark of a Statesman
I believe that one of the marks of a true statesman and leader is when he or she knows when it’s time to step aside and let the next generation take on bigger responsibilities. Instead of constantly being in the spotlight, an alternative is to pass on the knowledge and experience that you’ve accumulated over the past few years to the next batch of leaders. However you have to give up your slot and give it to them so that they can learn from themselves. Yes, they will make mistakes. But that’s why the elders will be there to support and train them as their mentors and advisers.

There are several politicians who have literally grown too old already and they cling on to power because it’s their only remaining purpose in life. But they should realize that by staying on in power they are denying the country fresh faces that can bring us new perspectives and ideas that can propel us forward in the 21st century. The same can be said to politicians who know in their hearts that they didn’t do a good job and yet the run again for another term because they have a huge chance of winning because of the exposure they’ve gotten as public officials or even in their movies or commercials.

My heart truly is sad for the loss of Risa Hontiveros, Ruffy Biazon, Susan Ople, and the rest of the young guns that would definitely have been huge additions to the Senate. These are really capable and competent individuals that have amazing track records and experience. They equally have genuine and sincere motives to serve and not just selfish gain. Likewise my heart also aches for all the people who challenged political dynasties in local politics to bring about change who have lost in the elections. Being in power and position definitely gives you an advantage and that makes it really hard for new players to get in. What’s worse is that when the time of a candidate is already up, they pass on their candidacy to a relative to “save” that spot for them so that they can still cling on to power.

I dare say that we, as a country, are being held hostage by the very elite few. They take advantage and abuse the system so they can perpetually stay in the spotlight under the guise of “service”. Have they ever stopped to think that they can also serve the country by letting the next generation grow into leaders? Clearly this is a case of stunted growth.

If there is one invention that I want to make it’s a machine that will let me have a 1-to-1 session with the 90 million Filipinos in this country to tell them about the meaning of competence and track record. It shouldn’t just be based on popularity or name recall. By voting non-performing people into power we are throwing away a brighter future for us and our children.

My prayer is that our leaders learn that part of serving is knowing when to let go. I hope that one day we will see elder statesmen passing on the baton to younger and fresher faces who will in turn lead us to tomorrow. These new breed of leaders will be armed with their audacity to dream while tempered by the experience and knowledge of the ones who went before them as their mentors and advisers. I’m sure that when this day comes we will experience a revival never before seen in this world.

To the politicians: please be like Tsunade, Sarutobi, and Chiyo. Learn to trust, let go, and let God. And to the youth – step up and stop being apathetic. Learn as much as you can, gain as much experience, and then serve. We all have just one life to live. Let’s all make it count.

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