The real power

I’m so tired of seeing people’s opinions on social media defending their presidential candidate. These create arguments with others of opposing views. Maybe I’m just not old enough to understand their significance.

Our country needs change—of that I’m pretty aware. However, I don’t really believe that having an excellent president would totally provide the solution. We Filipinos can have a super-perfect leader as our president, but if we choose to remain the same, nothing will happen.

If drivers remain impatient and irresponsible, we can’t expect the traffic to ease and road accidents to decrease.

If policemen remain lethargic and just content themselves with watching their bellies get bigger, we can’t expect better security.

If doctors remain selective in accepting patients, we can’t expect all sick people to be given immediate attention and medication.

If students remain uninterested in learning, we can’t expect the youth to be truly educated.

If employees remain dispassionate in their jobs, we can’t expect progress in any aspect.

If politicians remain stereotypical politicians, we can’t expect a better Philippines.

I don’t think the diehard supporters of each of the presidential candidates will become better people after the election. They will probably remain what they are: waiting for progress to happen by itself and complaining about each administration’s failures.

It’s quite funny how Filipinos demand change without being agents of change.

On May 9, voters will select a new leader for our country. I hope they will somehow realize that it’s not only the president who will make their lives better, and that the real power to change the Philippines still lies within each one of us.

J-Ann Avila, 15, is yet unqualified to vote.