The 2010 Philippine Elections

Allow me to be “political” for a minute.

No, I’m not going to endorse anyone on this post. Although, the people who follow me on Twitter and are on my Facebook already know who I’m rooting for to become the next President of my motherland for the next six years.

It’s not moot. Just because it wouldn’t really have a direct effect on my current state doesn’t mean I should no longer care. This goes for everything – even for the so-called Quezon City ordinance that bans convenience stores from selling liquors from 9 p.m. to 8 a.m. to prevent minors from drinking. There is a better system than that. They’re called IDs!!

So many issues about the Presidential candidates were raised during the past couple of months – lack of experience, graft and corruption, family relations, alliance with the crooked current President…you name it.

The sad part is, we are still a nation of high school kids who think that the only way to get to the top is to become popular and character-assassinate the enemy. To hell with debates. We don’t listen to the arguments. We don’t pay attention to platforms. We cast our votes according to false surveys. Worse, we decide on a leader that our favorite actor endorses. The media is such a dangerous, well, medium…and this is very, very true where I came from.

*Sigh*

Just a few days ago, I read an article that said the memory cards for the machines that are going to be used for the elections are having problems. You see, this is the first time that the Philippines is going to have an automated elections. Yes, America, we were still using manual labor to tally votes. Don’t be too surprised. There are other nations in the world that still practice the old ways.

Anyway, to those of you who are able to vote, please do so wisely. I have never been so worried for the elections before.

photo credit: Life is a Canvas

And to the rest of the Philippines, take care. Be cautious. With all the political-related killings, one can never be too safe. I am praying for all of you.