Election Day
A“VOTE-FOR-ME” jingle filled the air to the tune of “Despacito.” The car whizzed past, stereo on full blast, and colorful fliers flapping in the air. From where I stood by the road, I watched curiously as the white pick-up drove down the street, the Despacito-Vote-For-Me jingle blaring into the air. Curious bystanders watched the car go by.
A couple of minutes later, another car with a different candidate and the same Despacito-inspired election jingle drove by.
I wonder if Puerto Rican singer Luis Fonsi and rapper Daddy Yankee are getting any royalties from the obvious use of their song. Also, I wonder if anyone ever bothered reading the English translation of the song.
Elections are always a curious sight to witness. Colorful campaign materials (did you see the Avengers-inspired campaign posters?), election jingles inspired by Billboard hits, and parades left and right. Of course, you also have (well, hopefully NOT!) shady activities happening, with votes being bought, stealthily wrapped in sample ballots.
Well, guys and girls, enjoy the show of promises, platforms, and programs–but, but, but, do not allow your votes to be bought. Do not be part of this show.
I wrote this in a column several years back, and I repeat this again: When someone tries to buy your vote, kick them where the sun does not shine.
Our votes are sacred – they cannot be bought with money.
Now is the right time for us to place someone right and true into office, someone who does not want to buy our votes, and someone who truly deserves to be placed into office. We have the power to choose today. After many years of discussions, refinement, and postponement, we FINALLY elect our Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) leaders. Finally, a much stronger platform is back, one that allows youth leaders to take on stronger leadership roles in the community and develop and implement programs for the youth.
Today is important because we elect those whom we deem right to become our local leaders in our barangay. Pick those whom you can approach and talk to, those who look out for you and help you address concerns in the community you live in.
As you fill out today’s ballots, think of the leaders whose platforms and programs resonate with you and are important to you.
The loudest jingle and most colorful poster may not be the loudest voice that best represents you. Before you cast your vote today, think long and hard of your next leaders – can we work with these leaders and ensure progress in our communities in the next few years? Think.
Who are you voting for today?