On Monday, May 12, Dumagueteños and Negrenses will once again join our fellow citizens across the country to vote—not just to elect our leaders, but to shape the future of our cities, our Province, and our nation. The stakes could not be higher.
This midterm election marks the end of a campaign season that, for all intents and purposes, began months ago—long before the official start. It has been a long, loud, and, at times, ugly race. We’ve witnessed an endless parade of posters, jingles, slogans, and yes, unfortunately, mudslinging.
Candidates, their proxies, and even ordinary supporters have traded accusations and insults on every platform available, from street corners to social media.
But the time for division must now come to an end. The campaign period is over. The responsibility now lies with us, the voters, to rise above the noise, and make a decision that is clear-eyed and country-first.
Ironically, every politician promises Unity after an election won through divisiveness. It is a strange contradiction we’ve grown used to. But it does not have to stay this way.
Unity cannot be achieved through words alone. It begins with how we choose our leaders: not based on anger or propaganda, but on performance, principle, and the policies they bring to the table.
At the national level, this election is more than just a midterm—it is the proving ground for 2028. Those seeking higher office in three years are being tested now. Their networks, their strategies, and their ability to inspire public trust are under the microscope. How voters respond on Monday will send ripples all the way to the next presidential election in 2028.
Locally, the decisions we make will shape our neighborhoods and barangays.
Will we vote for experience or idealism? For continuity or change? For personality or for plans? Every vote will help answer these questions. Let us make those answers count.
This election is a turning point. It is our opportunity to reject traditional politics of personality and patronage, and to demand competence, compassion, and accountability. Let us choose leaders who unite not only in word, but in deed.
So on May 12, let us go to our polling precincts not as partisans, but as citizens. Let us mark our ballots with clarity, with conscience, and with courage.
Because what happens on May 12 will echo far beyond 2028.
