Brothers and sisters, Election Day has passed. Instead of treating it an end of a long day, following the chaotic and noisy campaign period of candidates, we must consider this a new beginning in addressing the current problems we are facing as a nation.
But this will not be an easy feat.
In Congress—the House of Representatives and the Senate—who will be the ones to prevail? Would it be those who value life, human rights and social justice? Or the senators and congressmen who don’t give importance to the life and rights of people?
In our cities, who will be the ones to rule? Those who take action for the welfare of the poor and the environment? Or the leaders who prioritize their families’ and friends’ businesses, sacrificing the interests of the poor and even nature?
To those who won their respective positions after the elections, those who would lead us in this new beginning, we must remember that our nation’s destiny lies at the hands of the people. According to Pope Francis from his Apostolic Exhortation EvangeliGaudium, “People…enhance the social dimension of their lives by acting as committed and responsible citizens, not as a mob swayed by the powers that be.”
That is why it is important that after this election, we must be vigilant in watching the actuations of our new leaders in the government. As they say, “Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.”
For example, if we believe in the sacredness of life, we must not allow laws that desecrate life to be passed, like the repeal of the death penalty—even if this is the will of the administration. We must encourage our leaders to prepare alternatives against cruel campaigns against crime and drugs, and challenge them to take responsibility for the thousands of killings of those neglected or those who were not afforded due process.
If we believe in the common good, we must not allow our leaders to use their position in the government to sustain political power for their families through the adoption of federalism. We must not allow the constitution to be changed with the end in view of dividing our country and letting political dynasties to reign.
If we believe that all Filipinos have the right to a peaceful life, we must ensure that the winning candidates deliver their promised programs and services. We must urge them to formulate laws that help strengthen our economy to provide more jobs. Laws that provide equal opportunities for the poor to develop themselves and not dependent on government dole outs.
In a society that seems to be covered in the darkness of cruelty, dishonesty, shallowness, and disrespect, we must not lose hope in achieving our goals as citizens after the May elections. Much like what Pope Francis said in his message to the bishops of America, “responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation.” Thus, it is our duty to watch over the new leaders of our nation and hold them accountable for their acts.
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