HOTSPOT

By TONYO CRUZ

What else is there that one has to say for us to vote on May 13? Some preach, yet again, to “vote wisely.” Would your love or hate for “Budots” or some matrix make you vote?

The traditional politicians and political dynasties led by the President and funded by oligarchs are by now 100-percent confident. They’re confident that the “winnable” candidates they have popularized, financed, and campaigned for are on their way to victory. Some of the bloc-voting churches and sects have “weighed in” and came out with their lists.

The official opposition unfortunately did not attain the political maturity to lead a broad opposition coalition. It has chosen the narrowest view of fielding a mere eight candidates for the Senate. Up to the last minute, it rejected appeals to broaden the slate.

But the good thing is, people themselves and more responsible oppositionist groups have forged an informal coalition. Filipino-Americans and OFWs, the Labor sector and the Makabayan Coalition, and national artists and national organizations. They’ve come out with lists of 12 senatorial candidates. It is a reminder to everyone who thinks Filipinos are mere pawns or robots that we can actually think and act for ourselves.

If you ask me, there are two reasons to vote on May 13.

First, this is an important election about our country’s territory and sovereignty. Our country is begging us to vote for patriots and nationalists who will fight China’s incursions into our islands, seas, jobs, businesses, and even our sands. We can’t afford to let candidates who are quiet or supportive of China win and sell us out.

We need patriotic and independent-minded senators, congressmen, and local officials who will stand up to China and stand for the Philippines. If we don’t take action, Congress and government would be packed by traitors and sellouts ready and willing to sell us out.

Our Inang Bayan is calling on 60 million voters. She is calling us to vote for her. She is calling us to disregard our petty and temporary partisan differences to vote for our land and seas.

Remember those who have insulted activists, patriots, and progressives for a long time with epithets such as “Nakakain ba ang pagkamakabayan?” “Nakakain ba ang prinsipyo.” We now all know the answer.

Patriotism created this country. Patriotism will again save this country from being lost forever to a foreign invader. Patriotism will restore the dignity and sustain the livelihood of our people.

On May 13: Vote for the West Philippine Sea and Benham Rise. Vote for our fishermen and our workers. Vote for the Cordillera’s Chico River. Vote for the indigenous people whose lives and land would be destroyed by the China-funded Kaliwa Dam. Vote for our territory, sovereignty, and dignity as a people.

Second, democracy is at stake.

If there would be no new oppositionist, independent-minded, and patriotic lawmakers taking office in July, it would be easy to install a Duterte dictatorship.

We must elect as many pro-democracy senators in order to fight any new attempt to tamper with the Constitution. Duterte and his sycophants have not hidden their desires: lift term limits, make Duterte president for life and Gloria Macapagal Arroyo the prime minister, water down the Bill of Rights and remove protections for Philippine territory and Filipino entrepreneurs.

Whether they falsely call it “federalism” or “revolutionary government,” the objectives are rather apparent. Weaken or destroy democracy, replace it with dictatorship. And it can only be made clearer by the presence of the Marcoses and fascists in the ruling coalition.

Only a few have so far reaped the full benefits of democracy, but that’s no excuse for destroying democracy and replacing it with a dictatorship. It will make matters worse for many, and make a few wealthier and richer.

On May 13: Vote for human rights, equal protection, and due process. Vote for press freedom and free of expression. Vote for separation of powers and for checks and balance. Vote for holding plunderers, crooks, and traitors accountable. Vote for constitutional protections for Filipino industries, for Filipino entrepreneurs, and for future Filipino industrialization.

Yes, friends. The elections are about nationalism and democracy. Beware of those who misportray it any less than that.

Given these premises, I’m voting on May 13 and I ask you to do so too. Join me in voting for Kabataan Partylist, and for senators Colmenares, De Guzman, Matula, Diokno, Gutoc, Tañada, Hilbay, Aquino, Binay, and Osmeña.

For those who have one or two left in their lists, and whether you are for or against Duterte, maybe we could all agree that Colmenares and De Guzman deserve our vote. They are true patriots and changemakers. The Senate needs them. Our politics would be better with Senator Colmenares and Senator De Guzman.

The elections are almost here. Our motherland is calling us. Let’s answer her call. Together, let’s vote for the Philippines, its territory, and its democracy.