Habemus Papam! We have a Pope! Leo XIV.

Meanwhile, it’s election time for us — in two days — and there are only five serious lady candidates for senator distributed among 14 slots in the surveys. Which is to say, if you want all five to win, it would be an uphill battle choosing only seven male candidates to make room for 12.

Survey says Pia Cayetano is between no. 3 and 5, Abby Binay at 9, Camille Villar 10-11, Imee Marcos 13-14, and France Castro. Those standings are not carved in stone, which is why this is nail-biting time. If all five ladies make it — each of them highly qualified or just as qualified as the guys — they’ll be making herstory!

True, woman’s work moves the nation in primal and primeval ways – the youth, education (which starts at home), the economy, peace and order and prosperity, the age of AI, mental and physical health and wellbeing. Women are as good in sports and athletics, in police work as in the Army, Navy, and Air Force. They make good nurses, carers in and out of uniform. They make good diplomats and good warriors.

Imee and Pia are up for reelection; they have their performance records to stand on, besides campaign slogans and ads. Abby’s performance as mayor of a very rich city speaks volumes for what she could do in the Senate. France is admired because she’s not afraid whose toes she’ll be stepping on. Camille is young and hopeful, will she be heard by her generation as well as the generation who admire her father as the Philippines’ richest man?

What I miss this election is a loud and angry opposition sounding out in traditional media – gone are the word wars, the debates and fireworks, why is everyone so tame and polite!

It’s social media through which all candidates must pass — and pass scrutiny. As voters multiply with each election, and growing younger in numbers, just like the poor and hungry, the exit polls should keep us glued to the TV.