By Rappler
MANILA, PHILIPPINES
The victory of Joe Biden over Donald Trump reminds Filipinos that every vote counts
The victory of Democrat Joe Biden in the US presidential election has made ripples not only in America but also in the Philippines.
Inspired by the results of the historic election that ended a 4-year populist rule, several netizens have taken to Twitter using hashtag #Halalan2022 to urge Filipinos to register to vote in the Philippines' 2022 presidential elections.
With #Halalan2022 gaining over 10,000 tweets on Sunday, November 8, netizens stressed how Filipinos must learn from the victory of Biden over Donald Trump, and remember that every vote counts.
The two presidential candidates saw themselves in a nail-biting match, with Biden’s victory sealed after the Democrat claimed several key battleground states won by the Republican incumbent in 2016. Trump has so far made unsubstantiated claims of massive voter fraud, with his campaign launching legal challenges in several states.
Filipino netizens recently drew parallels between Donald Trump and Bongbong Marcos, who also cried fraud when Leni Robredo started to edge him out in the 2016 vice presidential race.
Trump, known to have stoked racism, peddled lies, and worsened divisions in the world’s most powerful country, is also branded the “Duterte of the West,” and enjoys close ties with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.
Through the hashtag, many pointed out how the victory of Biden has fueled hopes among Filipinos that the upcoming presidential elections in the Philippines will also see voters choosing competent candidates, if more people would make informed decisions and register to vote.
“Biden won not because Trump was evil. Trump almost won again. Biden won because millions decided to register and cast their votes. Every single vote mattered. Philippines, it’s our time in 2022,” said Twitter user @JULESguiang.
Biden won not because Trump was evil. Trump almost won again. Biden won because millions decided to register and cast their votes. Every single vote mattered.
Philippines, it’s our time in 2022. Let’s prove that surveys are not always accurate.
Be fired up and ready to vote!
— Jules Guiang 🇵🇭 (@JULESguiang) November 7, 2020
“Kung sila narinig 'yung boses nila, dapat tayo rin! I saw a little bit of hope for the world and my country. Tayo naman (If their voices were heard, ours should as well! I saw a little bit of hope for the world and my country. It’s our turn now),” netizen @hoomanlyhuman tweeted.
I teared up a little bit when I saw that Decency is back in America. Naisip ko, kung sila narinig yung boses nila, dapat tayo rin! I saw a little bit of hope for the world and my country. Tayo naman. #Halalan2022
— jstn_lynx (@hoomanlyhuman) November 8, 2020
So many lessons to be learned from the #USElections. First, character and decency must go hand in hand with capability in choosing a leader. Second and most important of all, #everyvotecounts ergo democracy must be protected at all times. Tapos na US, Pilipinas game ka na ba?
— Zen Hernandez (@zenhernandez) November 8, 2020
Philippines, nakita niyo 'yon? By voting wisely, you can overthrow incompetent public officials! You have to register! There is hope! Tayo ang pag-asa, angkinin natin! 🇵🇭 #Halalan2022
— Riyan Portuguez (@riyanportuguez) November 8, 2020
Donald Trump is the embodiment of the current state of Philippine politics.
Pilipinas we can make things better in #Halalan2022
We really need to bring back decency and statesmanship back in government.
It’s up to all of us to get the government we deserve.— attyrbm (@willow2469) November 8, 2020
US did it. Philippines, it’s your turn. #Halalan2022
— Brail (@brlbbb) November 8, 2020
Taking the opportunity to push for awareness, several netizens urged Filipinos and the youth to start working on educating potential voters. Many also shared their hopes for the upcoming elections, calling for worthy candidates and the need for voters’ education even in hard-to-reach communities.
Philippines, for us to make the #TayoNaman happen in #Halalan2022, let’s learn from this.
1. Millennials and Gen Z know better. Let’s encourage them to register and vote.
2. Voters educations efforts should be concentrated more on areas who have few college grads. pic.twitter.com/5mQzBq653i
— Jerome G. Cuyos (@jgcuyos042795) November 8, 2020
Grabe yung mga Tiktok Influencers sa America, nakakatuwa, they are using their Platforms to educate talaga, to vote for Biden and Create Biden Tiktok Memes (positively)
I WANNA SEE THE SAME ENERGY ON OUR INFLUENCERS SA #HALALAN2022 #BidenHarris2020#Election2020
— 𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗲𝘁𝗵 𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@thatclingybae) November 4, 2020
Youth voters in America worked so hard to campaign for Joe Biden. We must know that we cannot simply oust an inutile leader because of his inutile voters.
Philippines, we are next. We need to educate our voters NOW. We need to be united NOW more than ever. #Halalan2022 🇵🇭
— Jaecee Lim (@jaeceelim) November 8, 2020
The US elections have just proven that every vote matters.
Educate yourself. Take a stand. Register to vote. #Halalan2022 pic.twitter.com/F3E3VqZG3o
— ava (@avawcndy) November 4, 2020
I pray that we will have better choices this #Halalan2022 than what America has currently. I don’t want to choose between an alleged pedophile and a homophobic racist. I am tired voting for the lesser evil. Filipinos deserve qualified and not morally bankrupt candidates.
— tin (@Tinviillanueva) November 4, 2020
Tayo naman. If you are discouraged by our options for the Presidency, know that Senators, Governors, Congressmen, Mayors, Councilors, and Barangay Captains can make an impact. Sometimes they make a much bigger impact. Nothing is too small. Be vocal. Campaign. Run, even.
— Gian (@giancantdance) November 8, 2020
Here’s what other netizens have to say about the upcoming presidential elections in the light of the US electoral race.
If you’re scared/anxious of the US election right now, be scared for #Halalan2022
Imagine having to vote between: Bong Go, Bongbong Marcos, and Manny Pacq
Be scared. Educate yourself. Educate those around you. Register to vote. It. Matters. #botomobosesmo #masmaramitayo
— Bavick🤍 (@ViktoriaCelera) November 4, 2020
❗️EYES HERE ❗️
Seven Duterte appointees will run the #Halalan2022.
If you’re horrified Trump will win #ElectionDay , be more horrified we’d have a similar case of extending an admin, too.
Article published August 2019. Scarier as we stand today. https://t.co/F5SnD7HEbM
— Ash Presto 💜 (@sosyolohija) November 4, 2020
I hope the US elections inspired the Filipino youth to register for #Halalan2022 COME ON GEN Z LETS KEEP THE SAME ENERGY AND VOTE SOMEONE WHO DESERVES THE POSITION. LETS GO 🇵🇭✨
— jake (@itsjohnjalex) November 7, 2020
This shows us that it isn’t just some pipe dream. It CAN be done. The good guys CAN win! WE JUST HAVE TO PUT IN THE WORK! Pilipinas, KAYA DIN NATIN TO! ❤️🇵🇭 #Halalan2022
— Tin Gamboa 🌻 (@suzy899) November 8, 2020
The president elect of USA WON BY 1 VOTE in 2 towns in Massachusetts.
WE HAVE THE POWER to remove these fiends from post.
OUR VOTE MATTERS!
Magparehistro at bumoto sa #Halalan2022
Download, fill-up, & submit the form at your local COMELEC office!https://t.co/FvhYfvxtU0 https://t.co/ATg0OBiBnF
— The Nerdy Derma (@thenerdyderma) November 8, 2020
I’m no American but strangely I felt extreme joy knowing that decency and true leadership will finally come back at the White House.
Congratulations America! You deserve better than that orange narcissistic clown. Now, Pilipinas. #TayoNaman pic.twitter.com/fjb72PnJQj
— Anne Santos (@anneonherthrone) November 8, 2020
There is hope! Looking forward to the day our streets here in the Philippines will be filled with people rejoicing with as much enthusiasm as the people in this video. Let's go, Pilipinas! Tayo naman! <3 https://t.co/Qr2DoIia5R
— Miguel de Guzman (@miguelouie) November 7, 2020
Can't wait to do this when we elected our new president. Kaya please, register to vote. Tayo naman sa 2022, Pilipinas!pic.twitter.com/NFZPTaAb2K
— denise (@vmarkeyable) November 8, 2020
look, they did it!! ang happy nila 🥺🥺 can't wait for our turn, pinas. tayo naman :> https://t.co/LIyIr3YFWz
— danica grace (@dadanicai) November 7, 2020
DECENCY IN PUBLIC SERVICE. That is the tweet.
Tayo naman sa 2022.
— MJ Felipe (@mjfelipe) November 8, 2020
I’m inspired. This US election gave me hope. Tayo naman sa 2022! pic.twitter.com/xoUmpszF1Z
— Polo Bustamante (@polo_bustamante) November 8, 2020
What a glimmer of hope! Congratulations America for making the right choice!🇺🇸💙
Philippines, tayo naman. Register and vote in 2022! Kaya natin yan!👍
— Diane♥️✊ (@MaeDianeAzores) November 8, 2020
Tayo naman! show the same energy you have right now on the US elections with our very own elections come 2022.
Register to vote! #Halalan2022
— 레이⛩ (@butchliray_) November 8, 2020
trump losing somehow gives me hope in democracy
tayo naman sunod 🇵🇭
— shadis (@kxneho) November 8, 2020
Watching these videos of the US celebrating together makes me so happy 💖 They voted and they deserve this. Tayo naman, Pilipinas. 🇵🇭
— Maria Elisa ⚜️ (@padMAEamidala) November 8, 2020
There’s still a little less than a year left to register for the 2022 Philippine presidential election. Voter registration ends on September 30, 2021. – Rappler.com