GUAPO POINTS and the TRAPOMETER

Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. Everybody can be beautiful, ugly, handsome or guapo in their own special ways. In the same manner, everybody can be called or accused a TRAPO (Traditional Politician), especially during times when election is just around the season and mud slinging is favorite past time. This is the reason why I have come up with a TRAPO - METER that will make it easy ( and reasonable and justifiable) to brand a person as a TRAPO. On the otherhand, this TRAPOMETER can also measure if a person or a candidate can be classified as a GUAPO or Good Unassuming and Admirable Politician who deserves to be entrusted with a public position.

1. Party Affiliation - A political party is an important factor in the life of a politician. This organization is an extension of the beliefs and principles of the individual. In addition, the party is also a sign of people who believe in the beliefs and principles of the individual. But more importantly, it signifies the politician's loyalty.

A. Has been a member of 1 political party throughout his career ..... + 3 pts.
B. Has been a member of 2 political parties ..... 0 pts
C. Has been a member of more than 2 parties or has put up his own party or has been switching back and forth between two parties as the need arises..... - 1

2. Praise and Worship - Religion, belief and faith are important ingredients that tell us the morality of a candidate and how they would act during certain situations during their office.

A. Has been an active member of a religion and goes out of his way to evangelize his religion and his belief ..... + 3 pts
B. Is not a member of a religious organization or is not an active member of his religious sect ..... 0 pt
C. Has been attending all the services of all major religious organizations ... - 1pt

3. Private Affairs - Many public figures argue that their public life should be separated from their private affairs. However, with the evr-growing role of mass media. Public figures also serve as role models for the millions of constituents who look up to them.

A. Is known for his clean living .... + 3 pts
B. Is known for his clean living but his family or friends are constantly dragged into anomalies and immoralities...... 0 pt
C. The public is well aware of the anomalies and immoralities of this politician ... - 1 pt

4. Public Apperance - Politicians understand the importance of name-recall and adequate media exposure i to ensure success during elections.

A. Keeps a low profile, does his job without much funfare and keeps the people informed on all major projects and achievements..... + 3 pts
B. Keeps the media informed of all the issues related to his office..... + 1 pt
C. Keeps the media informed of all the issues related to his office and personal life ..... 0 pt

D. Takes advantage of every opportunity to be interviewed and do tv guesting..... - 1pt

5. Preparatory Education - The constitution should mandate the importance of education for people running for public office. Even drivers and sevice crew need college units, so why can't we require our public officials to have a good education. They will need adequate knowledge to run an office. If they really just want to do public service, there are other venues to do so.

A. Has completed post graduate courses or graduated from top Philippine schools ..... + 3 pts
B. Has graduated from college ..... + 1 pt
C. Has not graduated from college ..... - 1 pt

6. Performance -
***If the candidate is a re-electionist:
A. Has actively worked for major/ important causes, whether beneficial to graoups that supported him or not ..... + 3 pts
B. Has worked for projects beneficial to groups that supported him ... + 1 pt
C. Has not done any beneficial project ...... - 1 pt
D. Has been known to enrich himself in office ..... - 3 pts

***If the candidate is running for the first-time :
A. Has risen from the ranks and is a constant achiever in his field ..... + 3 pts
B. Is an artist or a basketball player ..... - 1 pt
C. Is an ascendant of a politician ..... - 1 pt.
* B and C can also be in A if they deserve to be.

7. Priorities and Principles - The reasons and rationale behind the acts and principles of the politicians.
A. Performs an act because of his duty to the country ..... + 3 pts
B. Performs an act to protect or maintain an image ...... 0 pt
C. Performs an act to maintain or get additional powers ..... - 1 pt

8. Over-all Impact - The personality of a certain person has different effects on different people. You decide how much a particular politician affects you.

A. Affects me strongly in a positively way ..... + 3 pts
B. Affects me in a positively way ..... + 1 pt
C. Affects me in a negative way ..... - 1 pt
D. Agitates me endlessly in a negative way ..... - 3 pt

TRAPOMETER

24 pts - Super GUAPO 19 - 23 pts - GUAPO 10 - 18 pts - TRAPO 0 - 9 pts - Super TRAPO negative score - Just Pray for this Person

*** Basically GUAPO is an adjective used for males and throughout the article the male pronoun was continuously used. This however doesn't mean that lady politicians can't be a GUAPO or a TRAPO.