IN HIS letter to the Romans (Chapter 13, verse 1) Jesus Christ's apostle Paul wrote: “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.”

Yes, I will be obedient to God's command even if Bongbong Marcos ends up as the president of the republic. Because if God chooses to place Marcos there, the Lord must have His reasons. Who knows? Maybe it's for the people to feel what it is to be under Marcos again and finally learn their lesson and do something about their lives. On the other hand maybe it's to give the Marcoses a chance to redeem themselves and do the right thing for the Filipinos.

One thing's for sure: Our obedience to God is paramount, and it is up to us to respond accordingly with the end of glorifying Him.
As I have taken my time studying the candidates all these months, before the votes are cast I have finally chosen one to support: Leni Robredo.

It is no secret that I was skeptical of her motives and capacity when she ran for Vice President in 2016. My blogs and think pieces then bear witness to that:

Political Expediency: The Monkey on Leni Robredo’s back

Leni Robredo and her stand vs Bongbong Marcos: a matter of principle

A chance for voters to take a second look

A last look at the VP race for 2016 – Part One

A last look at the VP race for 2016 – Part Two

As she was supposedly running on the principles of good governance and independent politics, I did not like her riding on Noynoy Aquino's administration of “Daang Matuwid” – that movement marred with incompetence and the polarization by the yellow agenda.

The last straw was when she campaigned with Noynoy and her running mate Mar Roxas in Pampanga, and she was buddy-buddy on stage with the province's local politician who made their chops being a gambling lord.

But, as in any election campaign, that was for her political expediency. And so I contented myself by exercising my right not to vote for her then.

However, her term as Vice President projected her as an effective servant-leader. Instead of doing her job of being a spare tire waiting for Rodrigo Duterte to croak, Leni Robredo did a lot more. Over and beyond the call of duty... literally.

Leni ran the Office of the Vice President cleanly and efficiently. She responded quickly to the country's chronic natural calamities, elicited public support quickly, and conducted the OVP affairs with the public accountability necessary.

When Duterte tried to entrap her into failure by appointing her Drug Czar she readily stepped up to the plate, moving for effective programs despite all the obstacles thrown her way. Realizing he had made a mistake and actually raised Leni's positive profile, Duterte had no choice but to boot her out of the appointed position and the Cabinet.

And after promising he will end the drug menace in six months, Duterte now admits that he has failed, even with thousands killed because of it.

Leni's COVID 19 response was clearer and effective, limited only by the amount of resources made available by the administration yet made effective by her prudent measures in her office and the massive support for the citizenry confident that their resources will not go to waste. Massive support in housing and transport for medical frontliners while Duterte and his health officials still wonder where their hazard and other pay have disappeared to.
Food and ayuda were mobilized by the OVP for the poorest of the poor while the national government agencies scratched their heads wondering how, when, and where they will feed the hungry and displaced.

Leni Robredo demonstrated that in this crazy, messed up, and corrupt world called the Philippine government there is hope for good governance, So, yes, I see a Leni presidency having more potential than what any of the others can bring to the table.
More importantly, I can see many ordinary people getting behind this leader and lending their time, energy, resources and talent in helping this country out, just as they have been doing in supporting the OVP's efforts, the massive campaign rallies, and house to house activities.

Which brings me to the question: what if she does not win? Well, I for one have declared to many of my family, friends and associates that I will be willing and available to lend my services to whatever advocacy Leni will wish to pursue after.
It would be such a waste to let go of all this goodwill amassed these past months, the massive outpouring of love and support only to dissipate into nothingness.
No, I am certain Leni Robredo will be leading Filipinos to a better life wherever she lands after May 9. And I will be there.