Thoughts leading to my decision to serve (Sabong News)
Author
Rikki Mathay
Date
MARCH 16 2022
Most times nowadays, I am tempted to undergo a social media detox because of the deluge of bickering and mudslinging posted online, not only from pitting political candidates but mostly from their supporters.
“Overzealousness” results in fiery posts that oftentimes border on the libelous. This is just one of the harsh nuisances of our democracy.
Other than a personality- based campaign, rampant vote buying has been another threat to our democracy. Some candidates resort to buying votes as part of a strategy to win votes, instead of promoting their platforms.
Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Spokesperson James Jimenez has reminded the public that vote-buying is an election offense and should not be done, or even suggested, regardless of noble intentions.
Poverty, though, makes it difficult for many voters to reject the temptation of vote-buying, or accepting any thing that is given during the campaign season. I have seen this as I have been immersed in depressed communities even before I decided to run for office. There I saw how poverty has affected the way voters think.
I had no plans to run for public office until the night before the deadline of filing of certificate of candidacy last October 2021. As a private citizen, my friends and I had been going around Metro Manila to distribute ayuda in the locked down neighborhoods, and medical supplies to many medical facilities. That was the time I discovered politicians who went the extra mile to help the people in those communities.
One of them was QC Councilor Winnie Castelo who I got to know much better as a public servant. He was one of the few politicians who responded to my private efforts, which consisted of distributing face masks and medicines. In retrospect, seemingly simple yet genuinely compassionate acts especially during trying times, was a crucial part in my decision to join Castelo at Malayang QC as a candidate for councilor in QC’s 6th district.
And why am I aspiring when being at the forefront of politics is beyond my comfort zone? I am an idealist with big dreams for my city. I believe the electorate deserves local officials not only with proper competencies but with genuine desire to make positive impact in society.
Aside from my dream of creating our district’s own Philippine Red Cross branch focused on our 11 barangays, I plan to initiate the building of our first public hospital in the district, which would cater to all residents regardless of economic status. I dream that healthcare services will be accessible to all.
I also want to work to create livelihood programs which would translate to job opportunities as I have executed in the Junior Chamber International and Zonta Club. Since I was a teen at St. Theresa’s College and later appointed as director in the National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women at age 20, my advocacy has always been to protect the rights of women and children.
The Filipino people are smart voters. I have faith that the wisdom to choose genuinely compassionate leaders is not a trait limited to the silent voters.
