RES GESTAE
One vote has power
(A series of thoughts and perspectives about May 10, 2010 national and local elections)
We, Filipinos, must be proud for having the right to suffrage enshrined in our Constitution. It is because only few countries around the globe entitle their citizens to participate in governance.
Voting manifests a character of a democratic society. And voting is the first way for a person to exhibit good citizenship and civil responsibility.
Unfortunately, voting in a free election like in our country is becoming a right that is taken so lightly. And worse is that many people have lost their trust and confidence in free election. The number of registered voters who did not participate in the past elections is a clear manifestation of this phenomenon. The statistic is getting alarming. In fact, we may be seeing the worst of these records on May 10, 2010 national and local elections. God forbids.
Apathy is maybe one factor that many Filipinos consider voting as less important in determining the future of our country. Our experiences of past elections seemed to show that we were only having one bunch of corrupt leaders after another. And it is sometimes inevitable for many to assume that this May 10 national and local elections will not make a difference.
But let us not fall into this temptation. May 10 national and local elections is an opportunity to make a difference in our country. We are being called to once again convey our sense of patriotism that we care enough about the direction of our dear Philippines.
We need not feel the urgency of our participation in the drafting the blueprint of our future as a country. We only have to believe that this country has a future… that our Filipino nation can still rise about the rubbles of corruption and impunity. Believing that we can be great again as a nation is enough reason for us to go out of our homes on May 10 and cast our votes and make a difference.
We have barely four months before the May 10 national and local elections. But I find it important that we make a decision now. We have to decide that we make May 10 a very special day, a big day that we will express our love and re-affirm our commitment to serve our beloved Philippines . I invite you to mark May 10 in your calendar. Make the marking big. Set the alarm system of your mobile phones. We cannot afford to forget that day.
May 10, 2010 will be a day like no other in our history as Filipino people. Let not it pass without us exercising our basic civic duty… our right to be heard that we care enough for the direction of our beloved Philippines .
Let us believe that you and I can truly make our country, the Philippines, great again!
And our one vote will make it happen!
(Send reactions and comments to rogatepnp@yahoo.com)