Do right by our country and people in 2022

The campaign for the May 2022 national elections hasn’t officially begun but the barnstorming, hustings, scramble for exposure, and yes, fake news by trolls, have begun.

As usual, many, especially among the masses, remain unenlightened and are easy prey to deceitful candidates and their supporters. We’ve had too many lessons in the past but haven’t learned them well. Many times the Philippines has been on the brink of progress, only to slide downhill as leader after leader shoot themselves in the foot. But once again, we have another shot at a new beginning. Matuto na sana tayo at huwag magpa-uto at magpalinlang:

Enough with rampant, grand-scale greed, plunder, corruption, grave abuse, and misuse of power.

Out with recycled politicians to whom lying, posturing, and thieving are second nature (and those with such family history), and yes to fresh leadership from top to bottom.

No to self-serving rich candidates who will only build or perpetuate family dynasties, prioritize their own interests, and become unimaginably wealthier after entering politics.

Let’s elect leaders with the track record or solid agenda for uplifting the great many on the other side of the tracks; leaders who will resolutely address the age-old maldistribution of our nation’s wealth. For far too long we’ve allowed a handful of elite to pig out on the fat of our land, leaving nothing but crumbs to the vast majority.

Aye to leaders who will zealously uphold and defend our republic’s patrimony.

Let’s go for candidates who champion diversity and inclusion and respect everyone and their rights, most especially women, the disabled, minorities, children and, of course, the poor.

Choose genuine public servants who will make health, education, and social services top priority.

Please help bring back decency, politeness, and respectability in government—surely there’s much to gain with civility.

Lastly, and this is very important: Let us go beyond self, family, and friends, and think about community and country, above all else.

In the coming elections, let’s surprise ourselves and the world by doing right by our country and people.

#WagPagamit #WagPalinlang #WagPa-uto #IhalalTunayNaNararapat

ARNIE T. ALCAZAR
arniealcazar3@gmail.com