One good vote can make a difference
BACK in 1997, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) released a Pastoral Exhortation on Philippine Politics which expressed how “Philippine Politics– the way it is practiced– has been most hurtful to us as a people. It is possibly the biggest bane in our life as a nation and the most pernicious obstacle to our achieving of full human development.” Notably, the way we conduct our elections have become the root, the original sin of graft and corruption.
Philippine politics can be characterized with a number of features such as: (A) Patronage Politics or the highly corruptible practice of giving loyalties to officials— no matter how unqualified or against the common good, for the sole purpose of receiving favors (material, position, etc.) in exchange for this support; (B) Celebrity Politics or the undiscerning cast of votes by jumping on the bandwagon of popularity and show business without regard for standards and criteria; (C) Pay-Off Politics which is much related to vote-buying where instant gratification (e.g. receiving of money and gifts) is prioritized without regard for future consequences and; (D) Political Dynasties where vested interests of political families for control and power make public service a money-making family business, thus overriding the common good and the emergence of authentic community leaders.
Part of the 1987 Constitution illustrates “… a Government that shall embody our ideals and aspirations, promote the common good, conserve and develop our patrimony, and secure to ourselves and our posterity, the blessings of independence and democracy under the rule of law and a regime of truth, justice, freedom, love, equality, and peace…”This definitely points to a government characterized by just, compassionate and selfless service; run by honest, honorable, qualified and God-fearing leaders. Without this, the vision will be a mere daydream.
The voters have the choice to turn this vision into reality. And the conduct of elections remains our democratic opportunity in doing exactly that. The election is a pillar of democracy— or a quicksand of deceit, depending if we participate and how we participate. Change happens when change makers act.
With awareness-raising and a refusal to apathy and indifference, we find the need for ONE GOOD VOTE that shall reclaim the sanctity of our vote and the priceless, non-negotiable dignity of the Filipino people. ONE GOOD VOTE stands for the following:
ONE: By “One,” we mean “We” as a communion of our individual “I”. Here, we can see the coming together of people to rebuild a nation. Our hope is to organize ourselves and use our voice to say “Yes” to wiser votes and to clean, honest, accurate, meaningful, and peaceful elections (CHAMP). By “One,” we are also saying “I am one with you and with the nation.” One with all Filipinos of goodwill working for change. Selfish ways that obstruct unity are thrown away.
GOOD: By “Good,” we demand from ourselves and the candidates solidarity for transformative politics, life-giving, and hope-generating. Integrated in this definition is the aim for Good Governance where participation, accountability, responsiveness, and transparency are found. We also speak of the Common Good, what is best for all, especially for the many poor people and the youth in our country. The tangible Common Good that can be experienced in social services which emanate from Good Governance practices.
VOTE: By “Vote” we celebrate our good use of the right to Vote. A declaration of our oneness for the good of the Philippines. Good Votes are well thought -out votes, conscience-driven and based on values and tested criteria which can technically get political officials hired to do the required job competently, honestly and with integrity. Votes are sources of power. By giving it to the candidates we vote for, we are entrusting to them power to make or break our life and our future. The nation’s too.
To conclude allow me to quote our Holy Father, Pope Francis, as he advices us: “A good Catholic meddles in politics, offering the best of himself, so that those who govern can govern. But what is the best that we can offer to those who govern? Prayer!”
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