Question for the homestretch: Does my candidate bring out the best in me as a Filipino?

We are less than two weeks into what many consider the most crucial election of our lifetime. This period is the last stretch wherein campaigns will be conducted in the most ardent manner. The intensity of the campaigns, which themselves have taken a life of their own, will be knocking and pleading for those still undecided (and even to those who have already made their choices) to make the switch to the candidate they are campaigning for.

The whole campaign season was unlike the past. We have drawn the lines by means of whom we support or detest. The choice for candidates became a morality test, as it is perceived to be a summation of the values one holds dear. If the election and the campaign can alternatively be described as making a bold stand, then this is our best example. We have learned that half-measures can lead to gaping holes, which ruthless politicians will take advantage of in an attempt to return or to remain in power. Verily, those who have made up their minds are resolved with full measures as the consequences are dire if the status quo is maintained. There can be no more repeating of past mistakes that led us to where we are now.

Some questions we need to ask ourselves: Do we vote for our selfish and personal reasons? Do we vote for thieves when we go the extra mile to secure our property? Do we vote for liars when, as kids, we were told that “liars go to hell”? Do we vote for those who have taken shortcuts for personal interests? Can we even be proud of our vote and stand by it? Are we willing to criticize our candidate once she/he is elected? Will our vote be one that we will not regret in front of the younger generations that depend on us? Does my vote reflect the values that were taught during childhood? Does my candidate bring out the best in me as a Filipino?

The campaign has been likened to a months-long job interview culminating on election day. But journalist Raffy Tima tweeted a much simpler metaphor that resonates with us more: “Just been reminded how as kids, it was so natural for us to choose our class leaders. Almost always, we choose the most intelligent, most accomplished student among us. We never elected someone who was not good and active in school. Wonder what changed when we became adults?”

And why indeed, which falls under the larger question of why we have become accustomed to falsehoods, and even killing, is that we have been desensitized to its horrors—those human lives are nothing more than numbers that can easily be reduced at whim. What have we become if we put everything else at front and center except the dignity of human lives?

The fourth Sunday of Easter in the liturgical calendar is also known as Good Shepherd Sunday. Coincidentally, this Sunday is the day before the second Monday of May, which the Constitution mandates to be election day. The Gospel for this day taken from Chapter 10 of John is short but sweet. Jesus proclaims Himself as the Good Shepherd: “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” The verses before this are illustrious: “A thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy; I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”

Do we vote for a good shepherd who will listen to us and whom we could follow?

EDWARD JOSEPH H. MAGUINDAYAO,[email protected]