botante o BOBOtante?

I attended the “Y VOTE? U VOTE!” forum at the UP College of Law on the same day that Noynoy Aquino announced his decision to run for president*. I am, more than than ever, convinced to vote and convince you to register and vote. How can I not be when the panel of speakers included Professor Randy David, Governor Grace Padaca, Ms. Bianca Lapuz, and Atty. Marvic Leonen, Dean of the UP College of Law?

Randy David was the first to admit that it seems more logical not to care about politics. “There are more important matters, such as philosophy and the academe,” he said. It’s funny how the “presidentiables” (that’s Filipino-English right there) are championing democracy when in a Southeast Asian survey, it was the Filipinos who had the least faith in democracy. And to think we were the first Republic in Asia dating back to 1898. But, Prof. David said, we must “understand the promise of politics,” which he defines as, “a mechanism by which society produces collectively blinding decisions.” For the 2010 elections, he advised us not to seek personal traits (“maka-Diyos,” “mabait,” “hindi corrupt,” etc.) but ideas, visions, plans, and programs. We should ask the candidates what their vision for the Philippines is 6, 10, 20 years from now. When Noynoy announced his presidency, the questions were, “Ikakasal ka na ba?” and “What does Kris think of your decision?” Oh kamon! One of the last questions was, “What do you intend to do if you win?” Bakit yun ang huli? Diba dapat yun ang una? Prof. David also reminded us that “making a difference” is not limited to writing down names on a piece of paper come May 10, 2010. It’s also about making an informed decision. (Hold that thought, more on that in a bit.)


RM Awardee and governor of Isabela Grace Padaca is a living legend because she had the guts to go against the 30-40 year political dynasty of the Dys in Isabela. Dy-nasty, she calls it. She was a radio commentator in Isabela for over a decade and one day, she just got tired of listening to people’s problems and people who just bitched and didn't do anything. She declared to her friends that she would run for the 2001 elections. “Sige Grace, takbo ka!” her friend said enthusiastically. “Kasi alam mo, gustong-gusto ka ng katulong namin!” Well, that katulong along with 55% of the people of Isabela elected Gov. Padaca in 2004. Since then she has paid off 90% of her province’s debt and stopped illegal logging in the Sierra Madre. She doesn’t buy the “I’m not gonna run for public office ‘cause I’m too smart to” mentality. “Then you will be ruled by those who are not,” she said.


Ms. Bianca Lapuz must have said “noh?” in every other sentence. Aside from this linguistic nuisance, she made several salient points. First, that seeking change does not begin and end at voting. “Ang dami nating gustong igiba, wala naman tayong gustong itayo. Ang dami nating gustong tanggalin, wala naman tayong gustong ipalit.” Well said. We can’t wait for inspiring leaders, we have to create an “inspiring movement.” She also said that all the politicians are trapos**, but if they’re willing to seek reform, why not support them? She also talked about junking the “I won’t vote ‘cause I’m moving out of this shithole anyway” mentality because even if you are ten thousand miles away, you will still remit to this country. So kahit nasa Amerika ka o Saudi o kahit anong lupalop ng mundo ka, nakatali parin ang pusod mo sa Pilipinas (insert evil laugh here). Kaya care ka nalang diba?

I loved every minute of Atty. Leonen’s presentation. He commented on the rules that would make one eligible for presidential candidacy. “Must be able to read and write” yung isa diba? FYI to be a UP professor you must first be an instructor (may levels pa ‘yan), get an MA, get published to be promoted to associate professor, get a Ph. D then get published again to be a full professor. “Mukhang kulang yata yung ‘read and write,’” he commented. He then proceeded to show 25 questions answerable by yes or no, meant for anyone who is aspiring for a national political position. (At dapat sagutan sa blue book. Oh yes. HONOR EXCELLENCE!) Directions: “You are to answer this question by yourself without any assistance from any of your immediate family (whether or not deceased), consultants, political or media handlers.” For the Preliminaries, the examinee must provide “reasons for wanting to apply (please avoid the words “change,” “democracy,” “true,” “good,”... “legacy,”...”god told me.”)” The final note: “You do not have to apply simply because your parents wanted you to do so. Again, whether or not deceased. Good luck!” WOOHOO! Isang masigabong palakpakan! The twenty-five questions were on the current issues the country is facing: healthcare, political settlement with the MILF, revising the national flag and language to accommodate provinces/languages other than the Tagalog, imposing carbon taxes, negotiations with the European Union, suspension of Burma from the ASEAN, and the abrogation*** of the DENR to name a few. “If you do not know what ‘abrogation’ means, then you probably have no business running for the Congress, Senate, or President.” Awesome.


I like what Atty. Leonen said in the end: “Don’t treat me like I’m a statistic.” Because I’m not. And neither are you. We’re human beings capable of thinking, questioning conventions, and making informed decisions. After the forum, I realized that it’s not true when people say “vote ‘cause your vote counts.” Your vote, your ONE vote, won’t count. However, if you read up, engage in intelligent political conversations, blog, Tweet, use your Facebook status and convince other people to register and collectively support a candidate, then you can make a difference. If everyone gives importance to their vote, then you have 9 million informed decisions pushing for reform. The youth (defined in the Constutition as 15-30 years old, RA 8044) is 50-60% of the voting populace. Because we have the privilege of being literate and educated, our votes should trump the uninformed, those being blinded by all the uh, colors. Voting isn’t just a right, it’s a responsibility.

*Let's discuss this when I submit my editorial to Youngblood tentatively entitled "Just when I thought the yellow couldn't shine brighter".
**traditional politician
***Which means “to do away with” in case you’re wondering. Kaya ayan, pwede ka nang tumakbo!
(Title of the entry is from a chair in AS. I'm not kidding. Marami akong napapala from reading UP graffiti.)

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I'll be doing COMELEC volunteer work tomorrow in Paranaque and Muntinlupa. If you need directions to get there (which I got from Lea Salonga. THANK YOU!), just e-mail me or comment here. Hemingway, tama na muna ang pagiging tibak, my next entry will be a funnies videoblog. Promise! Peksman!

Helpful link: http://www.wikihow.com/Register-As-a-First-Time-Voter-in-the-Philippines
To see if you're registered: http://www.comelec.gov.ph/findprecinct/findprecinct.aspx