If it is true that 43 people, including cranks, have already filed their Certificates of Candidacy for the presidency, with more expected, it debases the Office of the President.

The electoral process becomes wasteful, impractical, distracting, and inane.

But wait; there is more than meets the eye in these misadventures. Fools rush in where angels and wise men fear to tread.

That is, some are destined to rule while others hear voices from heaven urging them to redeem the country; a few succumb to the rantings of their supporters; many run for the “fund” of it where they profit from contributions while doomed to lose; others with good intentions look at corrupt governments the way Don Quixote de la Mancha marched against the windmills he perceived to be the enemies; while others use the election to launder their ill-gotten wealth.

Under these circumstances, constitutional reforms become paramount and urgent in the event that next year’s election will be characterized by violence, fraud, incomplete automation, and excessive and uncontrolled spending which can trigger political instability and military unrest.

First, as the formal campaign period approaches, the number of viable and winnable candidates will most probably narrow down to three major parties and their standard bearers and senatorial slates.

It is interesting to note that the political parties have difficulty filling up their senatorial line-ups for the simple reason that money politics automatically disqualifies and discourages the non-moneyed, the best and the brightest, the prudent, and the sincere from entering politics.

On the provincial level, the elected public officials are too busy preparing for their own election or re-election to worry about national candidates unless the latter pay them handsomely for their commitment.

On the local level, party discipline and loyalty can go fly a kite unless money changes hands. That’s the name of the game and that's the party to reckon with.

In other words, the evil of money politics has not changed, and will not change, in the foreseeable future which disenfranchises the young, the well-meaning, and the qualified, and hence, the need for constitutional reforms.

Second, having read the “Social Contract with the Filipino People” of Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, it is doubtful that Sen. Noynoy can effect transformational changes under the same political system, the same elite, and the same business oligarchs.

The same constraints also apply to the other candidates, whether it be former President Joseph Estrada, or Gilbert Teodoro, Sen. Manny Villar, MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando, Sen. Dick Gordon, or Bro. Eddie Villanueva, and other aspirants.

Can they buck and beat the system?

Rather than a lengthy manifesto of motherhood statements, what Sen. Noynoy Aquino and Sen. Mar Roxas need to clarify are their positions on the following:

(1) Can they mandate 1% to 1.5% population reduction policy by openly advocating birth control, use of contraceptives, and divorce?

(2) Will they give priority to constitutional revision and amendments?

(3) How will they democratize wealth, promote dignity of labor, and alleviate poverty?

(4) How will they reforest and conserve the seas and marine life for the Filipinos?

(5) How will they eradicate corruption and reform the bureaucracy, including the military and police?

These are the specifics that are demanded from the candidates, and not motherhood statements.

Hence, the next Chief Executive should not only be honest but also qualified, charismatic, courageous, visionary, and humane.

When all is said and done, to paraphrase Matthew 22:14 in the Bible, “For many are called, but few are chosen.”

In fact, only one is chosen.

You be the judge.