EDITORIAL - Promises and fulfillment

The smoke has cleared and the issues surrounding the May 13 elections are now sidelined to the dustbin of history. Those who won are now officially on their second day in office.

Before their assumption, the elected officials are preoccupied with promises. From relocation sites to livelihood and infrastructure projects, their promises to their constituents are countless as they begin to start their term.

But it remains to be seen whether these new leaders know how to keep and fulfill their promises. Yes, it is well within their rights to display whatever programs and projects they think would be best for their constituents.

But, of course, swiftly implementing them is another story. Promise and fulfillment are just two different things. It's easy for a leader to promise what is best for his people, but fulfilling it requires extra effort.

In the world of politics, it is normal for a candidate for mayor or governor to speak of programs and projects during their campaign. But once he is already in power, it's normal for him to forget all the things he promised to his constituents, as he begins to think only of personal gains.

That is why it is also normal for constituents to remind our leaders about the promises they made during their campaign. The people have the right to demand fulfillment because it is them who send these leaders to power.

The people must be vigilant. They must see to it that those they have elected go through extra miles to fulfill their promises. It is the obligation of the people to check on whether their leaders have delivered the promised services.