by Rev. Dr. Mariano C. Apilado
The May 10, 2010 Election is now history. From many indicators, the election was a huge success. Within less than 24 hours the results nationwide were known.
Except for a few scattered incidents, there were no fundamental problems related to the election process, the counting and the canvassing.
While it may be premature to make a definitive statement about the election results, specifically on who got elected, the trend was shown almost immediately, thanks to automation.
We had written about LOVE, meaning, L-iberating, O-ptimistic, V-igilant E-lection.
By liberating, we mean that our leaders must work to liberate us from the three p’s, namely, poverty, political powerlessness and peace disorderliness, often bordering on violence and terrorism.
By optimistic, we mean an optimistic outlook for our country and people. We should have an optimistic attitude to overcome our problems and pursue a future much better than the present.
By vigilant, we mean a citizenry that is vigilant in safeguarding basic values and social organizations that work for the improvement of our quality of life.
By election, we mean that every time we have an election these values of liberation, optimism and vigilance should be our guide.
Now that elections are over, let us collectively address the problems of extrajudicial killings by motorcycle-riding assassins.
I wish that the time will come when we have safety in our city streets, including safety from vigilantes who kill.
Citizens, police officers, families and religious leaders should work together to transform LOVE, meaning, L-iberating, O-ptimistic, V-igilant Election to DOVE, meaning, D-abawenyos O-ppose V-gilante E-xecution.
We cannot tolerate vigilante execution because it can be turned into violent terroristic execution of innocent victims.
It can create a culture of violence, whereby people become insensitive and apathetic to cases of violence against unsuspecting innocent victims.
Government officials and private citizens must transform LOVE to DOVE and work to preserve peace and order, and, at the same time, protect, preserve and enhance the dignity and identity of citizens.
