An Open Letter to Everyone

I don’t usually post much about politics, nor do I often react to it on social media. But with everything happening around the world, including in our own country, we need to be careful about how we choose our leaders. Watch the debates, pay attention to how candidates respond, and try to understand their values. We must raise the bar, even for those in local positions.

Lately, I’ve made it a point to stay up to date with current news and public affairs. It has opened my eyes, and I’ve learned, sometimes the hard way, that deciding who to elect is truly a life-and-death responsibility.

Honestly, I’m disappointed by how things unfolded during this pandemic. We’ve heard about incompetence in handling the crisis, corruption around government aid, overpriced procurement, questionable laws passed during the pandemic, endless politicking, and even controversial pardons like that of Laude’s slayer.

If the government claims to be tired, so are we. We’re weary, not just from the pandemic, but from their injustices. Democracy only works if we, the voters, are informed.

I can only hope.

I hope we see leaders like AOC from New York, Vico from Pasig, or Leni from Naga. I know many qualified candidates are ready to run, but their efforts are futile without our support.

I hope this pandemic has reminded us not to settle for less than we deserve. I hope we vote for the right candidates and not based on name recognition, party affiliation, or personal gain but because they have plans for public health, safety, education, employment, the economy, transportation, and so much more.

I hope the public thinks before posting or commenting, ensuring opinions are based on facts and expressed respectfully, without taking differences personally.

I remember my professor once said, “Politics is like Janus: it has two faces, good and bad.” I hope I have learned enough to recognize the good and make choices that matter.