The Die is Cast

On Monday, May 9 2022, once we have the indelible ink on our finger, the die is cast. Our vote shall determine this nation’s future for the next six years. We, the governed, will have exercised our accountability in this democratic society to choose the leaders who shall govern us, and to choose them well.

By our votes, we are given both the power and the privilege to influence the decision of the government on what would make this country better. Thus, I would like to devote this column to the Five Cs of Responsible Voting by Archbishop Antonio J. Ledesma, Archbishop Emeritus of Cagayan de Oro City, to wit:

CONSCIENCE: Voting for the candidate proven to be a person of moral integrity, and without any charges of corruption.

COMPETENCE: Voting not based on personality or popularity but on the candidate’s record of public service.

COMPASSION:Voting for the candidate who has a concern for alleviating the conditions of the marginalized sectors of society.

COMPANIONS: Looking at the supporters and advisers of your candidate and assessing their moral integrity and reputation.

COMMITMENT: Assessing your candidate’s political will to bring about the common good, and the candidate’s stand on important political, economic and social issues.

When we go to our respective polling places, let us remember this: exercising the right to vote in a democracy means creating a new nation, one wise vote at a time. Our choices reflect our values, and our vision for this nation we call our beloved homeland.

Let your vote be an enlightened one. And remember, too, that your participation in governance does not end there.

QUOTATION OF THE WEEK:

“EVERY ELECTION IS DETERMINED BY THE PEOPLE WHO SHOW UP” - Larry J. Sabato

FOR OUR WORD OF LIFE:

“PRAY FOR GOVERNMENT LEADERS SO WE MAY LIVE PEACEFUL AND QUIET LIVES IN GODLINESS AND HOLINESS” - Timothy 2:1-4