A Letter to All Filipino Voters

To all Filipino voters,

I wrote this letter because there is a part of me telling that I should do this. My conscience was awakened after hearing the disturbing stories online that my instructor shared to us last Saturday in Open University System where I am enrolled. He said that there are many posts and comments about the upcoming May 2016 Election from different Facebook users that are stirring conflicts. As the politicians do mudslinging against each other, their supporters are also adding tensions in this rowdy period. I understood his sentiments because I also read obnoxious, full of obscenities comments from the supporters of different parties/ camps in Facebook since the election campaign began. Some comments boost candidate’s image but some degrade other candidates. So, he urged us to make step in making the election successful and peaceful. He mentioned that we have the moral responsibility to uphold in order for us not to get ensnared and tainted in the dirty game called “politics.”

I am writing to everyone not because I want to catapult the standing of one candidate. I am writing not to humiliate your choices. I am not writing to make myself pompous but I am writing because I want to perform my moral responsibility to abet everyone to maintain proper demeanor in discussing political issues whether online of offline. As a teacher, I should be apolitical and non- partisan. Expect that this write- up will not imply my candidates. This letter serves as my medium to show my concern and chauvinism for our country. Furthermore, this letter will show my side as a disciplinarian. Well, that’s the nature of teachers like me. We’re trying our best to promote morality inside and outside the vicinity of the school. 

Maybe some are raising their eyebrows on me because of this. 

“He doesn’t know well what he is saying.”

“He is young that he lacks experience and mentality on various problems of the country.” 

Many statements like these are running on their minds about my fierceness to write this letter. I admit that I am only twenty- two years old and a second time voter in this election. But, the age factor is not a hindrance to be a concern citizen of the country. The things that I am watching on TV and stories written on books are great sources for me to know the status of my native land. These facts are my bases to write this. 

For the past years, it is evident that our country is still facing predicaments: poverty, unemployment, crime, maritime and territory issues, etc. Every election, many political aspirants have been promising platforms that are supposedly the panacea of solving the problems. However, some of the elected officials make their promises stay as promises. Politicians are still tackling the same old issues in each election. Can we blame them alone? No.  There are a few of public officials who are true to the people. So, we cannot 100% cringe about our status. The problem is we elect officials who lack passion, dedication and truthfulness in public service. So, we, voters play key roles on the conditions felt by everyone. Our votes during the poll may make our country better or make the status of our country worsen. 

Now that the election gets nearer, we should be wiser in practicing our right to choose our leaders. Based in our Constitution, we have the right to vote or suffrage. This power is very valuable. One vote can bring the nation into two ways: good or bad. In this historical period that we are going to make, we should do our responsibility for our country.

As a voter, you need to know to know all the candidates thoroughly. All our candidates are qualified because they met the qualifications stated in the Constitution and in Comelec rules. All you need to do is to select the most qualified of them all. How to do that? Have their profiles. Educational attainment is a plus factor. Intelligence ignites realistic and attainable platforms. Moreover, leaders should have the mental capability so that they can make good orders, laws, ordinances, etc. They should be smart enough in handling their positions because wrong decisions are detrimental to our lives. 

Track record is another factor. Good track record is a sign that the candidate has familiarity on his duty. Either the candidate has long or short track record, the outcomes of his/ her programs are more important than length of years. 

Most of all, we should choose our candidates because of their will in serving the masses. The candidates should have good and pure intention why they sacrifice for us. We should not select aspirants who know only their welfare. We should not elect people who are only visible during the election campaign. Intelligence and track record are futile if a candidate has no heart for anyone.

It is our obligation to support the candidates who fit for the different positions in the government. We should elect officials who can lead us in the next three to six years. Being meticulous is a must in this election. And, aside from being meticulous, we should do our best to maintain our dignity as voters. We should keep our right with sanctity. 

Many people especially in Facebook are now abusing their freedom of speech. There are hundreds of people who use social media sites arrogantly by saying blatant words to the supporters of their candidate’s rivals. Some comments are turning now to threats and bullying. We have the right to campaign and defend our choices but we should not come to the point that we make conflicts. For the past years, politics has ruined family and friendships and lives of innocent people. We should not go with the heat of political battles between the aspirants. Do not let politics destroy us. Chill. 

Another challenge that should be overcome by everyone is how we will involve ourselves in the governance. Our support to the officials should not last only during the campaign or after their proclamation. We think that our obligation ends after the election. Leaders need us. They cannot do their tasks on their own. We should cooperate and do our parts on how to claim change. We always want to have change. Change will happen if we initiate change among us. Let us change ourselves so we can change our lives. We always lament about our status but the question is “What have you done to make your status better?” We must remember this quote of John F. Kennedy:

"Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country."

Less than a week to go before indelible ink leaves mark on our nails. This year, you can make yourself better if you will be a responsible voter. Follow your conscience. Deal with other people with respect and dignity. Choose what is right. Vote because of your choice. Support whoever wins the election. Let us live as a nation. Let us make history.

Let us make the country progressive for the next years to come. 

P.S.

Maybe some will find flaws on me by searching my activities online. If ever that somebody will pinpoint tweets, posts and comments about candidates’ statements, it doesn’t mean that I have already given my support on him/ her. I did it because I want my friends and followers to be informed regarding with the candidates’ viewpoints. Again, I am still weighing things. I do not campaign for anyone. I wrote this letter because I want to help fellow voters in choosing candidates wisely.