To vote does not only mean exercising a constitutional right but also fulfilling a responsibility towards the country.

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Thank our colorful history for putting us not only in a bright independence, but also a democratic land. For years, Filipinos have used their power to select deserving leaders whom we can entrust the country with. From the person who would spend six years in the palace, down to the brave captain who would run a peaceful barangay, we’ve always been the so-called deciders. However, there is more to look into the concept of democracy than just simply choosing a leader. As we observe the current situation of our country, we can conclude that voting is more of a huge and serious obligation rather than a mere taken-for-granted privilege. We cannot just vote for a candidate randomly. It is also our job to inspect the people lining up for a position. It is our duty to scrutinize the platform, plans and advocacy of every candidate.

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During elections, one mistake has no room for all of us. A piece of ballot meant to be shade serves as an instrument to foresee the kind of future we will be having. The good news, on the other hand, is that as always, we have the power to choose that future.

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For years, we have witnessed how dirty people tainted all the branches of our government. Corruption is as easy as breathing air, political dynasties are present everywhere, and poor governance has become the standard for many. We are trapped between two powerful families, fighting for more power. Well, ironic, isn’t it? We vote to change leaders, but no change has become evident every after elections. In fact, in the years 1995–2007, an average of 31.3% of all congressmen and 23.1% of governors were replaced by relatives. With that, we slowly become puppets of hungry politicians, and we become slaves to an endless loop of poverty and lack of resources to rise and improve and gain progress.

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This happens because we fail to do our jobs. We always fail to choose the good leaders. We are always bribed, or false persuaded. We choose convicts over candidates with clean records, we choose action stars over big lawyers, and we choose familiar surnames over new ones with new causes. To be exact, we really don’t lack the resources to rise. We just lack the will to do so. In a democratic country, we always have the power. In the Philippines, the people are the ones who are powerful, however, it feels painful to see that Filipinos have yet to unlock the full potential of this power. What makes it worse is that we know how to unlock it. We just don’t want it. The government always has the power to change our lives. But the same way, we also have the power to change the government.

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Isn’t it time to reverse everything and have these politicians do the real job for us instead? Isn’t it time for real progress?