My Bookshelf

Shelfari: Book reviews on your book blog

Monday, May 03, 2010

On the road to the 2010 elections

A few days from now, legal-aged Filipinos will line up once again to vote in the national and local elections. I have received e-mails and text messages of who NOT to choose.

I remember the first time I registered to vote. My mother excitedly and proudly escorted me to the school where she teaches. She introduced me to everyone. Yes, I was excited as well but I depended on my mother's list for my choice of candidates.

Six years after that, when I worked in a private institution, I'm embarrassed to say that I skipped voting in one national election. It just wasn't my priority then. This didn't deter me from expressing my opinions. It was all words, no action.

Now that I have been working in a government office, my views on election has drastically changed. I often question the motivation and the manner for compliance to office policies. I adhere to most of them, true, but I now think beyond myself to include fellow government workers and Filipinos, for that matter.

I could be overly dramatic at times but I literally feel for the clients I deal with, and at times, my officemates. I know I am simple-minded in some cases but I feel the need for change is long overdue.

As I go through the credentials of the candidates, their achievements in office, I wonder about the things not mentioned in the pamphlets. Choosing wisely is not hard as I simply pick the man who has the best track record among the lot. However, I dare say that choosing from the heart is harder as we only see glimpses of the man during debates and televised campus tours.

A few days from now, legal-aged Filipinos will line up once again to vote in the national and local elections. May the one vote we entrust to our chosen leaders guide their hearts in serving our beloved Philippines.

2 comments:

The Guy in Red Sneakers said...

Very well put.

...I wonder about the things not mentioned in the pamphlets.

As I. I always keep to mind that they pay ad agency people to put them in the best light possible, eliminating stuff which do not contribute to the image they want to project.

Our perception of them is being managed, you see (I know you know this already. I am just... being redundant. Tee hee.). By spin doctors and celebrity managers.

Yes, I was excited as well but I depended on my mother's list for my choice of candidates.

While on this, could you maybe share me your short-list..? I am still, to date (Gasp..!), undecided on a few people. Senators, specifically. If it's not too much trouble, I mean. To compare lang. Not necessarily to make gaya (though pwede din iyon. I admire you as a person and would not mind going for your choices. I know they're very sound.)

Now that I have been working in a government office, my views on election has drastically changed. I often question the motivation and the manner for compliance to office policies.

That's great, I believe. A critical mind is always always good to have around. You aren't swayed by this or that just because it's a long-ingrained tradition (One of the excuses I get when I ask around and get to the whys of things. Ugh.)

...and thank you for this post. It made me thoughtful about the upcoming national elections, and keeping to moving this country forward.

Cheers, my good friend. =)

PreciousAnne said...

thanks for taking the time to read and comment, Adi. I sent an FB PM for my senatorial lineup. please check your gmail account for other info.