Who's your Candidate?
I find rags-to-riches success stories quite amusing. Not only do they give hope to those who dream to be millionaires, but they also prove that nothing is impossible if you strive harder in life. The "I used to live under the bridge and able to eat only one meal per day" stories never fail to touch my emo side. And the sudden turn of events that started with just a small kariton business, which soon became bigger, and who-knows-how but suddenly turned into a big shopping center. Damn! I only thought those could happen in movies. But, yeah, we have a number of living proof that these could also happen in real life.I won't be surprised if there are politicians who actually use these stories of them to get more supporters. It does work, mind you. Especially with the Filipinos. We like leaders who sympathize with us and knows what we're going through. Sounds good right? A leader who won't steal from his countrymen. One who understands what the poor yearns for? One who can help us be successful the way he has been successful. But how can we assure that? Now, that's the big challenge.
A lot of Filipinos nowadays, which 70% came from the poor and lives in the squatters area and bears no less than 5 children, are somewhat gullible. Excuse me for this term, but, most of us are "uto-uto". We believe right away, no questions asked, no researches made. Just a simple handshake, and a flash of smile, and maybe a hundred bucks will make us believe, he's kind and worthy to lead the country. And who always ends up suffering because we choose the most corrupt leaders? Us. Yes, all of us. Us, who work our assess off every single day just to see that a big percent of our wages goes to the government fund, hopefully, the taxpayers could see where their money really goes. Us, who embodies the 70% of Filipino population. The poor people who wakes up everyday thinking how the hell are they gonna survive another day.
Being able to elect our own government officials is the best contribution an ordinary citizen can do for his country. But along this freedom to vote comes a big responsibility. The responsibility to know your candidates well. Research if you must. Ask questions, know others ideas/knowledge about the candidates. Watch them debate and answer questions thrown in by the public. An effort to do all these won't hurt. 'Cause in the long run, it's we who must benefit more from these elections, not the elected officials. 'Cause it's their job to serve the country and its countrymen. Not the other way around.
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