We must take 2022 local and national elections seriously. We have been through a lot of uncertainties. Time and again we must remember that our vote will determine the future of this country/our province and our city.

“Quo vadis” is a Latin phrase which means “where are you marching?” and is also commonly translated as “where are you going?” 

Quo vadis? – this is the question that every Bacolodnon is asking. Well, we probably can get a good answer come 2022 elections if we elect the right persons for the job. As early as now, we need to ponder and scrutinize every candidate for every position they are seeking. We need to objectively review their past performance whether or not they are worthy to be called public servants. Or they are just seeking an elective post just to advance their self interest. Every election season we are always confronted with a difficult decision but sometimes our decision is not good enough.
We must take 2022 local and national elections seriously. We have been through a lot of uncertainties. Time and again we must remember that our vote will determine the future of this country/our province and our city. We are not dumb enough to know what is the current state of our nation in this time of pandemic, and in the local scene, our city today.
Are we satisfied with the current state of our city today? Or there must be a change for the better?
We will not allow ourselves to believe what politicians say during the campaign as gospel truth. We must learn how to discern who performs well and who are not. Lip service kind of leadership is not acceptable, it is considered trash. While the silent type are those who are doing their job and make it happen for their constituents.
We will focus in the local scene. At this early stage several personalities are apparently throwing their hats in the forthcoming polls even before the filing of the certificate of candidacy which is scheduled on October 2021. Former Negros Occidental third district Representative Albee Benitez is roaming around the city visiting public markets and barangays, whereas the incumbent Mayor Bing Leonardia is also doing the same thing. My source told me that the day after the former solon transferred his voter’s registration in Bacolod City there was a loyalty check to all the barangay captains in the city. It was a fun-filled evening over a sumptuous dinner at the residence of one of the public officials, the source said. Indeed, political season has already begun.
Political observers in the city are saying this will be a “battle royale” – the incumbent versus the challenger. Both of them have their own political machinery and supporters. They are considered giants in political environment. They are not new to politics, they are both experienced in the field of politics. Our political history in Bacolod City will tell us that the late Oscar Verdeflor defeated Leonardia when the latter was at the peak of his political career. Now come 2022, will Benitez defeat Bing Leonardia? Will history repeat itself?
On the other hand, the performance of the third district solon is unquestionable. His performance speaks about him as a leader. Never been accused of graft and corruption issue during and even at the end of his term. People in the third district can speak what is the performance of their representative. But for now let us wait until the campaign period starts so that we can hear the platform of government of the candidates.
Bacoleños, this is now the time to scrutinize and rethink a hundred times who will you support this coming 2022 polls. The problem always lies on people who can be bought during elections, and this is also the same group of people who always complains of poverty. It’s sad to note that these people are instrumental to the fate of our country. Money is inevitable, it is up to you whether you will get the money and still vote according to your conscience./WDJ