ESPRESSO MORNINGS

By Joe Zaldarriaga

Mr. Joe Zaldarriaga, fondly called “Manong Joe”, is a distinguished figure in the country’s corporate communications landscape. Holding the position of Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications at Manila Electric Company (Meralco), he has orchestrated unparalleled success for the utility company, winning accolades for their brand of service communications.
Under his guidance, Meralco achieved unprecedented milestones, clinching a historic 3-peat Company of the Year title at the IABC Philippine Quill Awards, scoring the only PR Team of the Year trophy bestowed at the Anvil Awards, and securing numerous honors at international and local communication awards.
Manong Joe’s leadership also extends as a respected member of the Board of Trustees for the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP), concurrent with his role as Chairman of the International Association of Business Communicators Philippines (IABC Philippines) where he also served as its President.
Manong Joe is a distinguished awardee of the medallion of honor and scroll of commendation from the University of Manila, owing to his years in public service as a communications professional. He shares his insights through columns in renowned publications, including The Philippine Star’s The Z Factor, and Philippine News Agency’s ESPRESSO MORNINGS.

The Filipino people have spoken—and they have done so decisively.

Yesterday, I joined millions of our countrymen in casting my vote in the midterm elections. As a 61-year-old, I experienced priority voting for the first time—a small privilege extended to seniors like me so we can continue fulfilling our civic duty.

As someone who has witnessed administrations come and go for six decades, I’ve lived through both the optimism of newly elected officials and the frustration that often follows unmet promises or when corruption steals progress from us all.

But through it all, I’ve seen how the Filipino spirit, despite all odds, has consistently remained hopeful—and this election was no different.

While candidates sang the same tune, what struck me most this time was the engagement of Filipinos across generations. As Commission on Elections Chairperson George Garcia said yesterday, the determination of the Filipino people to vote despite dangerous heat indices in some areas and heavy rains in others is truly moving. The people really wanted to speak up.

Partial and unofficial tallies of election returns also reflected this, with the unexpected lineup of leading senatorial candidates—a sharp contrast to survey results leading up to election day.

Some candidates who were predicted to land in the so-called “Magic 12” for the senatorial race didn’t even make the top 15, and there were those who made stunning upsets, defying the noise of pre-election surveys. In some cities and municipalities, decades-old political dynasties were toppled, and there were Davids who slayed Goliaths.

This election cycle had a lot of twists and turns, but more than the politics of it all, this is a testament to how democracy is truly alive when people show up and speak. Seeing the youth troop to polling precincts yesterday despite the sweltering heat is a welcome reminder that democracy is alive and well.

Now, it is understandable that some of us may be disappointed with the election results, while others may feel elated. But this election is just the beginning. What we do afterward—how we hold power to account and fulfill our roles as Filipino citizens—is what will shape our country.

Now that we are getting a clearer picture of who our new set of leaders will be, it is time to set aside our differences and get to the actual work. It is time to support our newly elected leaders not through blind loyalty or silent compliance, but by holding them accountable. We must ensure that they deliver on their promises and work for the benefit of the people. The Filipino people are watching and expecting action.

To my fellow Filipinos, our power doesn’t end after the elections. We must continue to speak out on issues that matter. Let’s continue to demand transparency, better governance, and programs that uplift the quality of life of Filipinos and promote progress from the leaders we elected. We are the ones who gave them the responsibility, and we must see to it that they act on it properly.

I also appeal to my fellow senior citizens to continue engaging in public discussions. Let’s show the younger generations—especially the millennials and Gen Zs—that our citizenship as Filipinos doesn’t retire, but rather becomes even more powerful as we grow older.

Lastly, I commend young Filipinos for continuing to speak up. Keep participating and keep asking questions—for a better Philippines. When hope seems distant for our country, remember that is when democracy needs you the most.

I may be 61, but my hope for a better Philippines remains as strong as ever. Here’s to always hoping for a better tomorrow for our country.