Article titled “I’m disgusted’: readers in the Philippines on the 2022 election result” which

discusses the public’s reaction to the election of Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr 1.

Timeline:
1. Election Result (May 2022): Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. wins the presidential
election1.
o Branch 1: Public protests against the election results.
o Branch 2: Discussions on historical revisionism and its impact on the election.
o Branch 3: The role of social media and disinformation during the elections 2.
2. Public Reaction (Post-Election 2022): Diverse reactions from the public, ranging from
disappointment to support for the new administration 1.
o Branch 1: Initiatives to combat disinformation and promote historical awareness.
o Branch 2: Calls for political reforms and the end of political dynasties.
o Branch 3: The emergence of community support groups for those affected by the
election outcome.
3. Government Response (Mid-2022 onwards): The new administration’s policies and
actions in response to public opinion and protests.
o Branch 1: Policy changes or affirmations influenced by public opinion.
o Branch 2: Government’s engagement with social media platforms to address
disinformation.
o Branch 3: Efforts to reconcile with opposition groups and address public
grievances.
ESSAY:

After the 2022 Philippine national elections, it was clear how public opinion and political action
are intertwined. The election of Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. as president was a significant
political event as well as the cause of many reactions that shaped subsequent discourse and
policies within the government.

Public reaction to the election results was a mixture of dismay and support. This led some people
to look at this as a chance for new leadership and transformation while others saw it as a return
to historical baggage associated with the Marcos name. Demonstrations, debates on historical
revisionism, and social media activism soared from these divergent views. These events resulted
in immediate feedback which influenced the government’s subsequent actions and policies.
In response, steps were taken by the government to respond to the concerns raised by members
of the public. Publications combating disinformation were started up while arrangements with
opposition groups were made. These were an acknowledgment of the power of public opinion
towards social media platforms in dealing with disinformation by administration. Such moves
demonstrated that government appreciates its role in maintaining dialogue with its people and
listening to their voice.
The rhetorical strategies employed by those in control of information during the elections played
a significant role in shaping public perception. The use of emotional appeals, simplification of
complex issues, and the repetition of certain narratives were all tactics used to influence the
electorate. The impact of these strategies was evident in the way different audience groups
received the news events. While some expressed disappointment and concern, others celebrated
the results, highlighting the variations in interpretation based on demographic factors such as
age, education level, and regional affiliation.

The 2022 Philippine national elections and their aftermath have shown that public opinion and
political action are deeply interconnected. The feedback loop between the electorate and elected
officials is a testament to the dynamic nature of democracy. It underscores the importance of
communication, perception, and information in shaping political narratives and the broader
implications for governance in the Philippines. The events following the elections serve as a
reminder of the critical role of critical thinking and access to reliable information in a democratic
society.
References:
HIGHLIGHTS: 2022 Philippine Elections – News, Vote Counting, Results Tracking. (2022,
November 11). RAPPLER. Retrieved from https://www.rappler.com/nation/updates-voting-
results-tracking-polls-2022/
Obordo, R., & Readers, G. (2022, May 14). ‘I’m Disgusted’: Readers In the Philippines On the
2022 Election Result. the Guardian. Retrieved from
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/may/14/im-disgusted-readers-in-the-philippines-on-
the-2022-election-result