Getting Our Acts Together

Presumptive President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s rebranding of himself and of his father’s regime seem to have worked well with the electorate, 50% of whom are between the ages 18-41, and who never experienced the Martial Law era. The rebranding, which included usage of the moniker “BBM” instead of Marcos Jr’s full name, has been at the center of his campaign strategy. Its main tool has been social media disinformation, something that has never happened before in the history of Philippine elections. But then again, the people have spoken. And in a democracy, the citizenry is expected to respect the democratic process. An important element to consider here, however, is that reported anomalies in the electoral process should first be cleared in order to call the election results as truly reflecting the people’s mandate. All eyes are now in anticipation of the vote count by the Philippine Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV).

Where do we go from here? It’s time to set aside all political differences, and to remember that no matter who we voted for, we all voted for our country. We now think of what is best for the country, and this means getting our acts together. Should Marcos be declared President, we are called to accept him as our President. This does not mean, however, that we have given up the fight. It only means that we take up our role in the democracy of holding our elected officials accountable for their actions. We continue to remain vigilant, we continue to become aware of the power that has been ignited in us by the campaign and never lose that power. We keep watch. For in a democracy, we the people bear the biggest responsibility. If anything at all, every election is an invitation to reflect on the civic education of our young people, and how to bestow upon them the skills for intelligent and informed citizen engagement.

We want an honest and hardworking government, then we work for it and we demand it. After elections, we have a much greater role to play. Afterall, democracy is the rule of the people. by the people and for the people. In whatever form this may take under the administration of Ferdinand Marcos, Jr- we should be ready for it. We bear the consequences of our choices.

QUOTATION OF THE WEEK:

“EDUCATION, LIKE DEMOCRACY, IS ALWAYS IN THE MAKING, FOREVER INCOMPLETE, FOUNDED IN POSSIBILITIES” -MAXINE GREENE

FOR OUR WORD OF LIFE:

“WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE” - MATTHEW 19:26