“Let this not be another election defined by blind loyalty, personality cults, or fear”
The votes we, the Philippine electorate, will cast today, will reflect who we are as a people, what we value, and how much we are willing to fight for a future that we deserve.
This midterm election is not just about re-electing or replacing legislators and local officials, or recalibrating political alliances.
Our choices today determine whether we drift further into apathy and submission, or rise to become a vibrant and prosperous democracy.
Our success as a democratic nation demands our responsible consent—it demands active, vigilant citizenship.
Every electoral exercise is never simply about selecting a new set of politicians to occupy seats of power.
It is far more consequential—something that reaches into every Filipino household, every dimension of our economic system, and amidst the expansionist actions of China, shapes the very sovereignty of our nation.
Yes, bread-and-butter issues are the most serious concerns of the people: the cost of rice, the pain of inflation, the lack of gainful employment.
But beneath these daily struggles lies a more defining question—will we choose leaders that will uphold accountability and national dignity, or slip back into the shadows of impunity and foreign submission of the former administration.
Many see today’s elections as a pivotal battle in an ongoing political feud between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the Dutertes.
The political future of Vice President Sara Duterte, her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, and their family for that matter, is very much on the line.
With Sara Duterte facing an imminent impeachment trial and her father under arrest and standing trial for crimes against humanity before the International Criminal Court, the outcome of these midterms carries far-reaching consequences.
The Senators elected today will soon serve as judges in a historic impeachment trial—one that unfolds under intense public and international scrutiny.
The impeachment trial will test the strength of our democratic institutions and its resolve to uphold the rule of law.
Will the Senate act as guardians of accountability, or as a shield for impunity and political expedience?
As consumer advocates, we have always emphasized accountability. When prices rise, we demand explanations.
When public funds are misused, we call for investigations. But political accountability—holding the highest officials responsible for their actions—is the ultimate test of a healthy democracy. That is the test that the new set of Senators and incumbents will face.
At stake is not just the integrity of our institutions, but the very independence of our foreign policy.
Let’s not forget: under the previous administration, we suffered the consequences because of FPRRD’s acquiescent tilt toward Beijing.
Our fishermen were harassed, and our marine resources defiled. Our sovereignty was traded for dubious loans and agreements. And today, China’s shadow continues to loom—through underground POGO and scam operations, heavily funded disinformation networks, espionage, and even suspected interference in our electoral systems, as flagged by our own National Security Council.
This is why your vote matters.
We must not be mere spectators in this unfolding political drama. As ordinary citizens, workers, and as tax payers, we are the real employers being wooed by all these candidates aspiring for powerful jobs in government.
The choices we make today will determine the kind of leadership we entrust with our future—whether they serve the people or serve themselves.
Be reminded that the COMELEC is deploying a new automated election system provided by an untested technology vendor.
While automation promises faster results and greater efficiency, any maiden deployment at this scale carries a high likelihood of glitches. As voters, we must exercise both vigilance and patience.
When technical disruptions do occur, focus on finding solutions and leave the fault finding for another day. Every vote must be counted. Every citizen must remain alert to ensure that the will of the people is accurately reflected.
Let this not be another election defined by blind loyalty, personality cults, or fear. Let it be the beginning of a new political culture—one where we vote with clarity, conviction, and conscience.
When the next Congress convenes, and a fresh mandate of our local governments begin, we must continue to demand transparency, call out abuses, and track the fulfillment of their campaign promises.
If we want clean water, affordable food, decent jobs, prosperity, and dignity in our daily lives, we must demand clean leadership, just institutions, efficient public services, and a government that answers to its people.