My heart just breaks. For my country, for myself, for the good future the Philippines could’ve had.
Much worse than disappointing, the results are depressing, alarming, enraging.
I was so looking forward to what better leadership could do. For a hopeful moment I thought good governance was within reach, and meaningful, universally-beneficial projects are just around the corner.
I thought we’ll also have that emotionally charged moment similar to when Joe Biden was proclaimed president of the US. In my mind, I was imagining reaction videos like what they show when they are about to declare the beauty pageant results. Lots and lots of loud, happy screaming.
Sadly. the moment of victory never came.
And there was no Steve Harvey moment for the country this time around.
I guess we were still stuck at the time akin to when Hilary Clinton lost.
Why do we choose incompetent people who have proven nothing? Why do we prefer actors, liars, convicts, and corrupt politicians over lawyers, economists, educators ad real public servants?
Is it because we don’t know any better?
Is it the lure of what’s familiar, the entertainment value, the vested interests, the paid endorsements, or the strong family ties we consider an admirable Filipino trait?
Whatever it is, we’re in for a rough time.
I worry about the consequences, not just for the next six years, but for way beyond that: how it would dissuade others to make a stand for what is right. How it paints the picture that somehow, here in this seemingly religious country, it’s better not to have said anything at all. How it endangers the truth and freedom of expression. How all those valiant efforts in the name of good, radical change, in the end, meant nothing.
Who can save us now? Who should be liable for all the misinformation and hatred spread around? Will there ever be hope for this country?
I seriously don’t know.
For now, I can only take a deep breath as my heart just breaks, and accept that it will remain broken for quite a while.
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