One of the striking features of Monday’s election was the emergence of challengers and younger candidates who won against the more established families that have controlled local positions.
It is not a sweeping trend, but the examples are many—and notable.
In Metro Manila alone, for instance, entrenched families known to control Pasig, San Juan and Manila, all had to give way to their younger and relatively less-known opponents. In Makati City, the patriarch of an established clan lost a congressional seat even as his children went on to win their respective battles.
Filipinos are no strangers to numerous David-and-Goliath stories. The underdog, with hardly any resources and clout, defeats the powerful names because the people have grown tired of their ineffective at best, and corrupt at worst, leadership. The archetype is popular because it makes people—except the losers—feel good. There is hope for the town, city, country, world.
But the real judgment should come not in these few days after the elections. After all, this is a time for mere promises and plans. We do not doubt that these newcomers are aware of what ails their LGUs and what must be changed. It will take them time to establish their own leadership brands—and actually deliver on their promises through small, day-to-day victories.
They must also have the humility to acknowledge legitimately worthy initiatives of their predecessors, and sustaining rather than overhauling them.
Most importantly, they must consistently evaluate themselves henceforth, to make sure that all they do would be in service of their constituents and not of their own agenda.
Filipinos are so parched for saviors. Many can hardly distinguish between those with a real desire to serve and those simply putting on a show. This desire for deliverance—through a lionized individual on whom we pin all our hopes—has been responsible for our undue focus on personalities rather than institutions. And all too often, we encounter only heartbreak: Everyone has feet of clay.
Many incumbents and dynasties continued their hold on power, but these relatively new names provide a refreshing and encouraging side to our political life. We hope these new faces do not squander their mandates by turning into that which they challenged. We hope even more that people stop imagining saviors and superheroes. There are none—there are just public servants, with some more inclined to do good than others.