Surprising results

Another election has ended. Citizens once again went to exercise their right to vote. And many, if not all, were surprised by the results. For months, we have been conditioned by surveys showing that some well-known candidates were in the “Magic 12.” Some opted not to vote because the surveys show the same politicians and personalities. They felt disillusioned by the electorate voting for the same people for trivial or wrong reasons. But when the initial results came out, everyone was surprised.

The surveys got it wrong. Some candidates expected to be in the Magic 12, such as former senator Bong Revilla, Mayor Abby Binay, and Ben Tulfo, missed the cut. The surprises were former Senator Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan. Well-known names like Manny Pacquiao, Francis Tolentino, Willie Revillame, Gringo Honasan, and Phillip Salvador also did not make it. Meanwhile, more than seven million votes for Doc Willie Ong, who officially withdrew from the race in February, were deemed “stray votes” by the Comelec. The Comelec did not remove his name from the ballot because printing had allegedly begun. I’d call them wasted votes. They could have gone to someone deserving, like Heidi Mendoza.

The animosity between the camps of President Bongbong Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte was also evident in the results. Former president Duterte still has a strong base. Four from his team of senatorial candidates made it to the Magic 12. Six from the administration made it. This will be important if the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte proceeds because senators will serve as senator-judges. A vote may be cast along party affiliations or in support of either camp.

According to the PNP, the voting went smoothly except in some known hotspots. More voters also turned out despite the stifling heat and humidity. They made sure their voices were heard. There is a saying that Vox Populi, Vox Dei. The translation is, “The voice of the people is the voice of God.” Various opinions and analyses are now making the rounds regarding the surprising outcome of the elections. Some say that voters were divided into two camps, benefiting some candidates due to opposing votes. Some say voters are perhaps sick and tired of the status quo. Regardless of the correct explanation for the strange results of this election, what is important is that the winning candidates serve their constituents and the country with honor and dignity, not with greed and corruption sometimes associated with politicians. But that may be asking too much for some.