Election Update

It seems that the first automated election in the Philippines became successful; amidst some incidents like vote-buying, harassments by private armies, minor glitches in the PCOS machines, defective CF cards and delay in election returns. Comelec has fulfilled what they had promised to all of us- quick and reliable results. 89% of the votes have been counted, many candidates have a big lead- some were already proclaimed and are celebrating their victory. Comelec is also doing a parallel random count to verify the authenticity of the results- and so far the machine count was only wrong for 2 votes; maybe it failed to count the invalid votes. Some candidates conceded and admit their defeat; they promised to help in improving the status of the Philippines. But others can’t accept defeat and want a recount. The Filipino people have spoken; they are already tired of corrupt officials and ‘traditional politicians.’ It’s the elected officials’ turn to fulfill their promises and serve the country- they were chosen by the people to rebuild and put the Philippines back where it was before, one of the ‘Tigers in Asia.’

Long live the Philippines….

Election Day

My wife and I woke up early and took a heavy breakfast to prepare ourselves for the first ever automated election. We got to our assigned poll precinct in a school near our house; we arrived there 30 minutes ahead of the scheduled time- 6:30 am. But sad to say the voting didn’t start on time, we had to wait for another hour. Some board of elections officers didn’t have enough members to assist and guide the voters on what to do…At first they have given us a piece of paper with the details of our precinct no. and our designated number. A teacher informed us that we will be given a priority number to make it orderly. We waited for another hour for the number to be given to us…but when he finally arrived to give us the number, he was blocked by the newcomers and was forced to give it to them (the newcomers). So we waited and were informed later that we were in the third batch- even though we were the first to arrive.

I also noticed some guys having sample ballots which were given by some supporters of candidates. A voter whispered to my wife that those voters who received sample ballots are given money in exchange for their votes. Even if the Filipinos are yearning for a new and better government through responsible voting, some people still stick to the wrong practices- for the benefit of some corrupt candidates.

When will the Filipinos wake up and fight for a change? Is it really too late? The right time is now… starting from you, me, each and everyone of us…Let’s make a change for the better so that the next generations will not suffer as much as we have.

The Filipinos are definitely worth dying for…

Every vote counts...let your voice be heard..

Ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan…

May the Almighty God help us all… mabuhay ang Pilipinas.

Election 2010

With only 3 days left before election day- many Filipino voters still do not know which candidate to choose. Many even doubt if the election would be successful, because the PCOS machines to be used are still malfunctioning. Concerned agencies even suggested that the election be postponed due to the lack of time in preparation and the late delivery of the machine in some remote areas. Since it is the first time that the Filipinos will experience an automated election; some concerned group suggested that the ComElec must have a back-up plan in case anything goes wrong. The people assigned should be ready to manually count the votes... They should also be vigilant because many will try to cheat he election. But not only those assigned are responsible for the sanctity of this event. I think all of us- whatever the age and status, should report whatever suspicious things take place. I just hope everything goes well, many had been volunteering as election 'watchers'.

It's never too late even for the Philippines to rise...

May nagawa sila noon, may magagawa tayo ngayon...