Heated politics

A week has passed since the final leg of the Pilipinas Debate held in Pangasinan. It was not a friendly debate, as some of the candidates went head on against each other. It was platform based, not a cockfight which did not even please everybody. Case study stories were produced to represent the voiceless but some didn't quite get the message well.

Days after the debate, the exchange of comments still continues to lurk on social media. Supporters are bashing one another with heated exchange of arguments. Many relationships become at stake because of differences in choices. Others stay true to their candidate despite the many controversies, while others succumb to being undecided.

It's a circus - or so they say. Election in the Philippines is very organized in terms of those who want to bring it down. Those with the cause strive hard to fight for a clean and honest election but still we cannot eradicate those who have the hand at trying to steer the course of the polls. We strive to improve our system, yet it proves to be the most vulnerable yet. There is too much pride in one agency after the other but when it comes to the day, the fingers are being pointed at each other.

With barely a week left before we cast our votes, have we really made an informed choice? Talks say that vote buying is just around the corner. Even as early as months before, supporters are persuaded by free food, free vehicles, and everything which are free. Seems like an easy mind to manipulate with a handful of goodies.

This is the sad reality that I always wake up to: the Filipinos has not yet reached a certain level of maturity. Although we thought we have already been matured.

Like it or not, the choice we make will affect the next six years of our lives and the next six years of the children that will be born. The future is at stake, why don't we see that?

Are we contented with the status quo? Or do we want something more? I say, it does not have to be relied on towards the presidency. We have to do our part. Gandhi said, we must be the change we want to be. How can we achieve a national movement of improvement when we could not even cross at the pedestrian lane? Or stop when the traffic light goes red? I could go on and give a long list. Bottom line, we need discipline in us.

It isn't so hard if we start a little at a time. They say, before you take a big leap, take a small step. You must start to be an agent of change at home, then radiate it to the workplace, and wherever you may be. Who knows, you might just make an impact to your community which will change the country then the world.

It will be a week of heated politics as one controversy is unfolded after the other. It's like watching a movie from the sidelines but I choose to think and have the upper hand. Our conscience will not be tainted by whatever spoken of by others.

Good luck and make your vote count!