The stunning victory of Noynoy Aquino speaks volumes of the intrinsic values of the Filipino people. 

The Filipinos wanted a leader who inspires honesty, integrity and respect. Voters came in droves, waited for hours, protected their votes.  Senator Manny Villar conceded and offered his congratulations and support within a few days. Re-elected Senators Revilla and Estrada immediately called for unity between the House and Senate to support Aquino and asked their colleagues to work for the betterment of the country and its people.  Even as the results of the Vice Presidency are still not confirmed, cordiality and patience still prevail. All these happenings appear to stem from what Aquino and his leadership represent.

It brings to mind an excerpt from Arthur Miller's The Crucible: "Those ignored by history become its motor force. Those socially marginalized move to the center of social action. Those whose opinions and perceptions carried neither personal nor political weight suddenly acquire an authority so absolute that they come to feel they can challenge the representatives of the state."

Definitely, Aquino's victory proved that millions of Filipinos wanted change: change so as to have this time in history be the beginning of development and growth, to have a chance for a better future for this generation and the next.

Expectations and Realities
The expectations of the electorate will be tempered by the realities facing the country. The burgeoning debt, the "culture of corruption" instigated and encouraged by a number of the politicians and political leaders, the lack of transparency and accountability.

There is also the growing realization and awareness that politicians are elected to serve the people - their basic needs at least including health and education, that changes cannot happen over night. The future appointment of Dinky Soliman and her acceptance to be Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development once Aquino is confirmed is a significant indication of how the issues of the marginalized sectors of society will be addressed.

It is with optimism that we look forward to the appointments especially in the fields of education, health, agrarian reform and agriculture.

The House of Representatives will have a dilemma on its hands.  The shrewd machinations of outgoing President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo my stall even the small steps of progress of the incoming Aquino administration. Her last minute appointment to the judiciary is seen as her investment to protect herself and her husband in future investigations.  Her so-called hold on the members of house may give her the illusion that she can continue her type of governance.  

It would be interesting to witness the dynamics between those who are identified with the former Marcos regime and the sectors allied with Ninoy and Cory Aquino.  But there is the underlying confidence that the clamor of their constituencies for clean and progressive government will make the elected officials acknowledge the response to the question "Whose interests are they serving"?

Foreign remittances: Our contribution to development
The remittances to the Philippines sent by Filipinos overseas reached $17.35 billion in 2009. This was a 5.6 growth from the $16.43 billion in 2008. (These figures do no include the amounts that have been sent via informal channels. It is estimated that the actual amounts are 30% than those published by the Central Bank of the Philippines.

Foreign remittances are a closely watched economic indicator as they largely fuel household consumption, which in turn serves as one of the key drivers of the domestic economy. Our remittances to the Philippines are equivalent to 10% of the economy's total output.

In addition foreign remittances are credited for helping sustain and strengthen the Philippines total reserves of foreign currencies or the gross international reserves (GIR).  The GIR indicates a country's ability to engage in commercial transactions with the rest of the world.  By the end of 2009, it stood at a historic high of $45 billion.

As part of the growing overseas workers and/or expats, we and are families can pressure our government officials to translate our contributions into something concrete.  Why can't our contributions and those of the private sectors that benefit from foreign remittances join hands with government to develop the Philippine health system and improve education?

 Health and Education Systems
As Mayor of Makati, one of Jojo Binay's accomplishments was the provision of health cards to members of the marginalized sectors.  It could be one of the reasons why Makati is seen as a clean and healthy city.

Perhaps the likes of Ayala Land, Mega World and Robinson's Land could work with government in the construction of health centers and schools.  Government can provide the land and funds to support the staffing of schools and health clinics; the private sector the structure.  Also, a certain percentage of the foreign remittances could be earmarked for development.

Other major household expenses such as electricity and water take up to 20-25% of the household account. This portion takes up any reminding allocation for emergencies and medical bills.

We all have to share the responsibility in governance. Each one of us can contribute in restoring integrity to our system of government. 

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