The time has come

Today the Filipinos will vote for the 15th President of the Philippines (Ferdinand Marcos being the 10th, Cory Aquino the 11th, Fidel Ramos the 12th, Joseph Estrada the 13th and Gloria Macapagal Arroyo the 14th). As we enter a new epoch in our history, we experience a period of radical change in the arena of politics – both good and bad. “Good” because more citizens have become vigilant and active — keeping tab of every candidate’s actions, deeds and words. “Bad” because after today’s election, the fight is not yet over. We are yet to experience treachery, viciousness and violence in the days to come.

Dirty politics in the Philippines has reached its peak where all of the candidates want to believe they are winners. Watch them struggle over wanting to be in power. No one will accept defeat. So what else is new? Some will take advantage of the chaotic (hopefully not bloody) scenarios in the precincts and so will begin to rally forces to the streets. Some are waiting for the cobra’s head to show itself. Calling on General Delfin Bangit — are you ready? Let’s see if his troops are truly loyal to him or all hell breaks loose. Abangan!

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We know that in every election for both the national and local officials for the last 64 years (since 1946), the main issue has always been graft and corruption. The magnitude and extent of this venality has, since 1992, become more and more mind-boggling running to billions of pesos without the principal culprits being prosecuted, tried in court and jailed. Worse, involved in the incredible amounts of scams are not only the high public officials but also their kin. For the pervasive graft and corruption that has spread all over the government, our nation has earned the distinction of being a notoriously corrupt country. For this ignominy which we do not seem to mind, we must have really become a shameless people embracing graft and corruption as a way of life to be bequeathed to our children and grandchildren.

How do we now reduce this malady of graft and corruption to a level acceptable to the civic conscience? I find enlightening the pastoral message of Pampanga’s Archbishop Paciano Aniceto, for the 2010 election. This highly respected prelate said: “Our citizens want to elect the right persons who will assume control over our political policies and structures. But there is a reciprocal bond between votes and candidates. If we want honest politicians, we must be honest citizens who will not sell our votes for a price. If we want politicians who will defend the sanctity of life and the family, we must first be faithful husbands and wives. If we want politicians who are not corrupt, we must first have men and women of moral integrity.”

Dealing with the flaws and defects in our political systems, Archbishop Aniceto urged: “Reject patronage and unprincipled politics that is perpetuated by dynasties, reject the culture of bribery, vote buying, deception, intimidation and violence. Stand by with candidates who will strongly fight for the dignity, protection and promotion of human life in all forms and the environment. We must not allow the poor to be snatched away by empty promises of help, dole outs and false hopes in jueteng, casinos and other forms of gambling.”

As we go to the polling places today, cast your vote ballot for yourselves, your loved ones and the future of your children. Vote according to your conscience, guided by logic – and, most of all, with your heart. The “10 Commandments for Responsible Voting” issued by the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting should serve as our guide: 1) Thou shall vote according to the dictate of your conscience; 2) Thou shall respect the decision of others in choosing their candidates; 3) Thou shall seek to know the moral dignity, capabilities and other personal qualities of the candidates you will vote for; 4) Thou shall strive to understand the issues, platform and programs of candidates and parties seeking your vote; 5) Thou shall not sell your vote; 6) Thou shall not vote for candidates using guns, goons, and gold; 7) Thou shall not vote for candidates with records of graft and corruption and human rights violation; 8) Thou shall not vote for candidates because of utang na loob, personal appearance, popularity or pakikisama; 9) Thou shall not vote for candidates living an immoral life; and 10) Thou shall put the welfare of the country above all else in choosing the candidates you will vote for.

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The result of this election will once and for all tell us if “surveys” are accurate. Who will be the winner? As to the outcome of the problems plaguing Smartmatic and its partners, what else I can say? The COMELEC should have installed the automation systems in phases. They should have chosen polls in major cities and towns first instead of forcing these machines to work in all precincts where operators and voters aren’t ready to handle them yet. This stumbling block has made us all anxious for the validity of the results. There will be protests of cheating. There will be municipalities and provinces in which the tabulation and canvassing will be open to question. The implementation of the automated elections has been met with skepticism on whether the intent is to improve our electoral process or to add more uncertainty and create more venues for vote manipulation. In reality, it has created more fear. Sanamagan!

Nevertheless, this is the moment. The time has come. The campaign period is over. No more rallies, no more sleepless nights for the candidates and their flock, instead there will be people huddled together in prayer. After this day, we need to heal our wounds, resolve to put our animosities and disappointments aside and close ranks to pursue the national purpose.

Chapter 7 verse 13 of Chronicles states: “If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and forgive their sins and heal their land.”

Indeed these are exciting times in the Philippines… even if danger lurks beneath the shadows of darkness!