We Are Whom We Choose
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The Leni-Kiko grand rally in Pampanga (Source: ABS-CBN News)
Pope Francis reminds us that Lent is a season of conversion -- turning away from the forces of darkness and turning towards God and His merciful love. As a wannabe preacher, I interpret this to mean that it is the Christian’s constant task to choose the light and serve as a candle amidst the darkness. Magsilbing liwanag sa dilim.
Segue to a topic that I am more familiar with. In past articles, we chronicled the dark clouds looming over the May 2022 Philippine elections. We agonized over the problem of political dynasties that remain entrenched in local politics. Worse, under the guise of unity, their tentacles are spreading outwards to claim national positions. (Political Dynasties Disable Philippine Democracy, December 8, 2021). We lamented a country that is still stuck in the muck of politics of personalities and patronage as opposed to pursuing a platform of policies and principles. (Substituting Democracy, December 1, 2021). We exposed the continuing “Big Lie” that cheating marred the 2016 Vice Presidential elections that is made to persist to project the image of a victim. (Gaming Philippine Democracy, December 29, 2021 and Safeguarding Democracy, January 5, 2022). We deplored the scourge of fake news targeting political opponents. We crowned all of this disinformation with the avalanche of historical revisionism to scrub clean the mortal sins of the past that has threatened the average Filipino’s ability to cast an informed vote in the upcoming election. (Practice Mental Hygiene for Philippine Democracy, January 12, 2022). The country’s political crucifixion continues.
Yet, a million pins of light have flickered amidst this pall of gloom. An unprecedented tidal wave of volunteerism has swept the country. (Philippine Elections: How to Come from Behind and Win, February 2, 2022) Instead of the traditional asking and waiting for assistance from local benefactors, Filipinos from all walks of life have collectively stepped up to stage campaign events, contributing their own funds and raising their own resources. Tagalog captures the imagery more poignantly: Imbes na humingi at maghintay ng ayuda sa mga namamahala sila ang kusang loob na nag aambag-ambag.
It is real work for a volunteer group to put together these grandiose rallies on short notice. They have curated their own programs and designed their own productions. Volunteer performers have dedicated precious time to practice (probably having had to skip work or school) and have reached into their own pockets to afford their costumes. They have decorated their community stages, including the unique backdrops and grand entrances from where their candidates would emerge. They have coordinated with the celebrities and the bands. They have engaged technicians to set up the sound system and install the big screens. They have hired specialists to fly the drones and mount the fireworks display.
Leni-Kiko volunteers repaint a wall pink in Isabela (Source: Youth for Leni-Isabela facebook page)
These organic rallies have showcased not only the rich culture and heritage of various provinces and cities, but they also released infectious kindness. A spontaneous fiesta is created where donated food and refreshments have been shared and campaign paraphernalia such as T-shirts, ballers, stickers, freely given. This generosity of spirit has enabled the sampling of local delicacies such as the piyaya of Iloilo and Bacolod and the puto of Calasiao: the tuna of General Santos, the bangus of Dagupan and the sisig and tocino of San Fernando, Pampanga. At the same time, notwithstanding scorching heat or pelting rain, the attendees patiently persevere. And after the rally, they do not rush for the exits carrying cash envelopes and loot bags but have instead happily stayed on to help clean up the site.
“A million pins of light have flickered amidst this pall of gloom. An unprecedented tidal wave of volunteerism has swept the country.”
This people’s campaign has also unleashed a burst of creativity. Aside from the traditional rallies, there have been a raft of activities celebrating Filipino ingenuity and free expression. These include marching bands, fluvial parades, mural paintings, and artworks that have bloomed all over the country.
Teatrong Kalye, the local version of the flash mob, spearheaded by theatre icons Celeste Legaspi and Mitch Valdez, has been a delightful online watch. Expect to see more of these street performances in the coming days.
This creative spirit has also led to the creation of the biggest placard (Taytay), best standee (Sen. De Lima), largest tarpaulin (Bacolod) and thousands of amusing hugot lines crafted by the individual attendees.
For the first time in our country’s history, a national H2H (house to house) campaign weekend was organized for national candidates. It was only fitting that Pampanga crowned its 220,000-strong record-breaking event last Saturday with the lighting of three giant pink parol lanterns.
The largest Leni-Kiko placard from Taytay, Rizal (Source: Wena Cos’ Twitter)
I do not fully grasp what Tumindig, Paglaum, Talindeg, and Manalakaran mean, but they seem to evoke the same patriotic flair. Tumindig ka at siguradong may titindig sa tabi mo. (Stand up and there will certainly be someone who will stand beside you.)
Fittingly, tomorrow (April 14) marks the first anniversary of the 96 Maginhawa Street, Quezon City community pantry whose founder, Patreng Non, shared its raison d’ etre: “Pagod na akong mag reklamo.. Pagod na ako sa inaction.” (I’m tired of complaining. I’m tired of inaction.). Are these not the same sentiments that are fueling these volunteers and rallies?
This is Philippine Democracy at its finest. People taking back the power that belonged to them in the first place. Ito ang mga totoong taas noo na PILIPINO! (This is the Filipino who can truly hold his head high!)
The first of the Gospel’s seven last words -- “Father forgive them for they know not what they do” may be applicable to many a misled voter, but it certainly cannot apply to enablers who are fully aware of the sins of the past and yet participate in its brazen cover-up and the malicious spread of disinformation.
This election is less about personalities and more about what characteristics and values the candidates represent. We are whom we vote for.
During this holy week, let us intensify our prayers for discernment not only for ourselves but all our kabayans. As we go through the Lord’s passion, let us imagine ourselves to be part of the Jewish crowd being asked by Pontius Pilate whom we want to choose. Hold that thought and take it with you as you cast your vote on May 9.
Before serving as chairperson of the Philippine Commission on Elections (2015-17) and Presidential Commission on Good Government (2010-15) the agency tasked to recover the Marcos ill-gotten wealth, Andy Bautista worked with two international law firms in New York and Hong Kong (1993-2006). He also served as dean of the Far Eastern University Institute of Law (1999-2013).
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