THE RESULTS of the recent elections showed that Filipinos are not yet mature, although growing. Many based their analysis and decisions on what they hear and see, less on what they read, because many are tired of reading. There is more analysis actually when reading.

This resulted in education through media. It is now a powerful tool to build up one’s image, as what actors and actresses do to build up their careers. People now cannot differentiate fiction from half-truths or from truths. Political events are watched like soap operas on prime time. And media would take advantage of political gossip and scoops to make stories more valuable for money. Errors in reporting are justified by icing them with more controversial ones.

This is the “education” that Filipinos have had after Marcos. Democracy was abused like the phenomenon of “people power.” “Will of the majority” is falsely equated with what is “right.”

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I AM writing in response to Mr. Escano’s letter to the editor dated May 25, 2007.

I recommend that Mr. Escano visit Among Ed’s website to get to know the character behind the person. He is likewise welcome to read and participate in our forum to get to know the people supporting Among Ed.

In response to your questions and concerns:

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FROM TIME to time I would usually hear either from the administration or the opposition about their political bickering and how one is better than the other. However, I’ve been observing lately how politics is actually practiced in our country, and let me emphasize that this is from a college student point-of-view.

I am studying at the University of the Philippines in the Visayas taking up Political Science and I believe one of the precursors for you to be a student of politics is for you to love politics. That is why, let me share my opinion about Philippine politics.

When the Arroyo administration previously called for a change in the Constitution through constitutional assembly, it eventually failed. Next here came Lambino et al who started this people’s initiative; eventually it failed also. Later on, the administration then called for a constitutional convention but eventually election time came.

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ALL right. The Comelec has yet to proclaim the winners yet — largely due to the interference of TEAM Unity — but I think it’s safe to say that Genuine Opposition candidates are going to get most of the 12 seats up for grabs in the Senate. 7-3-2 (GO-TU-independent) the last time I checked.

Now what?

I don’t know.

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IF we look at the results of the recent elections, both at the local and national level, I can’t help but see a tiny glimpse of hope budding up.

That is if we have to believe the analysis of the press of the circumstances surrounding these results. We are witnessing an upsurge trend of protest votes not only against GMA, but also against the system as a whole.

If for that alone, there is reason to begin investing our hopes on better politics ahead…