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| Photo by Sashi24 (Googled image) |
Frankly, I have so many reasons not to. I can start with a
list of excuses-- my wedding which will take place the week after the election itself, among others.
I am not naïve. I know how easily we label and categorize the candidates just because. There’s
the TraPo or the traditional politicians and there’s BIMPO or Batang Isinubo ng
Magulang sa Politika. Being that this is going to be my first to air my stand
on the Philippine politics
in this blog in any medium ever, please do
not be surprised if you find it amateur. I am no activist, journalist, nor an
enthusiast of this issue. I am just some random citizen who loves my country so
much.
I was practically dragged by my mom to register in the
municipality’s COMELEC office 5 years ago like she couldn't take another day
away from my 18th birthday that I’m not a registered voter. Dude, I
was in fever and colds when she woke me up to register way before
sunrise. What kind of mother does that? Lol. (Love you, Ma.) That may sound
cruel but I thank her for that today.
I might just be promoted to a whole new level of weird for saying this but I just
love LOOOOVE practicing
my right to vote. This isn't a mindset
that my parents instilled in me but the idea of finally being able to do
something for the country makes me feel so responsible and mature. It makes me feel
like I’m a part of something, like each time I vote, I am able to change something about
this nation. You know, I have never experienced joining any rally. Even in college, I never joined any of those "walk-out
sa klase" just to deliver a particular message to the higher authority. Don't get me wrong, the only reason I didn't participate is because I believe I'm in school to study. Not to mention I didn't want to waste the money my parents worked hard for just to send me to a premium university.
Just like there are so many reasons not to vote, I have also heard of different reasons why people vote.
Sabi nga nila, you have no right to complain if you did not choose who to put in the government. This is logical to me and partly, this is the reason why I make sure to cast my vote every election (national and local). However, this is not the sole and main reason I'm choosing my senators and mayor and councilors.
1. It's my every citizen's responsibility.
Choose some wise, understanding and respected men from each of your tribes, and I will set them over you.
I take Deuteronomy 1:13 as a clear command from the Lord along with other commands like love your neighbor, honor your parents, etc. Through Moses He spoke it to the Israelites at the time He needed rulers "to carry the burden and disputes" of the people. Although it's very clear that whoever is in position is God-appointed (Romans 13), He did not deny us of our responsibility to elect who we think is wise, understanding, and respected. Yes, before voting becomes our right, it was first a responsibility assigned to us by the Maker himself.
2. It's for my everyone's future sons and daughters.
Voting today makes me accountable for the kind of future the next generation will have. When I was a decade or so younger, I used to think "Who cares about the next generation? I'll be out of this planet then." But now that I'm getting married in a couple of weeks, I have learned to become so mindful of the things that might affect my future children's world a few years from now. I don't know about you but I would do everything for my kids to have a better life than mine. And a big part of it will rely on the kind of environment and country they'll live in. What's worse than watching selfish people rule your nation, right? Almost synonymous to letting evil conquer heaven and earth (although obviously this couldn't happen).
3. It's a very rare and underrated privilege that's worth grabbing.
How many times are we asked to participate in this country's decision making? I say only once -- and it's during election. Do I have a say if taxes soar high and my salary deductions are almost half of my monthly earning? No. Do I have a say if bills like the RH and sin tax are discussed in the Senate or Congress for passing? No. Do I have a say which country the president should visit next for a half a million worth of meetings and dinners? No. Hence, voting for people whom I think possess the qualities in #1 is my only way of making sure that the interest of the Filipino people (and not their pork barrel) will be the first priority in making these decisions.
I'm sure the skeptical in you might be saying "why vote
kung madadaya rin naman?" or "whoever you vote,
pare-pareho lang naman silang corrupt". Honestly, I myself can be so frustrated of how dirty the Philippine politics has become. I'm not saying that the system of the past generation is any better because we weren't there to know that. However, if we think of how bad the situation is and if we let this situation hinder us from doing our responsibility as a Filipino, then that's the point
we become the problem. Which is better: a nation with corrupt rulers and responsible citizens? or one with corrupt rulers and indifferent citizens? Personally, the latter is a more disgusting reality. Folks, we can't control the system. I have long since gave that up to the more powerful that is God. All I can do now is play my part and leave everything to Him. By faith I claim that God is changing this nation and I sure would want to be a part of this most awaited change.
Psalm 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance.
Let's practice our right. Let's be responsible. Do it for your country. Do it for God.
