A glimmer of hope

It looks like one of my birthday wishes came true last Monday (My birthday wishes May 10, 2025).

- RAYMUND W. LO, MD, FPSP

Well, at least, it did partially. It refers to the wish for a well-informed citizenry that recognizes a good public official when it sees one, and that boots out the corrupt and the incompetent out of government.

The recent election saw two opposition senatorial candidates (Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan) land in the top six of the winning circle. As the campaign manager and vice-presidential candidate of Leni Robredo, their electoral success is proof that the Pink Movement is alive and well. Though it didn't have the tremendous energy and visibility that the 2022 Kakampink rallies had, it made up with the solid showing. In addition, the Akbayan party list topped the rankings with almost 2.8 million votes, which assured it of getting three seats in the House of Representatives. Chel Diokno is the first nominee of Akbayan, and he was in the senatorial slate of Leni as well.

But in the same election, some of the usual suspects were also elected to the Senate. They shall remain nameless but I'm sure you know who I mean. It is a mix of the remnants of the previous regime, dynasts and celebrities.