Let the Peso Speak

I did not vote today despite the irritating prodding of my mother (because she thinks it is morally not right), despite being an able-bodied, mature and eligible Filipino (who has no class or work to be preoccupied with), despite the proximity of the voting precincts from our home (a minute ride because of the free transportation provided for by the local government), and despite the urge of the socially proactive spirit in me (would have been an activist if not for my personal struggles I am in no mood to discuss...hehe).

Now let me recount the reasons why.

1. As early as evening of yesterday (October 28) envelopes have been flying around town distributing themselves to innocent voters. Enclosed with it is a list of possible barangay officials who I think out of desperation has resorted to vote-buying to become a part of the bureaucratic government in newly-slated city of Naga (by the way a barangay councilor's pay is P8000 apart from the possible corruption). My mother received a whopping P900 for three voters (me, my mom and my dad). There were six candidates, what if they all payed for votes? Do the math.

If I were you, would you rather have a hand in electing such corrupt persons whom despite not being elected yet has shown as much hunger for power as those who would kill their brothers or sisters to be favored for a throne? No thank you. I would rather renounce my right to suffrage as of the moment because I find the electees incompetent, good-for-nothing, and power-savoring posers of righteousness, honesty and justice.

2. I am not based in our town. I live in the city and I am not blessed with having as much familiriaty as i want with all the candidates. Some of whom I know only by name and the others I have never heard of.

I have once said in another post that some ounce of familiarity will always be a good ally and I still live by that. I would rather not vote than risk putting into office someone I do not personally know nor recognize even.

There are other reasons why I did not vote but they are far less significant than these two. I am regretful that my birth-right to vote was not exercised but am equally pleased that I bear no burden in my conscience. There will be better times to vote and better people befitting the positions in contest. I just hope this time happens in my lifetime because honestly, politics is far more dirty than a landfill.

Enough of my ranting.

Signing off.