Re: Philippine Election 2022 [journal entry]

As a Filipino, the last few days had been difficult for me.

I once wrote: If only tears could do something then I'm willing to cry every day if it means we, as a nation, won't have to suffer again. 

But it doesn't work that way.

For the majority of voters, it's a time for celebration. Because they think they've won. What they don't understand is that a candidate winning the majority of votes doesn't guarantee a 'win' for the people.

The people only win when their welfare becomes the priority. When their rights are upheld. When they don't get shortchanged, or oppressed. When they are treated with respect. When all voices are heard. When they are included in discussions, and are allowed to voice out their concerns. When they aren't kept in the shadows. When people's taxes are used for their own benefit, and theirs alone.

This morning was different because I didn't cry. I don't feel like weeping anymore for those who can't see what I'm fighting for. For those who refuse to understand. For those who are not yet ready to understand. I realize, it's for them to learn for themselves. And it's not that I'm not learning something here either. We are all learning something at this time and I like to believe it'll eventually lead us into becoming better individuals capable of building a better nation.

Of course, the fight doesn't end once new officials are elected. When I say 'fight', it's about being vigilant; making sure those in position are doing their jobs properly. It is the people's job to get involved, whether it's their chosen candidate or not who has won. It's about fighting disinformation, brainwashing, and historical revisionism. They say: a lie, when told a numerous times, becomes the truth. Many may have been tricked to believe in those lies, but as long as people who know the truth continue to remember it, and fight for it, real accounts of the past will not be lost for generations to come. By learning history, hopefully they won't make the same mistakes again.

It is our job as parents, educators, family members, peers, and influencers to know our history right. To encourage people to think critically. To teach the young to be smart.

It's up to us what kind of nation we would like to pass on to the next generation. I hope it's the kind of nation they can be proud of.

There was a comment I saw online saying that people should be loyal to the country, not to the politician, and I agree with that. After all, if the time comes that the government screws up, it is us, the people who will help each other in the end. It is the people of a democratic country that will ultimately hold the power. And I hope no one forgets that.