Have You Made Up Your Mind Yet?

March is coming to a close and before you know it, April's here and May would be toddling along! You might think that the election is still a long way off as the hot weather these days seem to make the hours drag, but you really should be contemplating of who you're going to vote for now, lest your mind become muddled on the election day itself and end up voting for someone you don't really like just so you can complete your ballot. That would just be arghhh!

In our household and even in the neighborhood, people are pretty much weighing the candidates and engaging just about anyone about what they think about so and so. This is actually a good idea to learn more about the candidates but you still need to mind your answers as well as the situation you are in. Remember that the election is a big deal itself and putting aside all the merriment of the proc rally, candidate-sponsored events, etc, lie the mudslinging, vote-buying and even uncalled for deaths of some of the candidates and supporters themselves. So be careful, you!

image from cliparts.co

Through social media and the various news organization, information is very easy to disseminate. But as a responsible citizen, you should know how to sift through what you read and see. For these tools are not free from being influenced and they are pretty much still a business (no intention to generalize though!). I'm sure you've been scrolling through your Facebook timeline or looking up what's trending in Twitter, so I'm assuming you're not completely clueless on "who's" running for office. But have you looked in-depth? My, my, you shouldn't take this lightly.

If you ask me if I have decided on my candidates, my answer will be a resounding NOT YET but it's not to say that I've been lax in thinking about it. In fact, I have pondered on this since last year and has been continuously weighing my options. My uncle had previously told be to list down my choices and start from there. Also, I've come up with my own guide sentences (if there is such) to narrow down my list and finally pick my candidates.

So, here's what I've been keeping in mind to come up with the best among all the choices.

 1. Don't settle for just somebody. 

Regardless of his/her popularity, his/her looks, education and family name, ask yourself if he/she is really qualified for the job? As a voter, you are somewhat similar to an employer, would you hire someone who is not qualified for the position? Would you pay someone who literally has no clue with what the job entails? Of course not, its a complete waste of resources and opportunity. There is a far better candidate. So don't waste the chance to put someone who really fits the job!

 2. Don't vote for someone who already has a family member/relative in public office. 

Political dynasties are just nasty. We are talking about public service here, this is not an enterprise, a family enterprise that is. This has been a long-standing issue and up to this day, no bill has been passed against political dynasties, why? Because the ones, you had previously voted for are from political dynasties as well, duh? Well, at least some of them are, so know who and think twice about making them a "happy family" in the city hall/congress (whichever counts).

 3. Don't vote for someone just because he/she has been endorsed by you're "idol". 

Although some celebrities or noted personalities actually endorse candidates because they have faith in their abilities, some endorse because it's still "work" while some are favors (friend of the family or a kumapdre, etc), we are a nation with a long history of kumpadre system and "utang na loob" after all. But FYI, the times have changed and we need to break from this kind of sh*t, you know?!

 4. Read and watch anything related to the issue at hand, in this case, the upcoming elections. 

In a previous post entitled it "It Pays to Know", I talked about watching the second leg of the three series debate sponsored by COMELEC and various media. Through such, you get a glimpse of the candidates' characters and an idea of how he/she would respond to important issues. This is a great opportunity to really see through the candidates, so don't miss out on these and make yourself more aware.

 5. Keep your eyes wide open and your ears even wider.

Ah, the campaign period, whereas promises of blissful days are made and hardships of the days past are painted to be no more! But don't fall for such flowery words. Candidates are subject to fill your head with such. Like a man wooing his intended, he will promise you the moon and the stars. But when it all boils down, these are just promises. Remember, that what plagues our society isn't just "common colds", our problems are called "cancer" already, so it would take more than just a man/woman and his/her promises to make things better. Know which of his/her plans/platforms are actually feasible and know which are the bola.

Ain't the Next Top Model, so don't go voting for someone because he looks freaking hot!

The election is a one-day event but the results are going to be there for the next three or six years. I don't want to give someone the power to make my future or that of my children's (if ever I have any) a miserable one in the making. I don't want to create a "ghost" that would inevitably haunt me through his/her mismanagement or scandals once elected. You should think the same, after all, regardless of our differences in beliefs, education, religion etc, we are all Filipinos, wanting a better Philippines for the future. So, we need to smarten up now.
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*GIF from giphy.com