After the historical Halalan 2022, many voters took their election-related anxieties and concerns to social media. While many aired their frustrations regarding how the Comelec handled the whole situation, one particular trending topic on Twitter is about Pinoys wanting to migrate to other countries including Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Many users shared, retweeted, and liked content referring to relocation guides for Filipinos. As of writing, the word ‘Canada’ is still on the top Philippine trends on Twitter.
How to migrate to different countries:
Canada:https://t.co/Tm8FkNw42IAustralia:https://t.co/0GUbEEyZgL
Japan:https://t.co/70ou0zx0tl
Switzerland:https://t.co/C3u2G01dzP
Spain:https://t.co/l3LDpIa44C
— shinmon (@shiberrr1) May 9, 2022
While the ‘culture of migration’ has long existed in the Philippines, the recent interest is fueled by the partial unofficial results of the 2022 election — where the former dictator’s son Bong Bong Marcos Jr. is set to rule for the next six years.
We now hear these alborotos from the Yellowtards:
"I'm ashamed to be Filipino".
"It's time for me to migrate".
"That is not my president".See, for them it's all about "I", "me", and "my". It was never about country nor the Filipino.
— benign0 (@benign0) May 10, 2022
Many cited economic and safety reasons for leaving the country, as another Marcos is expected to serve as the 17th president of the Philippines.
"The Philippines is becoming more and more unlivable and it's understandable to choose to leave for economic/safety reasons" and "Don't throw around jokes about migrating when that option is out of reach for most Filipinos" are two statements that can be simultaneously true
— Sophie | #NeverAgain 🌈 (@etinarkadia) May 9, 2022
To those who are lamenting whether they should migrate or not:
Don’t take it so much against you. No one can throw mud at your sense of patriotism for considering your option.
Self-preservation is human nature, especially in the face of danger. And this government is dangerous
— 𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 (@thevincent_m) May 10, 2022
Other Twitter users also connected the fall of Philippine stocks by 3% to Marcos Jr.’s win, mentioning that foreign investors are now pulling out their investments from the PH market.
Nagcrash na ang website at stocks ng Philippine Stock Exchange.
Senyas ito ng pagbagsak ng ekonomiya at pagalis ng negosyo sa bansa.
Lalong tataas ang presyo ng bilihin. Mawawala ang mga trabaho. Maghihirap ang Pilipino.
Sa mga uto-utong bumoto kay Marcos, ginusto niyo 'to.
— Superficial Gazette (@SuperficialGZT) May 9, 2022
As a Foreign Exchange trader, Sad to say nakakatakot talaga pwedeng mangyari sa mismong philippine stock exchange index as well as blue chip philippine stocks.
Foreign investors are also watching us to the point that once the market opens many people will cut their losses.
— R E P A I R (@xtianssen) May 10, 2022
On one hand, from May 9 to 10, many professionals, as well as students, expressed their interest in pursuing their career and/or learning opportunities elsewhere as another ‘trapo administration’ will take over.
Healthcare workers have not been treated right in this country so you cant blame us if we want to migrate because another trapo administration is taking over
— Patricia (@patriciagaild) May 9, 2022
hello send link sa canada, australia, new zealand, etc. scholarship applications pls
— Kirsten (@mrykirstenflrll) May 9, 2022
TINATAMAD AKONG PUMASOK, PERO KAILANGAN KONG MAKAPAGTAPOS PARA UMALIS NG PILIPINAS HEHE
— tey (@teyvldz) May 10, 2022
Netizens currently residing in other countries seem to support the decision of their countrymen. They promote their own government’s programs and refer to those who ask for migration links and requirements.
Consider Canada if you’re planning to migrate. We have a good healthcare system and the Canadian government is looking for young professionals.
— James (@james_dominador) May 9, 2022
Meanwhile, other Twitter users — including IV of Spades band members Zild Benitez and Blaster Silonga — refuse the narrative of migrating from the Philippines and instead call for a ‘collective action’ against Marcos.
walang aalis ng pinas magkita kita tayo sa kalsada
— zild (@zildbenitez) May 9, 2022
Hoy mga putangina anong aalis kayo ng Pilipinas pag manalo sa bongbong? Paaalisin nating lahat yang putanginang yan.
— BLASTER (@Bsilonga) May 9, 2022
Walang migrate-migrate, it's time to overthrow another Marcos.
— Ygo Ferráz (@ygoferraz) May 9, 2022
WALANG MAGM MIGRATE MAGKIKITA-KITA MUNA TAYO SA EDSA
— alexandria rayne (@mizaryn) May 9, 2022
As of writing, 98% of the election results have been processed according to Comelec transparency servers. Former Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte are leading the presidential and vice-presidential race with a wide margin.
How about you? What do you think about the recent Halalan 2022 results? Will this prompt you to consider migrating to a foreign land?
