RP elections - a new dawn
MANILA, Philippines - After so much apprehensions, doubts and fears on the credibility of the first automated elections, we now heave a deep sigh of relief. Euphoric even! The long lines, heat and inconveniences endured on judgment day more than made up for the expeditious credible results in what is deemed as “the most peaceful elections” we have had. The people have spoken! They have installed president-elect Noynoy as the new captain, and all the newly-elected officials — crew of our ship. Let us in unison steer up our ship forward to a new beginning, a new dawn brimming with hope renewed.
This landmark election is characterized by many FIRSTS in our country’s electoral history:
• First time the son of our first woman President, Cory, is elected President;
• First time the name sake of one of our heroes, Ninoy, is elected President;
• First time the country’s foremost political arch rivals, the Aquinos and Marcoses, were elected together in this election;
• First automated election in Asia;
• First bachelor elected president;
• First time a presidentiable had four sisters vigorously and successfully campaigned for him;
• First time we had a heavy turnouts of voters, who willingly sacrificed in order to vote;
• First time media: print, radio, television came out in full persistent force and most effectively in aid of electoral process;
• First time since martial law that youth sector actively engaged in political exercise, and rightfully so, for the future belongs to them.
Presidency is no doubt a destiny! Many can try, but only one is destined. Noynoy did not even have the presidency in his political radar. But circumstances conspired and drove him to the path. Ninoy and Cory must have helped him all the way to victory.
When Motherland beacons, Filipinos unite and come to her succor — was once again proven on this election. Noynoy’s victory glaringly manifested Filipinos’ strong clamor for honesty, integrity and trustworthiness, and their deep-seated longing for the restoration of trust and confidence in our government and its institutions.
We must not, however, let our guards down; rather vigilant we must remain and NEVER to allow our government officials to abuse the power that we — the sovereign people — bestowed upon them. At the first sign of abuse and corruption, they must be exposed and nipped in the bud. They must not be allowed to become monsters and attack the people that they were sworn to serve and protect. Vigilance is the price for democracy! As concerned citizens that is our social covenant, our responsibility, lest we keep going to the same deep political and economic pit again and again.
The successful automated election gives hope that, in the not-too-distant future, patriotic selfless men and women dedicated to serve our beloved land can have better chances under electoral computerization as it can considerably level the political playing field. Undoubtedly, more innovations must be undertaken to improve, if not perfect the system. Let the “hello, Garci” remain a thing of the dark past in our election history, as we thwart any attempt for a computerized Garci.
To President–elect Noynoy, the winning senators, congressmen and governors, down to the local officials, we will watch and count on you to stamp out corruption, the No. 1 disease that is killing us all! To genuinely, most efficiently and effectively work for our country’s interest… the task mandated to you by our sovereign people. Together let us strive for a strong, prosperous nation — with the Filipino people as the MASTERS and our elected officials — PUBLIC SERVANTS!
God bless and help our beloved Motherland.
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