I have seen this quote being shared by a number of people which I have come across in my feed, following the May 9 election. 

While I agree with the latter, I also think that so much of one’s character is also revealed by our choice of leaders. When we made those choices, we considered our core values that have been ingrained in us and have molded our character. The same values which also serve as our moral compass in making many life decisions, notwithstanding if those decisions have turned out to be good ones or have taught us hard lessons.  

Character-wise, it speaks a significant volume of who we are and what we hold to be of great value to us.

Among many others, our choices characterize us to be….

Forgiving and believer of second chances;

Followers who aspire for belongingness, validation and acceptance;

Positive individuals who always see the good in people;

Upholders of deep-rooted family values;

Optimists who are hopeful to see positive change happen;

Principled who value ethics, responsibility and accountability;

Regardless of choice, this election has shown the true character of many of us. Our votes, how we voted, who we voted for and why we did so, are a reflection of our character as passionate and patriotic people of this nation. 

At this point where winners have been proclaimed, both officially and unofficially, there is still no telling who made the right choice with whoever candidate they have fought for.

Even if your chosen candidates have won, there is still no telling WHO truly won– is it you who earnestly fought for your candidates and proven yourself to be right, or is it the candidate who victoriously look forward to sitting as the newly-elected leader, or is it the Filipino people?

Winning an election for those we voted for is not yet victory. It holds with it a lingering hope that those leaders can take us to our common aspiration to see the best for our country and the best for our people.

There is victory only when we see lives uplifted. 

I applaud those who have fought hard and won with integrity. I applaud those who have fought hard, lost but are gracious in defeat. I applaud those who continue to fight for causes above themselves with or without a position. 

For those who bask in what they perceive to be a most awaited and expected victory, while mocking those whose choices did not mirror theirs, this is not only a reflection of character but a revelation of how hurt you must be as a human being and how much love and healing you must need in your life.

A person of good character knows where to draw the line and respects differences in choices, in political stance and realizes that we are not each other’s enemy. 

We are one people trying to see the light that our country deserves – that we all deserve.