Yesterday, we transformed our hopes into votes. Today, we bury them.

Elections have adverse impacts on one’s dignity and integrity — both on the voter and the candidate.

As usual, bribery and familiarity preconceive winners and losers. Whoever gives the highest amount wins the bid for public office. Voters accepting money but voting for “their real preferred candidate” is a rarity. But it can happen; it still happens. There are many kinds of voters. And the list can go on… But enough of vote buying; as our very own incumbent president said, “it is an integral part to PH elections”. Should we weep right now?

Yes, we should probably weep right now. Along with the loss of our genuine, most qualified, credible candidates is also the loss of Philippine democracy. The people are blind staunch supporters of Duterte – “Yes, President! We will vote whoever you endorse.” Bong Go? Bato dela Rosa? Imee Marcos? Jinggoy Estrada? REALLY?

We cannot seat someone who has pushed the legislation of Free Tertiary Education but we can vote for her — she who should not be mentioned — who faked her educational documents. REALLY?

We cannot seat someone who has an impressive educational background, human rights advocacy, clever practice of one’s legal profession but we can vote for him — he who should not be mentioned — who sloppily declared an alleged murder suspect with drug abuse and should be penalized with death. REALLY?

The president’s pawns are complete. He can do whatever he wants with the country. We can perhaps witness a parliamentary government in less than 3 years.

We missed the opportunity with Sen. Miriam Santiago in the 2016 presidential elections. We made the same mistake yesterday with a few of her likes. When will we ever wake up and do something right?

Are we still ok, my beloved country?

Featured image source: Angelo Lopez/Cartoon Movement