On Monday (May 10, 2010), the Filipino people will go out and vote in the very first automated elections in the country. We witnessed how opposing parties exposed one controversy after another. Their mudslinging and dirty tricks have literally thrown this country into the dumps. Innocent or apolitical people were even dragged into the fray. Some analysts say that this is probably the dirtiest political season here. The infamous
Maguindanao Massacre (where 57 people, including 34 journalists, 2 lady lawyers and several innocent motorists, were killed) is so far the worst election-related violence in the country.
Everyday, one would wake up to news of abductions or killings and Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machine glitches. Honestly, we are all tired of it already so it is quite a relief that the election season will come to an end soon.
But before you all go out to vote on Monday, educate yourselves about the new automated system. You will be given only one ballot so don't waste your chance to be counted. Below is a simple illustration of how to cast your vote:
Remember, we now have clustered precincts, each precinct has 1,000 registered voters.
If you want to avoid a long queue, go to your precinct early (precincts will open at 7a.m.). You might have to skip a meal or be exposed to severe heat of the sun while waiting for your turn to vote so it would be best if you bring some light food (crackers, candies, etc.) and water with you .
Here are some more simple reminders on election day:
- Bring your voter's id or any identification together with your registration stub. Upon arriving at your precinct, check your name on the voters list and secure a ballot from the Board of Election Inspector (BEI), they are there to assist you.
- When the ballot is received, make sure that it is unmarked. Unlike previous elections, the ballots for the automated elections only need to be shaded. Shade your votes properly.
- After completing your vote, feed the ballot to the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS). The machine will validate your ballot and you will receive a confirmation message on the machines' screen. Your vote has been casted.
My own 15-year-old son will be serving as an election watchdog (for the Church) on Monday. Much as I want to put my foot down, I have to remind myself that he has formed and developed his own ideals and principles. He won't go alone though. He will join the Filipino-Chinese Catholic Youth (FCCY) group.
I am so proud of our young people who have somehow developed awareness and love for the country so early in life. We may not achieve that much desired responsible and honest governance now but, hopefully, the next generation will vote into office competent, responsible, honest leaders who have learned from their elders' mistakes.
I have faith that
a better Philippines is in the offing.
So...
VOTE WISELY ON MONDAY!
Sources: Manila Bulletin , James Jimenez
POLITICS IN HELL... THE DEVIL'S CAMPAIGN
While walking down the street one day a Corrupt Philippine Senator was tragically hit by a car and died.
His soul arrives in heaven and is met by St. Peter at the entrance.
"Welcome to heaven," says St. Peter. "Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem. We seldom see a high official around these parts, you know, so we're not sure what to do with you."
"No problem, just let me in," says the Senator.
"Well, I'd like to, but I have orders from the higher ups. What we'll do is have you spend one day in hell and one in heaven. Then you can choose where to spend eternity."
"Really?, I've made up my mind. I want to be in heaven," says the Senator.
"I'm sorry, but we have our rules."
And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he
goes down, down, down to hell.
The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a green golf course. In the distance is a clubhouse and standing in front of it are all his friends and other politicians who had worked with him.
Everyone is very happy and in evening dress. They run to greet him, shake his hand, and reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich at the expense of the Filipino people.
They played a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster, caviar and the finest champagne.
Also present is the devil, who really is a very friendly guy who is having a good time dancing and telling jokes.
They are all having such a good time that before the Senator realizes it, it is time to go.
Everyone gives him a hearty farewell and waves while the elevator rises...
The elevator goes up, up, up and the door reopens in heaven where St. Peter is waiting for him, "Now it's time to visit heaven."
So, 24 hours passed with the Senator joining a group of contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing. They have a good time and, before he realizes it, the 24 hours have gone by and St. Peter returns.
"Well, then, you've spent a day in hell and another in heaven. Now choose your eternity."
The Senator reflects for a minute, then he answers: "Well, I would never have said it before, I mean heaven has been delightful, but I think I would be better off in hell."
So St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell.
Now the doors of the elevator open and he's in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage. He sees all his friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags as more trash falls from above.
The devil comes over to him and puts his arm around his shoulders.
"I don't understand," stammers the Senator. "Yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and clubhouse, and we ate lobster and caviar, drank champagne, and danced and had a great time. Now there's just a wasteland full of garbage and my friends look miserable. What happened?"
The devil smiles at him and says,
"Yesterday we were campaigning ..Today, you voted."
Source: Tita Edzz, Facebook
May 12, 2010 - When I finally got home, my son excitedly narrated his own experiences as a PPCRV volunteer here in Davao City. I felt a sense of pride as I listened, knowing how big and important a role the PPCRV played to ensure the success of the first automated elections in the country. Although I was away, we were in touch through sms during the entire process. That's short of saying I was constantly checking on him, worrying about the worst that could happen while he made his rounds. 
