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I am a Responsible Voter Printable Version PRINTABLE VERSION
by LLOYDLUNA.com, Philippines May 4, 2004
  Opinions
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And then my friend fell asleep.

Call it a fortune for me or not that I was born in May, I don't really care much. Anyway, all the electorate does during this season is an exercise of the right to vote, often not the responsibility to do so. Perhaps this is why we are here today; economic instability, political chaos, graft in the government, crime in the streets, neglect of education, insufficient health care, peace and order, dissidence and banditry and other difficulties. And inking the ballots for our bets to win come May 2004 national elections may again beget the brand of future that we will have. In my hands are choices between two futures: a future moving backward and a future moving forward.

Obviously, I preferred the latter. And apparently still, that makes me a responsible voter of my time--a voter who wishes to experience a better government that is capable of uplifting more than 80 million lives and millions more to come; a government that is governed by conscience and principles; a real government of the people, by the people and for the people.

Speaking as an ordinary citizen with no claim to political savvy on responsible voting, I am very fervent to cast my vote especially now that I realized that what we need are urgent reforms. And the qualities that go along with it are simple for I believe that my vote reflects my well-being. In the Philippine setting, specifically in the youth sector, for example, those who excel are those who voluntarily and enthusiastically involve themselves. From the same perspective, I involved myself in voters' education symposia--a simple but noteworthy initiative--for me to find a basis of my dreamed leadership.

From this simple chipping in and participation comes a careful study of each and every candidate's platform. Yes, individually they present a platform of government. But still, I consider what is fair and doable. Will those policies be in favour of the majority or only benefit the few? Yes, independently they have platforms. However, I ask myself first: Will these be the solutions to insurmountable contemporary problems that we have?

I recall being told by my professor once: There are four scientific methods that one must take into consideration. First is that solutions are in the seed of the problem. Second, problems well defined are half solved. Third, problems solved create another problem and fourth, there are problems better left unsolved.

And so I consider these principles upon choosing my personal preferences. If the problem is a corrupt government for example, then it only reflects a corrupt society, almost certainly the people entitled to vote. The problem, therefore, is the electorate. That makes me different from others. I defined the problem well and then the other half that fulfills it is my vote. Yes, there would be problems that may arise afterwards but there are Constitutional provisions anyway that will safeguard my decision.

But unquestionably, I believe that problems in the election system, the voting culture per se, are not problems better left unsolved. They are predicaments better to be disentangled soonest if we truly want to move forward. The Philippines has already suffered much. The Philippine government, because of irresponsible voters has become the milking cow institution of the few who are fuelled by vested interest and selfish motives.

We need a government that has the capability to lead by example. We need consistency in policies and international networks. I always tell my friend, you elect a leader without political experience and connection; you'll begin in a scratch again, putting new people in places and creating new sets of bureaucracy. We need economic stability. I tell my friend, you know what will happen if we have new leaders? Investors will observe first, for a long while, before pouring in investments again. And if deemed a no-win situation, they won't invest any more. We need to stamp out this finger-pointing culture. We need leaders who will represent our true sentiments and who can be with us in all cases.

And now I say: I learned the lessons in the first and second EDSA. Now I can give my greater share to my country and its people. Now I am to ink on a piece of paper the leaders of the country for a term of office. In my hands are two futures: a future moving backward and a future moving forward.

Though my certitude to be responsible is only a bit, perhaps only a piece of what our country badly needs. Maybe a lone idea but never a baloney one and may be the best remedy to heal the country if adopted by the majority of the Filipino people. After the election, everything goes. But at least, my being responsible once became a bit of the bulky edifice of the nation. A story that I can share with my children and my children's children. One day, I will be proud of my decision today, my option for the common good and general welfare.

Responsible voters don't just vote right. They vote responsibly and they respond to the challenges that lie beyond their commitment to push for their causes. Responsible voters don't just sit. They vigilantly watch the election process and willingly consolidate efforts with those who have the same ideals as them. Responsible voters don't sell their rights or their votes. They protect it for the sake of the common good. Responsible voters, among whom I count myself, don't just sleep and wait for the country to be ruined by the few who are fuelled only by vested interests. They stay awake and will always be conscious for the protection of matured and full-fledged democracy.





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LLOYDLUNA.com


Lloyd A. Luna graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Communications Engineering from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines in 2004. In 2001, he established the Network of Campus Journalists of the Philippines (NCJP). Fuelled by a passion for journalism, he was recognized by the Catholic Mass Media Awards in 2002 and now writes for the three biggest national daily newspapers in the country (The Manila BULLETIN, The Philippine Daily INQUIRER and the Manila TIMES). At 21, he was awarded the Presidential Leadership Medal, the highest award given by the President of the Republic of the Philippines. He also works now as the Presidential Technical Assistant in the Office of the President in Malaca
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