Bee-zee bee's rant and contemplating the future
What we don't talk about. Image by Clker-free-Vector-Images
We've only just begun
Image screengrabbed from here
Wow. So many things to unpack here. Here we go. First off, the one leading the tally in unofficial counts is the dictator's son. We can actually see here that he has 29,319,865 votes with 92% of the election returns. This is an unprecedented number. If we compare it to the outgoing president who only received 16 million votes in total. It is really amazing.
Initial thoughts
It's hard to believe the numbers because during the last elections, the current VP led and won. So, did he suddenly gain so much popularity in such a short period of time. If so, what did he do to become so popular all of a sudden? Even becoming more popular than the popular incumbent president. Also, in a country infamous for the slow internet speeds, how in heaven's name did we get to see more than 50% of the results two hours after the end of election at 7 o'clock. Did we suddenly and magically get 5G speeds in all areas of the Philippines? Even faster than the United States during their elections last November of 2020? Many people have yet to finish casting their ballots because of defective machines but, voilà, not a problem because we can transmit at lightning speeds.
We will know more in the coming days and weeks as this drama unfolds. Knowing the level of emotions invested by the supporters and volunteers from the different camps involved.
The Sexy Side of the Economy
Diesel prices have shot up. It's up Php70.00 (approx.US$1.34)so that is a major event. Soon to follow will be prices of commodities. It's hard to imagine how high the price of basic goods will go if the government doesn't do anything about it. What will the incoming administration do about it? Hopefully, they can expertly maneuver our economy out of this messy situation.
Speaking of the economy, a quick search shows us that investors are keen on finding out about Marcos-Duterte's economic plans. There has been a sell off in the PSEI (Philippine Stock Exchange Index) leading to a 3.1% decline, which isn't that bad, in my opinion, but shows us how investors attitudes are with this. There is a wait-and-see attitude that will reveal itself in the upcoming days and weeks as the new economic team is assembled and reveals the policies moving forward in the next six years.
Signs are pointing to higher inflation, it was 3.9% in 2021. Target levels for this year, 2022, should peak at 5.7%. It is up to the government to see to it that this doesn't go beyond those levels and to be able to balance it with growth. But why, say you, should we care about it? Are we, ordinary citizens affected by it? YES.
To put it simply, with a higher inflation, it means that we can buy less with the income we have. This reduction in purchasing power means different things to different people. For example, retirees with a fixed pension will have to make do with less for their daily needs. Here in the Philippines, many relatives still rely on the matriarch or patriarch for their daily needs, so this affects the whole family. Less spending power also means less can be allocated for health emergencies, children's education, and business investment. It may just be numbers but it points out how much we can get out of the pesos that we have in our pockets.
Screengrab from source 1, Screengrab from source 2, Screengrab from source 3.
On Being Anti-Marcos
Don't get me wrong. I am not anti-Marcos. To be exact, I am pro-Philippines, and I am pro-Filipino. What I mean by this is that my side is biased towards what is good for the country and the Filipino people. If everything checks out and Mr. Marcos is proclaimed as the 17th president of the country, then I will root for him to become the greatest president we have ever had - in all sincerity, I am all for that.
I love redemption stories and the power of the human spirit to elevate us and to change for the better. He has all the personal resources needed to succeed, and will soon have the vast resources of the government at his disposal. If he fails, no excuses are acceptable.
If he inspires the country to economic growth, political unity, reduce corruption, create a peaceful atmosphere sans major crimes, negotiate peace with the leftist rebels, find a solution to the Muslim separatism and conflict, raise moral ascendancy, and to become a world-leader in these troubled times, then for sure, he is the man. High expectations, yes, but that is what is called for during a crisis; it is what presidential aspirants sign up for.
A catastrophic situation calls for extra-ordinary people to lead us. It calls for heroes. If he answers that call then, I will be the proudest Filipino in the world that he had become our president. So help me God.
That, my friends, are my initial thoughts and wishes for the country. After a divisive elections, we truly need unity. And the incoming government must lead in creating this scenario of a world-class brand of Philippine governance that we can all be truly be proud of. Thanks for reading. Love and peace.
