Does my vote still matter?

Point of view

- By ANGEL MARTINEZ

Living in the Philippines is like playing an endless video game set on hard mode, as we often say. The rich seem to keep getting richer; the poor, poorer; and those in the middle fend for themselves to stay afloat. But amid a series of structural injustices, we've found comfort in one truth: that all of it could change, come the next election season. It's why voting is seen as the cornerstone of our democracy, and why it's a privilege our forefathers fought so hard to attain for us.

Yet, here I am: just a few days away from electing our next batch of senators, governors, councilors and mayors, but still struggling to feel the hope I once had. Statistics show that Gen Z comprises a bulk of the voting population with around 20 million. However, I feel like I'm part of a generation of visionaries whose visions of a better future will not materialize anytime soon.

Only two of my senatorial bets have broken into the Magic 12 but they can't even hold on tight enough to make consistent appearances. There's also been some infighting among fellow progressives. All these things considered, is showing up at the polls worth all the effort when it will eventually lead to disappointment anyway?