In less than a day

(Just opinions. No intentions to harm the figures described here.)

In less than a day, the nation will pour to polling precincts to exercise the-power-of-giving-powers. Such a crucial role in a democratic society, for it is both a right and responsibility. Tomorrow’s election will not just be an ordinary chapter in our history. It must be well written for it shall dictate the future of this country's government, the future of our electoral policy, and most of all the future of our people. The outcome of such chapter—whether it will come out as a well written history—is on our hands. Not just on the hands of the few, but the hands of the many. Democracy is just the bottle of ink; it’s up to the hands that carry the pen to scribble its message.

***

This is my first presidential election as part of the electorate. Three years ago, when I first exercised the right and responsibility that the constitution entitles a Filipino of legal age, the situation was way different. Dissimilar not just because the 2007 May Elections was Senatorial and the 2007 October Elections was Barangay. To some extent different because your standards as a voter must be raised to a higher level to be able to choose who deserves—truly deserves—to be given power to lead the nation in the next six years.

I still remember the 1998 Presidential Elections which elected former President Estrada, I was incoming grade five then. Fresher, though a nightmare for the nation was the 2004 Presidential Elections wherein Gloria Arroyo emerged “victorious”. I was about to enter college then. These past two elections were just fiesta to me. Streets go colorful; streamers hang everywhere, noisy jingles in every corner, motorcades here and there, and the most exciting to see—television and movie personalities campaigning with the candidates. Hahaha… Why would I forget shaking hands with Nora Aunor and Joseph Estrada when their helicopter landed on our school plaza in 1998?

Well, those will just remain memories—rather, personal account of history.

I think that being a part of the electorate changed the “fiesta” thought about elections in me. Though 2007 proved easier on whom to vote for, choosing among the Presidentiables for this year’s is way harder than taking a quiz in Physiology without studying. It might be because whoever you choose will have the chance to run the Philippines satisfactorily or dismally. Or, maybe the choices don’t fit much of the voter’s standards. The fiesta-thought changed because you start to realize the importance of your vote—how it will shape not just your future but the future of all.

There are nine presidential candidates to consider—they were supposed to be ten, Vetellano Acosta was disqualified a few weeks after the campaign period started and the ballots were printed. Among this nine, who should be President for six years? Such a hard question to answer, for me, and the time is running out. My wrist watch beside my books asks me to decide the soonest possible. Luffy’s time keeps on pressuring me to arrive at a decision while writing this and every time I browse the net to check my e-mail, facebook, plurk, and twitter—I deleted my friendster. The wall clock is incessantly on its tic-tac-tic-tac course as if whispering that “your time is running out, so decide”.

Pressure it is. None of the nine is a first choice. My first choice to become President of this politically-battered archipelago decided not to run. Anyway, equal with the right to vote is the responsibility to choose even though your true choice is not among the options. A no-president scenario is not an option. Whether we like it or not, it is our responsibility to choose.

The question: who to vote for President?

It may be easy to answer for some, but if you consider all necessary things to be considered and not just a single factor, the question is truly a million-dollar in nature.

For me, the next president should have the sincere heart to serve the country, a knight of equality and justice, strong, dynamic, and although a minor criterion for me—intelligent.

No leader is perfect the same as the fact that even heroes are also flawed.

Based on platform, good choices include: Gordon, Teodoro, Villar. Others’ remain vague—just using corruption to deceive the public while de los Reyes’, Perlas’, Villanueva’s, and Madrigal’s are suited for a stable Philippines not for a road to recovery which we are currently in at the moment. For educational background, Teodoro and Gordon are the candidates to beat. For political affiliation, Villar, Aquino, and Estrada are forces to reckon with. In terms of experience in the executive branch of government—Gordon, Teodoro, and Estrada can’t be denied of credits. Based on political support, Villar has the best line-up.

Top 5 choices (in alphabetical order):

1.       Aquino

2.       Estrada

3.       Gordon

4.       Teodoro

5.       Villar

Eastern Visayas is still regarded as a Marcos country. So if Aquino would win, Region 8 will be back to the 1986-1992 scenario: ignored by the national government. Many issues surround him despite his "righteous" coating on advertisements and his mental status is in question.

Estrada has proven himself. He had his time.

Gordon. An Arroyo breakaway loyalist. Mood swings. Impressive accomplishments.

Teodoro. Gloria’s party bet and nothing else.

Villar. Trapo, though impressive in terms of accomplishments.

To sum up: Teodoro > Gordon > Villar > Estrada > Noynoy.

Final Choices:

1.       Teodoro

2.       Gordon

3.       Villar