What should we look for in a leader? Unfortunately, this question may focus too much on individual traits that we identify with or are interested in. We need to reframe the question because it is less about who we like best, but more about what is actually required. Let’s take a step back and ask: what kind of country do we want as a result of the political leadership?

I want a country where people can freely express and associate without fear of violence or harassment. This is a country where our government and corporations protect each of us in online and offline spaces.

When we have a culture that respects our freedom to engage with issues closest to us, we are protected against threats of arrest, torture, or unlawful detention. It also means our online privacy is protected within the digital platforms we use while ensuring they are free from abuse and misinformation.

I want a country that strives towards equity and celebrates our diversity. When we address the root causes of inequality and discrimination, each one of us can enjoy the highest quality of health care, housing, and social security possible.

In fact, providing these are some of the best investments our leaders can make that provide the highest returns on our well-being and future generations.

'When our government takes care of us, as evidenced by living wages and livable cities, we can better contribute the best of our abilities to society.'

Corporations should go beyond simply reporting on sustainable practices; they should end unsustainable practices that are hurting indigenous communities and the environment. When our government takes care of us, as evidenced by living wages and livable cities, we can better contribute the best of our abilities to society.

I want a country that is accountable for its past sins. This requires genuine acknowledgment of and reparation for the violations it has made in years past. It is the best response to the justice and reconciliation that victims have long been asking for. This requires recommitting our justice system and law enforcement practices to align with international human rights standards.

We want to live each day without fear of sliding into debt because a family member has been hospitalized; without fear of being stigmatized when we speak our personal truths and beliefs; without fear of falling behind in school because we cannot fully participate remotely. We want a country where it is actually enjoyable to live in, and not simply to live through.

Only after we undo our moral failures can we effectively call out other countries to hold them accountable—especially on modern issues like vaccine equity or climate justice, where actions of richer countries disproportionally affect our lives and opportunities.

The truth is that we are not asking for too much. We do not require grand infrastructure projects nor lofty ambitions. We just want to get by. We want to live each day without fear of sliding into debt because a family member has been hospitalized; without fear of being stigmatized when we speak our personal truths and beliefs; without fear of falling behind in school because we cannot fully participate remotely. We want a country where it is actually enjoyable to live in, and not simply to live through.

If this is the type of Philippines we want in the next few years, then this is what is required: accountable and visible leadership that recognizes our dignity and fulfills our human rights. Whether it is another pandemic, another financial crisis, or worsening climate change, this is the type of leadership that will build the empathy, unity, and resilience necessary to take on any challenge of the future. Another world is possible. A better world is achievable.

Every vote counts. Register now! Go to irehistro.comelec.gov.ph.