Gwenly Reminders

Keep your vote cool and clean. 

No, this is not an iced tea commercial; they’re just really good in coming up with this reminder.  

Cast an intelligent vote. 

Read the candidates’ profiles. Listen to the news. Don’t vote on the basis of the candidates’ promises in their advertisements. Look for what they have contributed to the country or for the betterment of their respective provinces. Surely, they couldn’t have run for senator without first handling local government units.

It’s better to give than to receive but it’s okay to receive. 

On May 13, money will just come to you. The excitement of receiving it has even become a Filipino joke that comes around every three years. It’s okay to receive as long as your dignity stays intact and by that, I mean don’t sell your vote. Ever. A senatorial candidate said that he thinks like a marathon runner. He always looks at the long run. Selling your vote can make you rich for a day or two or several days depending on the amount they give out but when you look at the long run, you end up with corrupt officials wanting back the money they gave out during election and a country that is poorer than it already is. Think like a marathon runner and say no to vote buying.

Muster some courage. 

I’ve been told of the danger of breach of the contract of sale (in this case, the object is one’s vote). They say one can even end up dead, especially in the rural areas. Perhaps, this may be a bit idealistic but I think it takes some courage to really fight for what you believe is right.

Shake off timidity. 

On May 13, it could be hot and humid out or it could be wet and muddy. Would the weather stop you from moving towards a better Philippines? Go out and practice your right to suffrage.

Pray for a clean election. 

We never really know what happens once we cast our vote. We can never be sure of an honest election despite its being automated. However, we can always pray that the evil one be kept at bay so that we may have a clean and honest election.

TOWARDS A BETTER PHILIPPINES!