By Anthony A. Araos

People make choices.
Today, Filipinos continue to make a choice or two in their daily lives. In fact, right after waking up in the morning choices are up in the air on what to take for breakfast. Quite easy for the rich since they are blessed with a gastronomical haven of fish, meat, fruits and drinks. For the poor, however, they simply settle for rice, tomatoes and, possibly “tuyo” (dried fish), or none at all.
I tell you, if your sense of right and wrong are intact these days, you will not entertain the idea that the “UniTeam” of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte is still alive. Whoever says “Bagong Pilipinas” (New Philippines) of Marcos Jr. is nothing but an AI (Artificial Intelligence)-created prototype of “Bagong Lipunan” (New Society) of the late strongman Marcos Sr. needs an appointment with a psychiatrist.
Strewn among the allegations thrown between the feuding Marcos and Duterte families are “words” with penetrating power by those who are shaping the people’s lives in the “Real Philippines.” Truth to tell, what really matters are telling the true conditions to everyone you see and “use words when needed.”
Believe it or not, there’s still someone in the present dispensation who is considered not out of sync with present-day realities, still aligned with the aspirations for genuine change.
Former Interior Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos stands for good governance, poverty reduction, education and agriculture, among others. A renowned lawyer, Abalos is a long-serving public servant and still an active advocate of women empowerment and national welfare.
There are still many pressing problems troubling the people. There’s no respite from the high cost of living. Wages are simply too low. Yet, Filipinos are bombarded with “news” on impeachment moves against Digong Duterte’s highly-placed daughter. Showbiz stars, clowns and crooks are candidates for senator. Why not briefly look into the invaluable contributions of ex-DILG Secretary Abalos to nation-building. His record is unparalleled. His reputation is unblemished. It is a story now worth presenting to all of you.
A primary function of governance is to prepare officials to tackle the assigned functions that will ensure the delivery of basic resources to the people. Gifted with the strengths of a dynamic and transformative leader, then Mandaluyong City Mayor Benhur Abalos interacted well with the people and transformed its economy as one of the best in Asia.
Abalos’ multifaceted career is also a testament to his splendid vision improving business and attending to other key concerns thus, elevating the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to greater heights. Before assuming the DILG post, Abalos chaired the MMDA.
Having this story be highlighted in national dailies and local and regional media as well as social media and invigorated through community engagement is truly helpful in enlightening the people. More, more and more, folks are on the lookout for platforms where they get to learn about solutions to problems. As Filipinos need to think much of the solution to the vicious cycle of poverty. That is still true. But there is nothing to be gained from gossips and trash being spread by showbiz personality-turned politicians.
Competent, highly-educated, right –thinking and well meaning leaders in Congress are needed. A new legislator of this kind shall serve as a catalyst for national development. He or she should prioritize the interests of the Filipino people above all else. It is an obligation to the people. Plain and simple!
There is only one right direction for the people to choose to be led by someone who shall boost development and ease the burden of the people in dealing with sky-high prices of goods and services.
Misuse of public funds and extravagance largely contributed to the suffering of the people. What institutions would promote transparency and accountability in government operations? Clearly, the role of Congress as fiscalizer under the “check and balance” principle has indeed highlighted its oversight role in curbing graft and corruption and promoting economy, efficiency and effectiveness in the use of public resources.
In light of these undeniable truths, I see the compelling need to remind each one that quality legislation is so important and how hard some senators actually work on legislative measures. Think about it, much more for an oversight task. Often, it entails hard, time-consuming and tedious work.
The irreparable damage of putting more idiots and morons at the upper chamber of Congress serves as stark reminder for Filipinos to cast an informed vote. Election Day is seen as a great opportunity to discerningly choose the leaders of our society. Sovereignty is exercised by its citizens through suffrage. Electoral choices are made in the hope that leaders will provide a better direction to bring about growth and development that would enhance the people’s well-being. May 12, 2025 is an exercise to weed out corruption and end abject poverty in underserved villages.
The foreseen effects on an informed choice in a few months time would bring about, hopefully, substantial reduction of poverty in the country. Look at the dismal record of the bloc of showbiz stars at the Senate. One of them accounts to the phony achievement of sponsoring a bill to legalize marijuana for medicinal use.
That’s why, during these precarious times, extraordinary steps as called for enlightening the poorest segments of the Philippine population. It has a deep sense of urgency.
What do you want to do when everything you seriously build starts to crumble one by one. At the living room of her house in Pilar, Abra, she watched a TV advertisement: “Yan si Abalos!” (That’s Abalos!). A housewife, she sat on a chair, thinking.
Poverty-stricken Cordilleras should be ready to build a better and stronger economy fit for the twenty-first century. Cordillerans have a clear choice to make this doable goal happen. Never run out of hope. From Mandaluyong City to the CAR, there is a clear-cut challenge. Everybody should get a fair share in the nation’s growth. To keep telling “That’s Abalos!” makes this purpose very powerful. The Senate and CAR will be enriched by his brilliance! **