Choose what is right

… not what is easy.

This May 2010, I believe that we Filipinos can make the right decision.

The Sanctity of the Ballot

First, I am basing my choice on the principle of the sanctity of the ballot. Sanctity implies holiness, sacredness, worth. Elections are possible because people have fought and died for the right to choose our leaders. A couple of hours spent writing about it, a couple of months advocating it, and a couple of minutes to fill in those little circles pale in comparison.

Believing in the sanctity of the ballot means that I will treat it with the respect it deserves. I am basing my choice not on a whim, or on who tops the surveys, or because he or she seems to have a higher chance of winning. My vote is not to be taken lightly, nor sold to the highest bidder, nor influenced by a constant stream of 30-second-brainwashing.

It is my duty as a voter to do my homework, so that I can make an informed choice. After all, my vote this May spells the difference between my complaining for the next six years that the Philippines is hopeless, and the possibility that I will see a change for the better in my lifetime.

The Three C’s of a Presidential Candidate

I applaud those who are actively involved in Voters’ Education the past few months.  Their heroic efforts are making a dent on the seemingly insurmountable walls of apathy, bandwagon-mentality and ignorance that influence Filipino voters.

Ongoing Voters’ Ed programs have a common theme: Making the right decision involves asking the right questions. Here are three important C’s to consider when choosing a presidential candidate:

1. Character – being. What sets the person apart from others? What does the candidate value? What is his or her moral stand? Is he or she capable of making a stand? Do the words integrity, honesty, leadership and vision apply?

2. Competence – doing. Given a president’s responsibilities, does the candidate have the skills, ability and knowledge needed for the job? What is his or her track record for leadership in the field of governance? If they have led a city, company or organization, how was it after their leadership? Was he or she an agent of positive transformation?

3. Community – influence. Who has the candidates’ ear? Who are their closest friends, mentors and advisers? Who do they turn to when making important decisions? How will you describe these people? How is their character and competence?

Easier said than done? Too idealistic? Too much? Of course not. We Filipinos deserve and can still vote for what is best for our country.

Note: This post will not have come into being without 3 months of listening to Kuya Boyet’s rants, er, impassioned conversations about the coming elections. These are his ideas, I just managed to catch them before they flew away. Thanks boss!

(updated March 18, 2010)