From Bollards To Ballots

by Seneca Moraleda-Puguan

In early May, tragedy struck outside NAIA Terminal 1.

A four-year-old child of an OFW and a 29-year-old man bound for Dubai were killed while standing at the departure area.

A deliberate attack didn’t strike them down, but by something that should have protected them: the bollards.

Bollards are designed to protect pedestrians and infrastructure from vehicle ramming incidents and accidental collisions.

But those installed outside the airport were substandard and poorly anchored.

What should have saved lives ended up costing them.

This wasn’t just an infrastructure flaw. It was a symbol of something far deeper: the deadly consequences of corruption and irresponsibility. 

Like many Filipinos, I was heartbroken. But more than that, I was angry.

Angry at a system that lets negligence pass as normal.

Angry at leaders who sign off on subpar work, pocket public funds, and move on without accountability.

These weren’t just technical failures, they were moral ones. 

In a bitter twist, this devastating incident occurred just days before the midterm elections.

As I grieved, I also found myself praying fervently, praying that the elections might usher in a new breed of leaders who value integrity and accountability over personal gain.

The voting process this time felt more efficient than in past years.

We now have 12 new senators – some fresh faces, others familiar – joining the 12 who remain in office.

Local government officials, mayors, congressmen – new and old – have also taken their seats. While political dynasties and celebrity candidates still cling to power, there were clear signs of hope.

Many high-profile celebrities lost. This gave me reason to celebrate, proof that Filipinos are beginning to see beyond popularity and pomp.

Dancing, flashy caravans, and familiar surnames are no longer enough to win hearts and votes.

A large portion of the electorate were Millennials and Gen Z voters. And they showed up not just in numbers, but in wisdom.

These generations are less swayed by “ayuda” (handouts) and more attuned to policy, transparency, and real service.

One of the clearest examples of this shift happened in Pasig. Mayor Vico Sotto’s slate, Giting ng Pasig, swept the local elections without huge rallies, expensive gimmicks, or celebrity endorsements.

Their strategy? Listening. Going door to door. Showing up not with giveaways, but with genuine commitment. And it worked. The people responded. 

Yes, the road ahead remains long and difficult. Traditional politics still dominates many regions.

Patronage is still alive and well. But these small wins during the election offer a glimmer of light.

They remind me that change doesn’t happen overnight- but it can begin with one vote, one leader, one city at a time.

Praise God for every answered prayer and for every courageous voter who chose integrity over influence.

We cannot bring back the lives lost outside NAIA. But we can honor them by refusing to accept a system that allowed such a tragedy to happen in the first place. 

If we continue to support leaders like Mayor Vico Sotto who are competent, God-fearing and truly for the people – and if we raise and guide the next generation to reject corruption and champion justice – then the Philippines can become a nation where no child, no worker, no traveler loses their life to a substandard bollard again. 

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