Observe, discern, consider carefully who to vote for

So the circus has begun.

Since the filing of certificates of candidacy for the national elections next year, the Filipino public has been entertained by an ongoing parade of factions within political parties, the rigodon/merry-go-round of senatoriables as guest candidates in newly-formed political parties and traditional political parties, and mudslinging among government officials.

Wearing a certain color nowadays, or having one’s profile photo awash in a certain color, is interpreted as showing support for a certain candidate. You cannot even wear a certain color without being tied to a certain candidate. For example, pink is a cute color but I do not identify myself with it even if I originated from the same region as Vice President Leni Robredo.

I respect VP Leni, but, as in a restaurant menu, there are choices. The elections are six months away. Let us use this period to observe, discern, take down notes on who to vote for and strike from our list.

Filipinos have been described as having short-term memory loss, which leads to voting for the same officials over and over again. I hope we get vaccinated from this malady; herd immunity should be achieved against this collective amnesia.

In order to effect an authentic and truly genuine transformation in our government, we should consider reformist government servants who have been reformists even before the elections and not just because of the upcoming elections.

What color should I wear?

PAMELA CLAVERIA, MD
dokceemitch@gmail.com