The voice of the people

THE VOICE of the people is the voice of God. So the saying goes. Today, it is time once again for the voice of the people to be heard through the ballot. As we go to the polls, here are some points to ponder. One. Let us not take our privilege experiences. They happened years to vote for granted. I n some ago, in a different generation, when jurisdictions, the citizens do not even I took to the campaign trail either get to vote. So let us go out and vote. for myself or my party’s candidates. And to the extent allowed by personal I first took office in 1986 as one of circumstances, let us help ensure that the many Officers-in-Charge (OICs) our vote is properly counted. of President Corazon C. Aquino.

Two. Election Day is the great Two years later, I ran in the first equalizer. It is only on election day election after Edsa which elected where the one vote of Lucio Cruz is local officials. equal to the one vote of Lucio Tan. I sought election as Mayor of

Three. We have made our choices Muntinlupa. As was customary, the but we should always respect the preferred mode of campaigning in choices made by others. We can agree our town was house-to-house. to disagree but let not the heat of the One day, we were campaigning election campaign kill good manners along the railroad tracks in Sucat, and civility in dealing with those of the northernmost barangay of the opposite view. Don’t let a political Muntinlupa right next to Taguig. I debate injure great friendships. Ang was accompanied by all our party eleksiyon ay isang araw lamang. Our candidates from vice mayor to the bets may lose the election, but we councilors. don’t have to lose friends because of I was much younger then and I it. Take extra care in choosing your could easily work both sides of the words when arguing your point with railroad tracks. I did not mind the your friends. The candidates that you scorching afternoon sun as I tried to staunchly defend may not even know pump as many hands as I could. It you exist. was heartwarming and re-assuring

That said, I am now going to my to hear from the constituents their precinct with the fervent prayer that words of support. majority of the Filipino electorate Then, an old man whom I will “Let Leni lead.” And that they will approached told me: “I am sorry I “Help Kiko help Leni to lead.” cannot vote for you.”

I wish everyone an honest, Having recovered from the peaceful, orderly and credible shock, I asked him: “Why, Lolo? Do election. you not approve of the way I ran

Unforgettable election campaign Muntinlupa?” experiences “You are OK, Mayor,” he said. “But

During an election period like this, you see, you are already in Taguig!” I cannot but fondly recollect some *** of my own unforgettable election Kris Aquino, who was just starting her career in show biz, made a surprise visit during one of our small evening plaza meetings. She sang a couple songs to the delight of the crowd and then delivered her spiel - “Ang sabi ng Mommy ko, iboto ninyo si Toting. Basta si Toting, Magaling!”

My gut feel, prior to that point in the campaign, was that the local election would be closely contested. After Kris’ appearance, I felt that I began to surge ahead.

But the big moment came when President Cory, herself, showed up during our “miting de avance”. She told a crowd of thousands gathered at the Alabang jeepney terminal: “Kung pipili ako ng limang pinakamahusay kong OIC, makakaseguro kayo na isa doon si Toting.”

With the vaunted “Cory magic”, it was all over but the shouting.

*** Once, President Fidel V. Ramos visited Muntinlupa City Hall to proclaim his official candidates for

for the 1995 local elections. Over coffee, and his trademark unlighted cigar, FVR gave his anointed candidates precious tips on how to campaign.

“I call this 4K,” FVR started.

“First K. Kawayan. Wave at the people. By waving you immediately establish contact with them even from afar.

“Second K. Kamayan. Up close, shake their hands. Your hand shake must be firm. While shaking hands, don’t forget the eye contact.

“Third K. Kumustahan. While shaking hands, ask a general question about the family. Everybody appreciates being asked about his/her loved ones.

“And don’t forget the last K. Kodakan. Filipinos are very fond of picture-taking.”

“4K is a sure-fire formula,” FVR said with a wink and a ‘thumbs up’./ PN