So you won......now what?

So you won....what now?

So what can you say about the just concluded Local elections in the Philippines? 

There are a lot of surprises, a lot of issues, people were disenfranchised, some  were not able to get to the voting precincts on time. others had to wait for hours just to cast their votes while others were fortunate enough to do it in record breaking time.

But what is the real issue in the just concluded elections was it the process or was it the winners or none winners so to speak.  There is nothing normal in Philippine elections, although there are a few who are gracious enough to  accept defeat, most of the losing candidates in yesterdays elections claim that they were cheated. While the winners all claim they won it fair and square and that it was the voice of the people that has spoken.

So how do we know that the people really did vote for the "winning" candidates? Well, this would be an easier task to prove than finding out the reason why they voted for who they voted. I am not one to judge, I just look at the practical side of things and the logic behind it. Take for example the following;

1. why would people vote for a known mutineer,

a traitor to the constitution since the person went up in arms against the government, the president, the people, his comrade in arms and the constitution they swore to protect.  You know what is funnier, there are two of them in the senatorial race and they are both in the top 15. Now tell me the logic in that, who will support them or why will people support them? But they did, is it the fault of the candidate if they get elected, of course not, first of all they were allowed to run, in fact they are both incumbent senators. I cannot for the life of me explain how this happened.

2. Why vote for the relative of the former and current President? Is that his only claim to fame? Is that the definitive reason to vote for him? what is his capability, did the people question that? What has he done, what is his experience in making laws or his knowledge of the law for that matter? Is it reason enough to say that he has relatives who have served the country before so what will he do if he wins?

Will he run to his uncle who is the current President for advice? I know that the government needs new blood in the administration but get someone who is experienced not just young.

3. Why vote for a housewife who's claim of political experience is being an OJT to her parents for the last 20 yrs, why not a full-time job, why just on-the job-training? So she was a trainee for 20 yrs?

Wasn't she capable of being promoted full time or was she just listed as an employee, what kind of work did she do for the last 20 yrs that she couldn't do it full time? why is she afraid to discuss her political platform, her plans, why get a court order that prevents other candidates from asking her to go on a public debate? A lot of questions, a whole lot of questions.

4. and what about the daughter of a former movie actor and actress, what kind of experience does she have to bring into the senate. Did the people vote for her because she is qualified or did the people vote for her in memory of her father? Was it a compensation vote or a vote of confidence.

Now the big question is, "What are they going to do in the senate once they are proclaimed winners?"

There is actually a reason for all of these, we may not like what is happening but we do not have control over it. Do we need to worry, i don't think so but we will feel the consequences of these latest elections in the coming months. Normally the economy goes down after each election since investors are always getting the feel of the "new kids" on the block. Just like having new neighbours or officemates, you tend to thread lightly as you do not know who they are or what they are capable of. I always look at things from the perspective of what God wants to happen, it is either the Lord is teaching us something or the Lord is teaching them something. But rest assured we will always be delivered to a better situation as long as we know that we should rely on God andnot our own power.

Just like in the bible during the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt, they were delivered out of Egypt but the people complained and grumbled and always wanted to have their way so God  taught them a lesson and it took 40 yrs before they realised that they have to depend on God for everything. I just hope it doesn't take another 40 yrs before our countrymen realise that they should follow God and choose the right leaders.

There are no coincidences, everything is planned according to God's will and everyone can be used to make it happen. At this point all we can do is obey the rule of the land and pray for wisdom and rely on God's love for us. So do not blame the players, blame the game, what we should prepare for is the upcoming national elections in 2016. We should prevent  dynasties from forming if they haven't already.

God Bless this country!

Elections in the Philippines 2013...here we go again.

It is that time of the year again in this country of mine wherein we vote for local and national officials. It is not much as the election exercise that gets to me but the actual process, rituals and what have you that changes the atmosphere of the entire country.

Roads get built, streets become lighted, a sprouting of basketball courts and water wells and in some areas, school buildings get painted and a lot of celebrities get extra work endorsing candidates.

But the most concerning part of this whole process, well for me, are the candidates themselves. Time and again we have candidates who get approved by the Commission on Elections who have questionable character, capabilities and experience. The sad part is, these candidates are the ones leading in the surveys.

Is it enough that you are a relative of an incumbent politician for you to submit your certificate of candidacy and decide to run for an elected post, and a Senator at that. Is it enough that you are a celebrity  idolized by many to hold a public office, is it enough that you are the wife, husband, brother, sister or whatever relative of an incumbent for you to run for a national or regional post? There are so many questions about the ability, capability, competence and sanity of these candidates, like where will they get the money for such a nationwide campaign? Or what is their platform of government? How will a movie star work in the Senate or Congress?

Another point that has to be checked and believe me there has been a lot of attempts to change this, is the dynasty system. Why is there not a limitation or prohibition that limits if not totally eliminates multiple relatives in government. Take for example the family of the current Vice President, he has children running for mayor, a seat in congress and a seat in the senate in this year’s election. So why can’t this be stopped, his family is not the only one with multiple relatives running in this elections.

But for the worst part, the saddest actually, is in the part of the voters who will actually vote for these candidates. There are those who choose their candidates solely or in part due to their popularity, their beauty, their wealth or the amount of donations they have given during their sorties to their towns.

The victims are those candidates who are capable to lead but lost due to these kind of voters and the country itself. I just pray that the voters are guided by God to make the right decisions and that they think of the future of their children and their families when they make that all important decision. Also, may those candidates who will will put GOD ahead of their desires, the people and the country second and not think of recuperating their expenses during their campaign.

Let us all pray for our country.