The coming elections

By now the election fever has reached its peak, its zenith. For sure, the rivalry is as scorching as the El Niño sun. This scenario brought back a lot of memories to me, so vivid, so crystal clear.

In the 70s my brother Eddie decided to throw his hat in the political arena; he was a neophyte, running as  Congressman in the then Third District of Southern Cebu. He requested me to take care of Talisay to run  his campaign. I was told beforehand that the votes coming from the area will determine the overall winner  in the district. Trying to win there, however, was like jabbing at the moon.

Eddie was running against two incumbent Congressmen who had a very strong hold on the place.

Congressman Ernesto Bascon was the incumbent, and the other contender was Congressman Antonio Cuenco. I then prepared a comprehensive plan of action, covering all days until election day. I have to mention, I truly valued the assistance of my trusted friends – Atty. Dodong Baduel, Atty. Benjie Cobarde, who later become a judge, and Atty. Rey Belarmino.

In the end, the election results would speak for itself. Together, we helped install a new congressman. Our efforts had paid off.

When Eddie convinced me to run for Congress in 2001, as he was already in his third term, I was taken aback by the request. What if I lose? Besides, my hands were quite tied running the University.

We had many, very long talks on the matter. He was, however, very persistent, saying it’s only for one term. In the end, he won me over and I won the elections.

In a few days, the Philippine electorate would be proceeding to the polling precincts to cast their votes.

It is quite lamentable and ironic to hear comments from well-meaning friends abroad, from the UK, Australia, and the US saying that although Filipinos are well-educated, their voting choices and preferences leave much to be desired. They say we have not matured.

To a certain extent, I have to agree. Sad to say, vote-buying is still very much rampant in the country.

The country’s political arena can be likened to a circus. We see political fences destroyed (and then mended), siblings and relatives running against each other, left and right mud-slinging. Some candidates  cry foul claiming they have been victims of political harassment, everywhere Comelec rules are being  violated by the indiscriminate posting of political posters… the like. The decent public can only  helplessly sigh and watch these ugly events unfolding.

To me, what is important is to look into the candidate’s qualification, knowledge and skills and,  above all, whether he or she has the heart to serve the people. Quite a number of people are running for various government positions all over the country. When we choose our Congressman, Governor, Vice Governor, Board Member, Mayor, Vice-mayor and City/Municipal Councilors, may we bear in mind that these people must have the passion, once elected, to serve wholeheartedly.   

May we all seek the spiritual guidance of the Holy Child Jesus, Señor Santo Niño, and the intercession of the Blessed Mother, Mama Mary, and Servant of God, Bishop Teofilo Camomot, in choosing deserving and righteous leaders. We pray that this political exercise will be peaceful, and yield truthful  and desirable results that will improve people’s lives, that their various needs will be addressed and not only serve the personal interests of these elected officials.

May politicians rise above selfish political agendas and work hard for the greater, common good. May they equal, if not surpass, the efforts they exerted during the campaign period and maintain the enthusiasm they showed and their so-called “willingness” to serve once they get the people’s mandate.

May the elected officials truly value the trust and confidence bestowed on them by the people.