And so, I have voted. I realized that our democracy, no matter how flawed, remains the best form of government ever conceived. It guarantees fundamental concepts such as rule by the people, checks and balances, separation of powers, human rights, and the election of leaders, among others.
Despite its imperfections, I still believe we are more fortunate than other countries where regime change is effected through violent means. Our way is the most peaceful method of establishing a regime and the most solemn means of transferring power.
So, I have voted, and I have voted for myself before anything else. I have voted for those who represent my core values and those who have the competence to run the office one is aspiring for. I voted while listening to that small, silent voice within me called conscience.
It is quite providential that the election nearly coincided with the Vatican’s Conclave. The process of choosing the new pope begins with the liturgy and proceeds through a process in which the cardinal-electors invoke the Holy Spirit to guide their discernment. The mode is solemn, as the cardinals undertake the entire process until they finally cast their votes and, afterwards, jubilantly introduce to the praying and watching world the new pope, the successor of Saint Peter.
The Christian community in the Philippines has watched the entire Conclave closely. The pope holds a deep connection to the Filipino people. We love the pope. Records show that the country holds the record for the largest gathering of people every time a pope visits the Philippines.
We have much to reflect on regarding the Conclave. If the selection of the pope requires the cardinals to undertake a solemn and prayerful discernment, why can we not do the same when choosing our country’s leaders?
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