Pinoys, Register to Vote for 2010 Presidential Elections!

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Me and Mai promised each other that we'll register to vote this year, especially after last year when the barangay officials here in Cebu gave us a hard time getting a barangay clearance for our previous company's requirements. Good thing I was still able to get a police clearance after I explained to the people from PNP in Cebu that the barangay officials won't issue me a clearance. They found it funny that a pure Filipina who happened to move from Luzon to Visayas can't get a barangay clearance but a Korean can. Tsk tsk.

Anyway, going back to voting, we've set our minds to register this 30th at the nearby school here in Talamban, Cebu. The thing is, years back, I registered in Navotas (back in Manila, where I lived for more than 20 years) with my Nanay so I can get a Voter's ID. I can't remember what happened to that ID, if I even got one printed or what. Sheesh. If I did, my nanay might have it or I lost it. Ack.

I just need to clear things up with my Nanay. Anyway, I'm qualified to vote here in Cebu since I've been here for more than 6 months already (from August 2008). Plus, my NBI clearance has my new address here in Cebu so I already have the requirements.

I have not voted in any Philippine election yet since I turned 18 and this will be the first time for me to vote. I feel that it's about time since I'll be turning 30 next year. It's my right and my responsibility, I believe, as a Filipino.

If you're planning on voting, I found this informational site for new voters like me - BagongBotante.ph
They even have the application forms that you can download. We've got until October 31, 2009 to register.

Why haven't I voted in the past? I feel ashamed to even admit why but let me list 'em for you.

• I felt like there's no one deserving of my vote or that voting for anyone will have the same result. Over the years, I realized that if I keep on thinking this way, I'll never get to exercise my right to vote. Now, I'm just voting for the lesser evil. It's gonna be very important for me to really know who I should vote for and weigh the pros and cons of voting for anyone.
  
  
• Hassle. I don't like standing in long lines under the heat of the sun or around many people. I just don't like crowds. So, I need to overcome this and endure the process if I really want to do this.
  
  
• I never felt that responsible yet or that my vote was that important. But, really, if most people think like I did, imagine who'll be in office today.

Hmmm... after registration, my next agenda would be to get to know the candidates as early as now. The list won't be finalized this early but I want to do my research as early as possible so I can cast an informed vote.

Too bad President Gloria Arroyo won't be running for office anymore. I want her to stay in office because she's the lesser evil for me. Oh well, let's see.

If you want to react on what I just said, don't waste your energy. I am a strong believer that no one can resist the temptation of using your power once you're in public office. It's just a matter of choosing the people to trust, right, Erap? Don't give me bullshit that your chosen candidate won't be corrupt when he/she gets elected. That's just not possible. If it's not gonna be him/her directly, it's a friend or a relative, heck even a close family member who'll take advantage of the situation. That's just human nature.

Ooops. I'm not trying to discourage anyone from voting, okay? It's just a fact that we have to accept. So, choose the lesser evil.

To my fellow Pinoys and Pinays, REGISTER TO VOTE NOW! Visit BagongBotante for more info.