wear Pink.
I am not a fan of politics. You might accuse me of being apolitical even.
I won’t argue, but neither will I degrade the value of its need when our life on earth is to spent sanctifying each and every ounce of it.
So I cannot be silenced when the time is right, when our national elections are approaching.
I don’t like politicizing anything, because it was so clear in our youth, to render unto Caesar the things that matter,
and not the other way around.
This piece might be unusual, but others say that here and now, the hodie et nunc,
na radikal ang pagmamahal.
What always crosses my mind is how mortifying it has been
to witness beloved friends and family, sucked up by the political atmosphere as if it were something that has consumed them from bottom to top.
But again, we live in the midst of the world, contemplating each and every reality of life as we are called to. I cannot deny the truth.
And so I must try my best to be conscientious as I strive to everyday even in the littlest, smallest things,
so as not to be superfluous, scrupulous or simply punctilious.
Conscientious in deciding and voting what my conscience tells me. Because that’s the crux of the matter — that’s what’s important.
You look for the right sources, simply C.R.A.A.P. — Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose — when you read, review and critique (because no can deny that the human faculty of making judgments come naturally), you cannot think twice to read twice, thrice or as they say, seven times seven.
Perhaps that’s what I am thankful for and I should be even more thankful for as a journalism major.
I am not convinced by any of your truths except of the Faith and of reality. Sometimes even reality in itself can and seem to appear questionable,
but that’s not the discussion.
The first order of business, as written, is to look for the most credible sources.
Not that I distrust Rappler or other online news sites,
but go to the ones that are the “real-deal” like Inquirer and Reuters (which is one of the most known news wire services since forever).
Reuter describes the following candidates:
Ferdinand Marcos Jr, 64, the son and namesake of the dictator overthrown in a 1986 “People Power” uprising, is the clear leader in opinion polls, and is promising unity.
Marcos is a political heavyweight from a family with wealth and powerful connections. His critics say him winning the presidency is the Marcos family’s endgame in whitewashing a controversial past. Marcos says he wants to serve his people.
The other main contenders are Vice President Leni Robredo, Manila mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, retired boxing icon Manny Pacquiao and Panfilo Lacson, a former police chief.
Plain English, simple and simply refreshing for one’s mind to recall the history of our motherland that blew up in the 1980s. No frills. No historical revisionism or whitewashing can be done to cover up such drama and
dictatorship.
Furthermore, journey to each one’s story, such as this — Factbox: Facts about Philippines presidential hopeful Ferdinand Marcos Jr | Reuters — or — Philippine Vice President Robredo joins race for president | Reuters, etc. etc.
And even to summarize, their plans, convictions, beliefs and ideals — Presidential candidates pitch platforms, plans and programs | Inquirer News
What is the best among the rest? What will not make one’s convictions and personal faith suffer?
The answer is clear. Even it might be the better among the worst.
Although one thing’s for sure, that we have to be ready, ready for the worst that is yet to come. (Well, who am I to say that?)
But then again, who knows. We hope for the best. #OmniaInBonum
To end, I would like to cite the words that my dear maternal grandfather wrote in this coming season of national elections in May.
As the poll surveys showed that VP Leni has the biggest share among the three presidential bets dominating the “Discerning Group,” it is but logical for Senator Ping and Mayor Isko to give way to VP Leni.
It is believed that in a one-on-one battle between VP Leni and former Senator Bong Bong, the former will emerge victorious over the latter — similar to the outcome of their 2016 entanglement for the Vice President position. In the event of VP Leni’s presidency;
(1) Senator Ping may be appointed in the DILG. PNP is now in critical need of an effective supervision (2) Mayor Isko, given his varied experience, may be placed in any of the executive departments. Should he replicate his good performance in Manila, the presidency is for his taking in 2028.
Similarly, VP bet Sen. Kiko Pangilinan and Dr. Willie Ong will have to give up their quest for VP in favor of VP bet SP Tito Sotto as he was the one leading in the poll survey. (A welcome move as this will eliminate the cause of animosity between two families)
The bottom line is that for Senator Ping and Mayor Isko to make a supreme personal sacrifice of giving up their quest for the presidency to prevent the entry to Malacanang of someone with highly questionable personal traits and educational attainment, a convicted tax evader, and a member of a family whose head had been accused of human rights violations, extrajudicial killings, and economic plunder.
Conversely, if Senator Ping and Mayor Isko will not give way to VP Leni, it will go down in history that they missed the opportunity to prevent such person to win the presidency.
Here, too, are some words from The Philippine Star columnist Jairus Bondoc:
Under a false leader national sovereignty will be surrendered to China. Greed will be the creed.
Partymates will resume their plunder.
Cronies will take over state resources and public utility contracts.
Provincial political dynasties will finish off what’s left.
The platforms of Robredo, Pacquiao, Moreno and Lacson will become pipe dreams.
Filipinos will continue to suffer hunger, child malnutrition, learning inability, joblessness, homelessness, hopelessness.
A word of advice for the ignorant, semi ignorant, and undiscerning but simply scrolling — social media is not your most trusted source at all times,
(perhaps that’s why I really didn’t like before how we started calling Facebook and other similar platforms as social media — social MEDIA and social NETWORKS are different for a reason)
neither are the political commentaries or echoz of your beloved ones on their spam-ish Facebook, Twitter or Instagram (including any other platform they wish to make ingay) feeds.
If you want to learn, read!
Read the right sources.
Another piece of unsolicited advice for the elite Leni fanatics:
respect each one’s decision.
Don’t fall for the pulpit or any other religious sort of support and consolation Catholic leaders or Quiboloy fanatics are offering.
The pulpit, the liturgy and the moral authority of the Good Shepherd is not political — and shall never be. Save ourselves from the past centuries of shame and inexperience, please.
Bottomline, we all have the duty, a moral obligation if I may insist, to respect each one’s decision.
One thing is to educate, form and inform — another is to respect wholeheartedly and freely the person without tainting his dignity and personal self.
Let me cite this post I came across a few weeks ago:
If you are for LENI, Go! If you want BBM, no problem!
If you will vote for ISKO or PING, sige lang!
If you think PACQUIAO is the right choice, that’s OK!
Just dont call people BOBO, TANGA or MAKIKITID UTAK just because you have a dissenting opinion.
May God bless us.
Sources:
- Explainer: A guide to the Philippines 2022 election | Reuters
- Factbox: Facts about Philippines presidential hopeful Ferdinand Marcos Jr | Reuters
- Philippine Vice President Robredo joins race for president | Reuters
- Manila mayor files candidacy for Philippines presidency | Reuters
- Pacquiao makes Philippines presidential run official | Reuters
- Duterte’s daughter joins Marcos as running mate in Philippines presidential election | Reuters
- Factbox: Key contenders for Philippines’ 2022 presidential election | Reuters
- Presidential candidates pitch platforms, plans and programs | Inquirer News
