CHANGE. A six-letter word that’s easily spelled than done. This concept is basically embedded in every platform and in any campaign speech we heard from presidential candidates. But if there’s one thing we have in common with these aspiring presidents, it is our desire for change. In fact, it is most likely the only thing the candidates agree amongst themselves.
We all want change to happen in our country. We’ve wanted it since we realized our lack of it. Which is why the mere mention of it does not just give us the goosebumps, it also leaves us hoping.
“Stay calm. Change is coming.” – this was the campaign message of the Duterte-Cayetano tandem. And after all the counting (and cheating allegations), the “hope-full cry” for change grew even louder as former Davao Mayor Rodrigo Duterte won the Philippine presidential elections.
According to election officials cited by CNN Philipines, Duterte was in the lead with more than 38%, according to an unofficial tally from the PPCRV poll monitor.
The result was staggering; yet highly anticipated. Duterte has been leading in surveys and mock polls since the election campaigns started. During which, there was a “yoyo” reaction from the people because of the latter’s responses to interviews and an alleged bank account that contained millions.
Still, the Maverick anti-crime candidate prevailed. I noticed a slight change in his disposition and speech nearing the proclamation of his victory. In one of Duterte’s interviews with CNN, he said that he would humbly serve the people of the Philippines. “If I get to live to the day (of) my oath of office, I don’t have other desires than to serve the interests of the people of the Philippines. Nothing follows,” he said, promising to focus on improving education, health and agriculture.”
Following Duterte’s anticipated victory is the concession of his opponents. Main rival Mar Roxas admitted defeat after polls gave Mr. Duterte an unassailable lead. Prior to that, a “graceful” and classy exit was declared by fellow candidate Senator Grace Poe, who consequently earned praises for her well-intended and respectful speech.
I wouldn’t call myself a solid “Durterte fan” but I somewhat had a paradigm shift when I swathe video of him sobbing over his parents’ grave. For me, that wasn’t an act but more of an expression of his vulnerability and love for his parents. And even if it was released with malicious intent (to project his soft spot or something to that effect), it pulled a heartstring for me as one who highly regards parents.
I see Duterte as a man of the people. I believe that’s what he wanted everyone to think. He is straightforward and brutally honest – to a fault. But in my humble opinion, these would not get him anywhere if he doesn’t have a solid plan to fulfill what he promised our nation.
I am hoping that the “change” he wanted is not just the change we love to happen but The change that our nation needs. One solution may not change the traffic situation in the Philippines but maybe (try to) change the way public transports are maintained and operated. Everybody likes tax exemptions or at least a decrease but it would primarily benefit us more if the tax goes to where it should go – for a change.
And who doesn’t love a safer nation? Going by the number of people who supported Duterte all the way, I would assume majority are inclined to agree with his “methods”– yes, including the killing of convicted criminals, if that’s what it takes. As for me, I still believe in rehabilitation for criminals. I still believe in achieving a safer nation without having to resort to a killing spree. Yet, I digress. Because the bottom line is, if our newly elected president wants change, so do all Filipinos – however that change may look like to any individual.
I sincerely hope that our newly elected president will get all the support he needs in changing what needs to be changed. I hope he would be more schematic; extra-vigilant if possible. He may have won the hearts of his fellow public servants but I hope he can get into their heads as well in terms of making better decisions for the Philippines.
“Change is coming,” says the “iron-fisted” man. We are now looking to him to lead us to change not just what we can but most especially, what we have to. But before we start our list of things we wanted to be altered, I hope we start within ourselves.
To President Rodrigo “Digong” Duterte, I wish you all the best. Welcome to (an even more) change-thirsty nation.
***
Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-winning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration. To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at [email protected]
