Heal the wounds and move forward

By Eva C. Visperas

When Filipinos say we are poor, that’s false.

Look at the May 14 elections. Money was overflowing. Resources were dropped through choppers, runners traveled to and from Metro Manila and anywhere else for other sources of funding to boost the candidates’ campaigns.

Someone even projected himself through media that he could be the savior of congressional district only to be beaten dismally. But that proved to be a good ploy. Help from left and right poured in.

I was asked repeatedly by a respected magazine editor in Manila about what happened. I said, “Well, the result was expected even before the start of the campaign. It’s unfortunate you were among those who believed his drama.”

Some losers, I was told, received heavy financial support from misguided wealthy people who love to play hero in political contests. Still, there were so many surprises in the last elections. There were those perceived unbeatable yet became sore losers.

In some areas, vote-buying was a major factor for the victory of some candidates. For others, it didn’t help any since their money was just pocketed by the voters who voted according to the dictate of their conscience.

After the excessive spending, expect some candidates to sell their properties – from their houses, lots, cars, jewelry to other valuable items.

For smart shoppers, it’s a good time to buy. It’s shopping time!

One mall owner said thanks to the elections. Sales grew leaps and bounds. People, even the ordinary folks, went on shopping sprees. The prudent ones saved their “incentives” from candidates for their children’s school enrollment.

In the case of the winning candidates, they rushed to their vacation sites as soon as they were proclaimed winners. Earlier this week, some winners were known to have already flown to the US, Hong Kong, China, Singapore or to Baguio City, Boracay, Tagaytay, Subic, Palawan, or Cebu for a much-needed break.

Normal operations in the municipal, town/city and provincial government units will not be restored till July 1 when the new set of elected officials formally assumes their post.

In the meantime, we in the media will again have difficulty gathering news. It means a respite from political news maybe, but this will certainly bring us back to our other sources of news.

May I congratulate the mayor of my hometown, Mayor Sammy Rosario for another well-deserved mandate. I hope you will do more improvements in our town. I also pray that your new partners will equal your efforts for a better Binmaley.

Also, my best wishes to JAB (Joe-Al-Belen) team for a very convincing win. Oh my, you made me cry with your very impressive scores.

Now, let’s bury the past, heal the wounds and work for the people. Time to move forward.

(For past columns, click http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/category/opinion/business-log/)

 

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