Filipinos are innate fans of election as this is one of the ways one can exercise his power as a citizen of a democratic country. This sudden shift of control from the officials to the people is a controversial event as many things happen during this time. Election campaigns are everywhere, allowing the registered voters to know everything about the candidates, including their platforms, track records, family background and even talents. They sing and dance per request - as if they were authentic performers - to at least fish even the sympathy votes. Filipinos are known to be emotional; it's not enough to discuss things in a dialectical manner, but also in an empathetic way. And one of the best ways of digging into the core is through performing until a wide grin appears on everyone's face.
Though it's saddening to know that people have the tendency to base their judgment according to how well they are entertained, there are still organizations which help in promoting voters' education. The aim is to teach the voters to analyze things first before shading the circle preceding a candidate's name. This awareness movement is a good step in informing everybody of how one vote can change the Philippines. As this has been pushed through, more issues are now made known to everybody.
One serious issue being battled is vote buying. There are a lot of diatribes against the illegal act but it's still existent because many patronize the idea that those who can give money can assure good governance. This of course is not true, for this evil deed signifies how dirty one politician can be. I don't mean to provide a didactic speech or to name names to be lampooned. This is a serious issue which has to be addressed, and the people have the power to change things, if the wicked will not be given the power to rule once more. Election is one of the best times in which one can voice out what's right, choose who's earnest, and be treated like a boss.
Secondly, violence during election is rampant. Nobody's safe, especially in those areas where greed is overvalued by many. It pains me to know that one can easily hurt, otherwise kill, an innocent person just to be sure to have a seat in the government. Gun ban has been issued by the Commission on Election to avoid the occurrence of such practice of coercion. Many have been captured because of this, yet there are still more, walking with the civilians, blending in, ready to attack when ordered. People may have the power, but it does not include invulnerability; that's the weakness enemies see and use for their advantage.
The very least Filipinos can do is to be wary of their surroundings; to identify who's the villain among those who claim to be allies; and to vote wisely. Election happens every three years only; one vote on that day may change the shape of everyone's future. I'm a Filipino, I'm part of the team, and I'll vote wisely.
No comments:
Post a Comment