De-stressing after the elections

Healthy ways to discuss politics

- DR. EDSEL MAURICE T. SALVANA

Politics in the Philippines is a full-contact sport, and the recently concluded May 12 elections were no exception. Against the backdrop of the rapidly shifting political sands, voters cast their ballots for whom they thought could best lead the country to prosperity.

As a result, more than a few candidates who were seemingly safe in the surveys did not make it into the winning circle. All of which makes for prime entertainment for people who enjoy their politics, but can cause whiplash for those who just want to go on with their daily lives.

As an academic and a physician, I try to stay out of the soap opera that is Philippine politics. I am happy to see senators such as Sen. Pia Cayetano and Sen. Bong Go, who make the health sector their priority, get re-elected, as well as Sen. Bam Aquino, whom I have worked with in amending the Magna Carta for Scientists. As a government employee of the University of the Philippines, however, I do not campaign for anyone. I do tell people that my political inclination is moderate, which means I don't support any single political party and will vote for who I think will be of service to the Filipino, regardless of ideology. It seems a lot of people may have thought this way during this election cycle because the winners are all over the political spectrum. Perhaps it is one way to ensure there are checks and balances against any single dominant party or coalition that might be tempted to abuse power without a meaningful opposition in place. Nevertheless, there is a risk that even good agendas can be derailed by too much infighting. A good bipartisan balance is what is needed to ensure accountability and transparency.

I'm sure not everyone agrees with me, especially die-hards from different camps. Therefore, rather than continuing fruitless arguments, let's look at ways that we can stay healthier and de-stress after so much excitement.

Don’t take it personally