ALL lovers of democracy go to the polls anew on Monday, May 9, to elect new national and local government officials, including the successor of President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

The victors in Monday’s political exercise, which is democracy in action, have the responsibility to chart the destiny of the people and the country for the next three to six years.

Under the Constitution, which was drafted during incumbency of the late President Cory Aquino, the President, Vice President and senators have a six-year term of office.

On the other hand, governors, town/city mayors and other local government officials, including members of the House of Representatives, serve only for three years.

Hopefully, without further prodding from well-meaning Filipinos and poll officials, the 65.7 million registered voters, mostly youngsters, exercise their right of suffrage.

With so many problems confronting this impoverished Southeast Asian nation, our election-crazy people, who must now come of age, have to vote wisely on May 9.

In the larger interests of the more than 110 million Filipinos, especially the weak and the lowly, the electors ought to listen to reason by not selling their votes to the highest bidder.

And that’s why there’s that urgent need to call on the electorate to expose the activities of vote-buyers.

This, if we want to rid the government of corrupt, abusive and lazy elective public servants.

Talagang panahon na para ibalik natin ang tiwala ng taumbayan sa gobyerno sa pamamagitan ng pag-suporta sa mga matitino at mahuhusay na kandidato.

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