photo via James Jimenez of COMELEC
"Sa hirap ng buhay, marami ang magugulang at nang-uuuto, ngunit mas marami ang nauuto at nagpapa-uto kapalit ng panandalian at kakarampot na bagay."
Have you seen the latest survey? What do you think of those names thriving in the senate's magic 12? Do they possess characters? Are they capable of performing big duties and responsibilities? Do they really have what it takes to become leaders?
It's not the elected public officials. It is the people who vote. It's us. Yes, we are to blame ourselves. Sadly... most of us never learned.
It's not about political dynasties, nor Filipinos are anti-intellectuals. Neither we are politically dumb and naive, and so on and so forth pessimistic arguments. Arguably, we are more than this predicament. We realize it; but, apparently, most of us are not doing anything about it.
Statistically speaking, majority of Filipino voters came from the marginalized, the grassroots sector. Our population tells it's hugely given. And during election, candidates integrate themselves most of the time with the less fortunate people. Juan Dela Cruz is exposed to varieties of political gimmickry like listening to different kinds of promises; receiving welfare support services in form of commodities, other so called "goodies" and benefits (directly or other the way around) — all of these which are being practiced by individuals slugging each other out to grab authority and power. With the said actions, political aspirees are being able to obtain majority of votes, winning their bid for a seat, hence benefiting them MORE in the long run. Once they are seated, it's as if no treaty had taken place alongside citizens. Interests are vested highly in favor of themselves rather than their own constituents.
— And so we have to END this tradition. We must refrain from continuing the unwanted cycle and abolish this present political culture. We should take the course to a far better level. If we want to eradicate poverty, we must do something sensible and uplifting.
Educating our fellow countrymen, most importantly Juan and Juana Dela Cruz in the lowest ground scale of society — would be the key solution. All of us must be equally informed and that no one should be taken advantage of by the other. We need to have a choice and to access the best possible channels toward attaining a higher standard of living.
Okay. And so the biggest question is: HOW? How can we educate the people specifically those living below the poverty line which comprises the biggest chunk of votes? Frankly, I don't know, can't grasp of any concrete answer. But at least, maybe we can do something about it. It is time, since time immemorial. We are very very late but still, it is not the end. Time to mobilize ourselves; our better-selves. Yes. We have it. We acquire it. It's there; it just needs to be fueled.
For advocates of good and transparent governance, campaigners against political dynasty, political patronage and crony capitalism, for passionate teachers as well as community organizers, for the vibrant youth who believe she/he can be able to change his/her community, for concern citizens who want to volunteer for any deed that would bare fruit for the country — I am encouraging all of you, take part. Start on the ground. Dig into your own urban and rural communities. Bring the information you have to the streets. Boost the social consciousness and awareness of people in your areas via sharing the knowledge you possess, the facts you hold, what you think of the candidates (their track records so to speak of, their platforms etc). Be approachable and make yourselves available all the more to those people who are eager and have the willingness to learn. Also, give it a shot on social media. Participate and be involved in meaningful and intellectual discussions. Time and effort are the essentials for this to happen.
By educating the people in the lower class, not only they'll gain lots of great things and opportunities, but also among others, they will be empowered. It's like giving them bullets to reload their guns for hunting and survival. It's as if we help them cultivate seeds which eventually will make themselves prosper. We provide them a stairway to their goals. We give them lives, ultimately guided by wisdom.
If pushed through, Juan & Juana Dela Cruz shall possess the ability to mull over the candidates, basing his/her precious vote on intellectual discernment, dignified principle and information-based conviction (and definitely not the lack thereof). Not being influenced by the dirtiness of politics and dampened by petty promises, favors, and of course money — this, is my hope for my fellow Filipinos.
Positions are once again up for grabs! If we want change, we need to designate leaders who have the initiative to do so.
And when the time comes we elect the bona fide ones, in return we can rightfully demand not just good but better government.
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