Opposition senator Risa Hontiveros has called on to the public to put an end to vote-shaming following the outcry of netizens, calling voters of the administration slate stupid and ignorant.
“I appeal to everyone to put an end to the vote-shaming,” Hontiveros said in a press statement, reminding the public that each voter has a reason behind their votes.
“Huwag po nating tawaging bobo at tanga ang mga kapwa nating botante,” she said, “May dahilan ang kanilang pagpili.”
Netizens started posting on social media on Monday night following the Commission on Election’s (COMELEC) release of the partial and unofficial tally through its transparency servers.
Hontiveros added that we “must humbly listen, understand and respond to the reasons behind their choices.”
“Amid the noise of violence, we must create and nurture more spaces for democratic dialogue and conversations,” she added, “Each dialogue opens possibilities for new understanding.”
“The anti-democratic forces may have further entrenched themselves in power, but we will continue to push back,” the Akbayan senator said, “This is certainly not the endgame. We are used to difficult fights. We are prepared to fight the long game.” (PacificTimes)