The Success of One Filipino is the Success of the Philippines by Russel S. Pernites

Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. -- Muriel Strode

Proactive

The May 10, 2010 election is a historic event. After years of people’s clamor for change, now the time has come where the people’s sovereignty is again exercised. I personally impelled myself to go back to Leyte and vote. I voted neither because I was forced by somebody nor paid by anyone. I voted because I want to become part of the huge stride that the Philippines is taking in terms of our political development. I voted because I believe that my vote will make a difference in the direction that our state of affairs will head. I voted because I want to show my fellow Filipinos and the rest of the world that we should be proud of who we are and in our system and institutions. If we want to make some changes, then we should be proactive and refrain from nonchalance.

New Leader

Three days from the day of the election, our new Head of State and Government has been unanimously voted—President Benigno Aquino. The overwhelming result is a well deserved victory because despite all the criticisms and character assassinations the electorate remained firm and chose intelligently. I have observed that the Filipinos have a unique political culture. Whenever we are confronted with a situation, we decide based on that situation alone ignoring history and experience. I must say, that the considerable number of votes received by former President Joseph Estrada substantially depicts that culture. On the other hand, this can also be viewed in a more positive light. President Estrada has done an impact to the “masa”, but he was a victim both of circumstance and of the people around him. Filipinos, I must emphasize do not forget but decide based on the present, they may have seen hope on the former president above and beyond the hope that they saw on the other candidates.

AES

Several critics have been enamored of throwing ill remarks against the “ambitious” Automated Election System (AES) that the COMELEC has adopted. At the outset plans to destabilize and to meddle with the AES have been reported. Major delays and setbacks also arose a few days before the election but by reason of our continued idealism, belief in the system and the people’s vigilance the AES is the true winner!

Thank you to the consolidated and united efforts and cooperation from all sectors of the society—from the media, youth, religious, business, etc. the election was conducted peacefully and successfully. As we continue our journey towards developing our Filipino-style democracy, may we be kept reminded of our goal and be guided by the Creator. Whoever maybe our leader, may he gain the support of all the sectors of the community. We as Filipinos should journey together, it is good to sometimes deflect from the established path and lead a new one so that we will again leave a trail for others to emulate. We have done this when we became the first democracy in Asia and when we exercised people power in EDSA. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas.