All is set for the national and local elections this May 2010. Candidates kicked off their colorful but dramatic campaign trail not only in major cities of this country but even in far-flung provinces. Like the country itself, the election season in the philippines remains to be vibrant, colorful yet chaotic. Honestly, for the past months, I am strongly tempted to write about what I see, hear and experience but I remained quiet because I want to primarily give every candidate the benefit of the doubt. The campaign period is now full-blast and the country's fate is once again in the hands of the Filipino people. Each vote will dictate the future of this small and fragile country. I pray that whatever the result of this election ----it will tide us over!
Sharing with every Filipino people's genuine hope for change, as much as possible I do not want to underestimate who the people will choose--reluctantly, frustratingly, desperately or whole-heartedly. I am keeping my faith for the people to be able to choose the best person who will once again revive the glory the Philippines and bring what it truly deserves. I know for many of the voters, choosing will be a rough and difficult task--just imagine the diversity and the dramatic subliminally emotional campaign shoutout of the different candidates for this election?
-One claimed to have experienced sleeping on a short bench in the market and the death of a brother because the family didn't have money for medicine and proper health care. The message is truely powerful: that he is dirt-poor! But Solita Monsod of Phil. Daily Inquirer wrote in her coloumn entitled: "Awesome Claims" that the brother of this senator actually died at FEU Hospital (with a reputation back then as Makati Med or St. Lukes would have now) on Oct. 13, 1962 after 13 days of hospitalization (didn't have money for medical care?!). Not to mention that this senator actually made a 560 sqm lot a home in Tondo. Too big for a boy to sleep in a short bench!
-Or how about this one candidate who claimed to restore a clean gorvernment for this country when in fact his family is still in conflict with the tenants of their hacienda? How about his support to the infamous Reproductive Health Bill?
-Or this handsome presidentiable who seem to have multiple intelligences. He can fly an airplane, a bemedalled military man, brilliant lawyer and who runs under the flagship of a woman president whose controversies are enormously dirt-big!
Now more than ever the Filipino people should thibnk before casting their votes. With a ready heart, think about each candidate. Who among the many can make a difference? Are we going to give chance to new faces with genuine clear platforms or shall we stick to the old people who disappointed us year after year?
So, who shall I vote?
