Rising above divisive politics

The cherished wish of every Filipino is to have a better life no matter who wins the presidency. Each of the presidential aspirants, embodying the noble ideals of their supporters, have oneness of purpose. They all want a brighter future that we all can be part of, that no one should lack food, shelter, and security, that no one wants to harm or be harmed by anyone, and that each one can pursue one’s dream in his own country in peace and security in their homes with family.

Listening to the progressive ideas coming from all the presidential candidates gives one a feeling of pride that our country does not lack of ideals of any Filipino to aspire for a better country. The unavoidable brickbats and disagreement engendered by politics must not reach a point where we personally destroy each other’s character, for we are after all part of a freedom-loving race.

We must continue to uphold the ideals of freedom and democracy enshrined in the Constitution and respect our laws that safeguard and protect those rights and that no one can consider himself to be above them. Our institutions prescribed in the Constitution must be preserved and respected and afforded the independence that was meant for them to protect the general welfare of the people for all time.

Should politics always be divisive? The bruised egos after political conflicts will not be worth the pain generated in the aftermath of broken relationships among families and longtime friends. We recall the words of the late Senate President Jovy Salonga: “Today, we are divided once more, but it is my hope and prayer that like brothers, we can disagree without being disagreeable.”

Marvel K. Tan,

Quezon City

[email protected]