I beg to differ on the idea that a “political stand speaks so much about morality.”
In a democracy, a vote could mean many things. More than it as an issue of morality or any other else, I profound that a political choice is and should be primarily political, more so in this complex world of politics.
In a democracy, a vote need not always mean a reflection of the voter’s spiritual and ethical convictions.
It could be a protest vote. A protest to the arrogant hypocrisy of self-proclaimed moralists who, in their haughty egotistic minds, think they alone are the Philippines’ best.
It could be a hate vote. A hate to the egocentric policies of the few elites, the ruling oligarchs who for years have been funneling all to their cisterns the country’s resources.
It could be a democratic vote, that is, a clear assertion of freedom and liberty, nothing more.
It could be just a clear political vote on articulated policies, on clearly defined programs, and on unambiguous agenda a candidate espouses.
For Filipinos tired of the meaningless rhetoric of the Mega Manila politicos, whose promises to restore democracy never really materialized to an acceptable level of equity nationwide, this 2022 elections could yet again be another slap to their callous faces.
A damning protest vote against the Liberals, who, after holding the reins of power for decades, failed to deliver Filipinos from the shackle of want and shame, is not far-fetched.
Just like in 2016 and 2019, it is no doubt a stern rebuke again to a failed leadership of the Yellows, who thought they could hide their failure by smarting pinkish cunning looks.
To raise the bar of our politics and use morality as a criterion in validating the credentials of candidates, no one will make it to the shortlist. Of their kind, not one is anywhere close. Otherwise, let us get rid of democracy.
If morality is the foremost criteria, perhaps we need not engage in secular political processes.
We can have the advocates, proponents and models of morality – religious leaders: priests, pastors, preachers – the automatic leaders in the hierarchy of the government.
After all, they are so far the professors of moral ascendancy. Unblemished and beyond reproach, they will no doubt handle better the reins of power, and lead sure and well a people deprived for so long a time of good life.
But, of course, it would mean absolute return, submission and obedience to the laws and principle of theocracy humanity is absolutely incapable of doing.
Goodness, spare us now in associating our Christianity and our religious convictions to our preference in politics.