STO. TOMAS -- Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan has urged local leaders, non-government organizations, and businessmen here to support the Register and Vote (RV) campaign that would empower first time voters in the May 2010 elections.

Pangilinan said the RV campaign is an all-out drive to encourage a few million first time voters to register and participate in political exercises to strengthen democratic processes towards good governance.

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“The RV campaign is a collaborative effort among progressive public servants, youth leaders, and reform advocates who believe in the power of the vote to challenge the mentality or common notion that is politics as usual,” he said.

The senator, who is eyeing the vice presidential seat in next year’s election, said by 2010, young Filipinos aged 35 and below will comprise 54 percent of the voting population and around five million of them will be first time voters.

“That’s enough to swing the vote. Enough to challenge the electoral landscape. Enough to challenge the face of the Philippine governance. We must all do our share in ensuring our sovereign right is upheld. Let us all register so our vote will be counted,” Pangilinan said.

In 2007 election, he said almost a million young Filipinos failed to vote, while 75 percent of them did not know they needed to register before voting, adding if this number remains unchanged in 2010, 3.75 million first time voters will be disenfranchised.

During his visit here, Pangilinan was warmly welcomed by local officials led by Mayor Lito Naguit, Vice Mayor Gloria Ronquillo, members of the Municipal Council, barangay chairmen, teachers, and public elementary and high school pupils.

Pangilinan visited his old ancestral home here, the Sto. Niño chapel, which is made of clay, a pottery factory in San Vicente, and the municipal hall.

The senator, who recently funded the P2-million barangay road in San Vicente, vowed to provide a mobile patrol vehicle for the local police and assist small and medium enterprises in marketing their pottery products.

For his part, Naguit said Pangilinan’s visit to his hometown is very much appreciated, adding that the people here are very grateful for all the support and assistance extended by the senator. (Chris Navarro)