Your Vote and Your Voice Matters

It has been four years since President Rodrigo Roa Duterte was elected for a six-year term of office. Since then, he has fulfilled his promise of a radical anti-drug campaign, an infrastructure plan in the form of the renowned Build, Build, Build program, and eradicating alleged corrupt officials, among many others. Before all of this happened, one could hear each of his supporters chanting the slogan, “Change is coming.” Fast forward to 2020 and change indeed came. In fact, a lot of changes did. But at what cost?

Amid the various initiatives being implemented by the current administration, one unexpected enormous change hit not only the Philippines, but the entire world. The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the nation like a wildfire. Although it seemed that we initially had the situation under control, the number of confirmed (both late and fresh) coronavirus cases continues its steady rise with no vaccine in sight. So far, the government made efforts such as conducting webinars for frontline workers, providing financial assistance through the Social Amelioration Program (SAP), and the COVID-19 Adjustment Measures Program (CAMP) for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) . They also have plans to further implement the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-Asa Program as well as to boost digital transformation efforts. All are great action plans and achievements.

But let us examine the other side of the coin. In the recent weeks, the government has denied ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal and passed the ambiguous Anti-Terror Bill into law. It may appear that these are minor issues compared to the health crisis. However, with the non-renewal ABS-CBN’s franchise, an established source of reliable information for the Filipino audience is eliminated, approximately 11,000 workers lost their jobs, and relief efforts for COVID-19 by ABS-CBN’s Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation are put to a halt. Furthermore, both major events deprive the people of their freedom, whether it’s press freedom or freedom of speech and expression. Matters that should be the least of everyone’s problems, especially during a global pandemic.

Which is why it is important now more than ever for the people to exercise their right to vote. The very foundation of democracy heavily relies on the voice of the people. It upholds a government that respects and honors the needs of the public as a whole, not the other way around. Furthermore, our right to vote does not only push us to visit the polls on the next election, it compels us to stay informed about our country’s political situation, our potential leaders, and their respective platforms.

While there have been many contributions to improve the nation, there is still a lot that needs to be done. It is never too late to educate ourselves about various pressing issues within and surrounding the Philippines. There is still a need to rebuild our economy, to address poverty and unemployment, and to fight against climate change, among many other matters.  And that first step to enlightening knowledge can start as early as now. 

The freedom to speak up or express oneself may be slipping away, but the freedom and right to vote is still there. Even if the voter registration has been suspended until August 31 due to COVID-19, it is crucial for you to participate in electing the Philippines’ next leaders. Let your voice be heard in the 2022 elections, no matter who you voted for in 2016. The future rests on our hands and the candidates we elect in office. All it takes is one ballot, one piece of paper to progress ourselves and our nation.

As soon as registration opens, you may proceed to any of the local Commission on Elections (COMELEC) offices to apply. A personal appearance is a must in order to register, along with other requirements. You will be given an acknowledgement receipt after the process, which you are urged to keep safe for inquiries or concerns about your application. Remember that every vote counts despite select people convincing you otherwise.

The truth of the matter is that we all wanted change. We still do. We want change for the better and change that we deserve. But what is that change? Vote for the change that will benefit every Filipino, no matter the age, gender, or social class, in the long run. Vote for the better and rightful future of the Philippines. It can be attained. It will take the right kind of mindset, accountable and just leaders, and proactive citizens to push for our collective goal of building our nation and sustaining it. Mahatma Gandhi once said, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” What change do you wish to see? Let your voice make an impact. Let’s vote and stand in solidarity with our nation and our people.