By this time we are all waiting for the final results of the local and national race for key positions in our government. Votes have already been cast, now all we have to do is make sure that the vote counting machines transmit the right votes to the head offices for the final count. It is going to be exciting and full of thrills - who will get the most coveted 12 seats in the Senate? Who will be our district's representatives for the next three years? Will our country achieve the best that it deserves for the remaining term of this administration?
These questions continue to hound my thinking as I look back at the election that took place. As expected there are long lines, complaints, and errors that seem to be perennial during the elections. The issue of vote buying continues and the trash accumulated from the campaign paraphernalia will become a big problem of the local public services unit. Was it all worth it? I hope so.
The next phase will be very exciting. Those who have been proclaimed by the Commission on Elections will be subject to questioning and contest by their opponents. Recounts will be demanded and the integrity of the vote counting machine will be put in the spotlight. It is a usual storyline plot that has been going on since we were still using the manual mode of voting. I’m guessing that by the time I have children, and even grandchildren, the story will be the same. Hey, Philippines, isn't there something new that you can offer?
I hope that those who have won all deserve their position - not that they cheated their way through by influence and money. The next three years will determine if the country has already learned its lesson when it comes to being a well-educated electorate. If the turn of events in our country will be as bad as it is today, then you have nobody else to blame but yourselves for the votes cast. The future of this country lies in our own decisions, that is why choosing leaders who are efficient enough would really spell how we think and what we want. I still like to lobby that education is key. With educated citizens, then we can weigh well who deserves to be in position, to lead our country in governance towards the ideal society that we want.
I still have high hopes for the Philippines despite the situation we are facing - living in fear, the era of fake news and false hopes. There could be a possibility that we can work towards the goal that we have always been dreaming of. You know, this country is ours to start with. We just need the proper minds and the proper legwork to do so. That being said, I want to personally extend my thanks to all who have made the elections possible and as orderly as it should be. You all deserve a pat on the back, and maybe a few incentives. It was fun and stressful while the tension rose. As the waiting game begins, which will spill over to the day these people will be sworn into office, I wish us all the best of luck. Till then, it’s onward to the next polls.