Will It Make A Difference? (Election 2010)

Few days after I arrived here in the US, I applied for Overseas Absentee Voter at the Philippine Embassy booth at the Fil-Am fair in Yerba Buena Gardens, San Francisco. After few months, I received the packet: list of candidates and the ballot with envelope. I was thinking of writing down my votes and mail it as soon as possible. Good thing I didn't fill it out and sent it because my vote changed.

Today, I finally took time and looked at the packet again. Looked at the list and wrote "Teodoro, Gilberto Jr." for President then went back to my list. I had a hard time picking up a Vice President so I turned to the senatorial list. Geesh! I never thought that voting on your own is tough. Back then, my mom would just give me a list of senators, and other local candidates and copied it to my ballot. I know some of them but some I don't. But I trust my mom so I just copied. Thinking about it makes me want to put a paper bag on my face.

"I am such a disgrace!"

Having more time in my hands is a fact... So first time in my life, I thoroughly researched for these candidates. I seriously checked the candidates' profile and achievements. I can't believe that there are a lot of candidates who wants to have a seat in the Senate without any background in law-making or any experience! That's where I started sending messages to two of my good friends who I have confidence in regarding these issues. While waiting for response, there I was, started circling the names of the candidates who I'm voting for. "No TRAPO!" I thought. I am not that pessimistic about it but then I ended up circling 4 names: Adel Tamano; Gilbert Remulla; Pia Cayetano; Alexander Lacson.

Then starred the names of Satur Ocampo; Liza Maza; and Neric Acosta. I wanted new faces but then of course I thought of Bongbong Marcos and Miriam Santiago. They should be there. Everyone thinks that Miriam is crazy but she sticks to her principles when it comes to decision making.

Finally! A response from a friend... Apparently, he has the same list as I have: Tamano; Remulla; Cayetano; Marcos; and Santiago. Having read his response, I wrote the names of my candidates. From 4 to 9. Then went back to Vice President and finally decided that I will vote for Bayani Fernando. I heard from reliable sources that he can't be bribed and he is tough as hell. So I thought, he would be my best bet. So there, inked my right thumb and stamped it in the ballot's coupon, sealed the ballot and placed it in the envelope ready for mailing.


As I continued reading my friends' message, I was shocked to read:

"revilla is number 1 sa survey, jinggoy number 2, kahit si enrile sure win na, baka pati si lito lapid e makaangkas pa sa magic 12! ibang klase ka pilipinas!"

And here I am started wondering... "Will it makes a difference?" You see I placed my heart on my vote. I was excited and I am still hopeful.