Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo

In an era marked by division, war, ecological crisis, and disinformation, Pope Francis continues to be a moral compass—not only for Catholics, but for all of humanity. His voice is steady in a world of clamor, reminding us that faith is not measured by how loud we speak, but by how deeply we care.

In every corner of the world where ballots are cast, democracy is tested—not just by those who count the votes, but by those who believe their voice still matters. At its best, democracy is the collective dream of a people charting their own future. But at its most vulnerable, it is a quiet hope that can be silenced with fear, forgotten in apathy, or broken by betrayal...

In the Philippines, every election day is a test of our democratic resolve. Streets buzz with anticipation, barangay halls fill with voters, and millions take part in the sacred civic ritual of casting a ballot. Yet, behind the color of campaign tarps and the spectacle of political rallies lies a quieter but equally vital force: election observers. Often overlooked, these individuals—both domestic and international—serve as the frontline defenders of electoral integrity. And in today’s fragile..