If heeded, will there be candidates left for the electorate to vote?
The Parish Pastoral Council For Responsible Voting (PPCRV) has taken the lead in advocating a peaceful, orderly and honest elections.
As such, the Council has made the rounds in various media organizations seeking for airtime and space if only to reach out to the public and the electorate and share tips on choosing the right candidate.
Contained in the "Ten Commandments For Responsible Voting," the PPCRV laid down what a voter should watch out for and against.
First commandment -- "Thou shalt vote according to the dictate of your conscience." Sure. But how about the fact that the conscience is being 'dictated' by the advent of political advertisements and un-original jingles to the tune of the latest 'hits'? And campaign materials too that have adorned sidewalks, plazas and if you're really unlucky, the walls of your house or neighbor's house.
Second commandment -- "Thou shalt respect the decision of others in choosing their candidates." Of course. But reality is, every candidate has legions of supporters and legions of supporters have sub-legions of contacts whose sole aim is to change one's mind and thus cast a vote to the "better" candidate.
Third commandment -- "Thou shalt seek to know the moral integrity, capabilities and other personal qualities of the candidates you will vote for."
Very important. Yet call it Ilonggo hospitality, issues on the morals of the candidates and capabilities are never an issue.
Fourth commandment -- "Thou shalt strive to understand the issues, platform and program of candidates and parties seeking your vote."
How many amongst the electorate really spend time to take by heart what is written in the candidates' flyers?
Fifth commandment -- "Thou shalt not sell your vote."
Sadly, with buyers everywhere this promises to be the commandment that will be violated the most. Sadder still when a sick joke is even added to the commandment, "Thou shalt not sell your vote cheap."
Sixth commandment -- "Thou shalt not vote for candidates using guns, goons and gold."
Sadly still, the candidates with guns, goons and gold are most certain to win.
Seventh commandment -- "Thou shalt not vote for candidates with records of graft and corruption and human rights violation."
This commandment is no match to a favorite defense and most abused phrase, "innocent till proven guilty." And if seriously heeded, this one will virtually render Iloilo's political scene a 'ghost town.'
Eighth commandment -- "Thou shalt not vote for candidates just because of utang na loob, personal appearance, popularity or pakikisama."
Truth of the matter is, votes are cast because of utang na loob, personal appearance, popularity or pakikisama. Or all of the above.
Ninth commandment -- "Thou shalt not vote for candidates living an immoral life."
Stomach or morals? An issue that is also a seeming non-issue for those who have put into office a candidate with immoral life in exchange for some pesos and employment. Again, if seriously heeded, sadly, this government will have job vacancies that are hard to fill and difficult to comply.
Tenth commandment -- "Thou shalt put the welfare of the country above all else in choosing the candidates you will vote for."
Same promise that the candidates themselves actually profess.
Ten Commandments For Responsible Voting. Twelve days to go till the actual voting. The PPCRV has spoken.