Isko Is My Choice, No Matter What

May 7

In three days, Filipinos will cast their votes for various national and local positions in the country. Yes, that's how it's done here in the Philippines. One day to chose the next President, Senators, down to municipal councilors.

However, the hottest issue is the short list of leading candidates for the presidency. The top two contenders belong to opposing parties whose rivalry started decades ago. But I'm not going to talk about them. Maybe I will mention them occasionally.

Hello, friends, especially my Filipino readers and friends here. In just a couple of days, we will be choosing who will be the next leader of this country. Have you decided whom you will vote for already?

As the title says, my choice is Manila City Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso.

Why Isko?

Before I answer that question, I just want to emphasize that this is not a political campaign post. I will just speak out my reasons briefly and discuss something else that is related to the coming election.

Why Isko? At the height of the pandemic, a few city mayors stood out in their campaign to fight the deadly disease. One of those is Mayor Isko or also popularly known as "Yorme". Manila was way ahead when it comes to its plans in combating the deadly virus.

As Manila Mayor, 2019-present, COVID-19 anti-viral medicines were purchased ahead of other cities as also advised by his running mate Doc. Willie Ong (Tocilizumab, Remdisivir, Molnupirapir)- source.

Mayor Isko also has numerous infrastructure projects in the city. He has done a lot in Manila in the midst of the crisis brought about by the deadly covid-19 virus. The way I see it, He is a leader who does buckle under pressure. He is not perfect, he has his flaws, but for me, he has shown the capacity to lead a troubled country.

Again, I am not campaigning for Isko. If you want to learn more about him, here is a link to a page containing unbiased information about the candidate. The website also contains information about the other candidates.

 https://votepilipinas.com/candidate/domagoso-isko.html

Respect Each Other's Freedom To Choose.

One thing I have observed lately, especially on social media, supporters of the various candidates are throwing "stones" at each other. Calling each other names because the other chose a different candidate.

Some would say something like:

"Bobo ka ba? Bakit mo pipiliin ang magnanakaw?"

("Are you stupid!? Why will you choose a thief?")

Referring to the leading presidential candidate Bongbong Marcos, who is the son of the late President Ferdinand Marcos, Sr.

There was even an issue that another candidate, or at least the party of that candidate, was trying to convince the other candidates to drop the presidential race. Because, with their votes (combined), they will have a chance to prevent Bongbong Marcos from becoming the next president.

Their reason is, Marcos might repeat what his late father had done.

 I was even told by some people that I know to change my mind. The conversation goes this way.

"Who's your president?"

Me (wearing an "Isko" face-mask holder): "Isko".

"Ay sayang, maliit ang chance nyang manalo, Leni ka nalang. Nakakatakot kasi baka manalo si Marcos. Baka bumalik na naman ang Martial Law."

"Your vote might be wasted. He has a small chance of winning. Vote for Leni, instead. If Marcos wins, Martial Law might be imposed again."

In my mind, I wanted to say, the  1987 constitution has already had a safeguard. The President can not impose Martial Law without the approval of the Congress and Senate.

I will just smile and say that I have my reasons for choosing Isko and never Leni. 

We Are A Democratic Country.

We are a democratic country. We have the right to choose. If you will vote for Leni. I respect your choice. If you vote for BBM, I fully understand why and respect your choice. Note that I grew up in the Martial Law era. But that's another story to tell.

Anyway, my point is. We may try to convince other people to change their minds in favor of the candidate that we chose. But in the end, we have the right to chose. But we don't have the right to call other people names like "bobo", "tanga", because they chose to vote for another candidate.

We are a democratic country. This is how democracy works. You don't want another "dictator" to lead the country? Why dictate to others who they will choose?

Respect the other's freedom to choose.

 Thanks For Reading