To the Filipinos messaging me today over the ongoing election results (and for the foreigners to be aware of our political situation),
I feel you — this is humiliating, painful, and devastating. A legacy of dictatorship back on the seat of power, over hundreds of reported bribery and cheating cases with evidence, an election committee with their own preferred people, actors and abusers over human rights lawyers, history forgotten and rewritten.
But let's never forget that we're on the right side of history. My first vote was for someone with the best possible credentials and character, along with a colorful senatorial team with great campaigns.
We'll grieve this time around, but let grief turn to anger and let anger turn to hope for a better future.
I'll always remember how every university banded together for her; how professionals and celebrities chose her and her team. I'll never forget the flash mobs singing peace hymns in malls, markets, and streets; the house-to-house campaigns where my friends ventured to the most unreachable places; the sports games where everyone wore pink instead of their school colors; the crowded rallies where food and water were passed around, and not a single wallet was stolen.
We turned a political campaign into a movement for change and love — and I'll always be proud of that. We made the right choices. We did what we can. That, in itself, shows promise for our future.
For brighter futures, laban lang, Pilipinas! fighting! 💗
