There are two things that can make a grown man and woman cry: losing in an election… and your mom telling you she’s proud of you. And this week, our candidates are sandwiched between both.

Yesterday, we celebrated Mother’s Day. It’s an annual reminder that no matter how old we get, we’ll always be the baby in her eyes. And today, 12 May, the country votes in the midterm elections; a time when we choose new leaders to represent us in government. So let’s take a moment to pay tribute to the original public servant in our lives.

Mom.

Before there were senators or mayors or barangay captains, there was Mom. The chief decision maker, rule enforcer, and queen of curfews. She didn’t need a campaign jingle. Her track record spoke for itself.

She ran the household budget like a full-blown finance committee.

She managed logistics for the entire household.

And she could end any crisis, including but not limited to a sibling war or a broken vase, with just one look and a very calm, “Wag n’yong subukan ang pasensya ko.” And when she utters your full name, that’s a whole different level. You would not want her to reach beast mode.

These days, we expect our elected officials to be smart, decisive and compassionate. You know, like our mothers. And to be honest, most moms would make better politicians. They don’t abandon responsibilities, they don’t backtrack on promises, and they know how to stretch a budget until next payday.

If moms were cars, they wouldn’t be flashy or loud. They’d be the kind that just quietly get the job done. Like the Toyota Innova, dependable, practical, and built for any family trip. Or the Mitsubishi Xpander, with enough space to carry three kids, two sacks of groceries, and one dad taking a nap. Or the Honda BR-V, which, like your mom, is fuel-efficient, resilient, and always has extra snacks tucked away in the back seat.

These family cars may not have a racing performance bragging rights, but they’ve got what matters most: safety, comfort, and peace of mind. Just like moms.

Think about how many life lessons you learned inside a car.

“When the light turns green, go. But in life, not everything green is good to follow.”

“Give way. Don’t be that guy who cuts in line.”

“If you’re not ready to follow through, don’t start.”

You thought she was just teaching you how to drive. But she was actually teaching you how to live.

So, before we line up at the polling stations this Monday, maybe take a second to thank the woman who taught us how to make good choices, not just during elections, but every day.

Vote smart. Drive safely. And hug your mom while you still can.

Because when the ballots are counted and the noise quiets down, one voice will always matter more than the rest.

The one who tells you to slow down, not because she’s scared…but because she wants to cherish every moment with you.