Monday, May 14, 2007 Nalzaro: Vote wisely By Bobby Nalzaro Saksi
THE estimated 45 million plus registered voters will troop to various polling precincts throughout the country to cast their votes to elect 12 senators, members of the House of Representatives and local officials in these midterm elections. This is another momentous day in our political history, as we elect leaders who will craft our laws and run the affairs of local government for the next three years.
This is a reminder to all voters. Before going to your respective polling precinct be sure that you already have a list of candidates you would like to vote for. Do not rely on sample ballots distributed by candidates and political parties because the candidate that you like might have already been junked.
Besides, this is to avoid delay. Imagine writing down several names on the ballot. And it’s hard to memorize all those names without a guide or “codigo.”
For example; Cebu City voters will write down at least 24 names on the ballot with the following breakdown; 12 senators, one congressman, party-list, mayor, vice mayor and eight councilors for each district. Also, bring any identification card because some political watchers or the board of election inspectors might question or ascertain your identity. Don’t forget also to bring your own pen or pencil because there might be a shortage of these items inside the voting booth.
Voters should vote wisely by carefully weighing the campaign pledges, pronouncements and manifestos that have been made and propagated by various candidates fielded by various parties, to determine who are the best to help propel our country to higher political, social and economic heights.
During the 90-day campaign period for those seeking a national position and 45 days for local candidates, we have been hearing their platforms and programs of government. I think almost all, either from the administration and opposition, made the same promises like improving health services, upgrading the quality of our educational system, generating more jobs, improving the delivery of basic services and uplifting the economic condition of each Filipino, among others.
We have heard these promises before, perhaps by the same politicians. With all those campaign pledges, one just can ask. If these politicians, most of whom are re-electionists, delivered what they had promised, I think we have no more problems now? We could have been better off today. But how come our economic condition has not improved? Look what we are today? Poverty is still the number one problem and the delivery of basic services has not been properly implemented.
Voters can adopt the standards set by the church, specially the Dilaab Movement, in electing our leaders. The church set the “Laser” criteria, which means Lifestyle (does the politician have unexplained wealth); Action (what has he done against corruption and how will he remain a person of integrity); Supporters (who are behind him?); Election conduct (does he obey campaign/election rules); and Reputation (has he been involved in cases on graft and corruption or illegal drugs?).
These criteria are meant to help people identify or reject candidates. Our vote is very sacred, so we must see to it that it will be counted because that single vote will decide the future of our country under the hands of those we elect into office. So, vote wisely.
