Filipinos should Stand United Whatever the Result of 2016 Election May Be
Posted on Wednesday, 4 May 2016
Filipinos
Should Stand United
Whatever
the Result of 2016 Election May Be
By Apolinario Villalobos
Voting puts to test how Filipinos can make
a sound decision. The “sacred right” of each voter should be tied to their
mental attribute, instead of their quickly fluctuating emotion. Their decisions
as regards their choice are harbored in their mind and nobody knows about them
unless they blurt it out due to their uncontrolled emotion when they join
discussions personally or in the cyberspace. Most importantly, political
differences are best forgotten when the decision of the majority has been made
– during the election, and which must be accepted.
Fanaticism, in the first place, should not
be harbored by the Filipinos because it is a fact they are just “used” by
politicians who do not even know them personally. It is for this reason, that
while candidates are safely doing their rounds of campaigning, their supporters
and campaign leaders are getting the ire of their opponents. And, if they die,
the candidates may not even be able to attend the wake because they are busy
giving out cash or leaflets. The fallen supporters and campaign leaders are
eventually relegated along the forgotten sidelines of the chaotic campaign
trails.
Political fanaticism must not polarize the
Filipinos. The various sufferings that are causing so much despair among the
long-exploited populace should not be underscored by their loyalty to chosen
leaders who may win or lose. What they shared as their views in support of
their candidates through the social media or personal discussions have already shown
the extent of their courageous support. On the other hand, this should not
cause the severance of ties with friends and relatives. Bashing each other in
the social media based on shared posts from other sites which may not have been
verified is not also prudent.
If what may come out after the election is
far from what is being expected, this should not incite political die-hards
into doing brash acts. Unexpected results should not also be used in inciting
others to commit unbecoming moves that spell violence. Fire cannot be doused by
fire. We had our lesson in the People Power which showed that something can be
done by the number. After the election, those who will assume that they lost despite
their number, should further unite, albeit, peacefully and show the nation such
glaring proof.
The history of Philippine election is
pockmarked with fraud, and if all parties concerned shall assume that it will
happen again during the forthcoming 2016 election, they should be extra wary by
closing their ranks and open their eyes wider….at least.
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