Philippine elections
Philippine elections

‘Mauna ang bansa:’ Beyond duty, Filipinos share why their vote matters

Rappler.com

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‘Mauna ang bansa:’ Beyond duty, Filipinos share why their vote matters
Beyond exercising their right of suffrage, Filipinos see the 2019 midterm polls as an opportunity to choose better leaders for the country and their respective cities

 

MANILA, Philippines – Filipinos from all over the country headed to their respective polling precincts on Monday, May 13, to cast their votes for the next set of senators and local officials. (READ: IN PHOTOS: The Filipino votes)

Beyond exercising their right of suffrage, Filipinos saw the 2019 midterm polls as an opportunity to choose candidates who had more to show in leading their respective localities and constituents than riding on the popularity of their name.

Although Jimmy Savellino can’t read and write, he headed to his polling precinct to vote, hoping that his voice will help put leaders in government who can lessen the number of people who live below the poverty line and improve his city.

“Diri ako makabasa ngan makasurat pero minbotos gihap ako kay gusto ko magbag-o it sitwasyon ngan kakurian sa am lugar (I can’t read nor write but I voted because I want things to change & help the poor in our place),” he said.

 

Recognizing the weight of his vote, tricycle driver Jorge dela Cruz allotted time to vote in the midterm elections, even if it would mean sacrificing some profit he could have made during his absence.

Dela Cruz did this in a bid to add his voice to the proceedings and raise the income of tricycle drivers.

“Mauna ang bansa bago ang aking income kasi alam ko na ang aking boto ay isa sa magpapa-angat ng sahod ng mga tricycle drivers (The country comes before my income because I know my vote is one that can increase the income of tricycle drivers),” said Dela Cruz.

 

Several citizens described the traits they wanted in a leader which were embodied by the candidates they voted, mentioning honesty, trustworthiness, and a keen understanding of what their constituents need from the government.

 

 

 

 

Change for the better

Meanwhile, others emphasized how each vote could lead to a change that could help the nation – by voting in candidates who could best serve the welfare of the people through the platforms and issues they forward and represent once elected.

 

 

“I want to help our country to choose a better leader that will lead us to the best of the best. Yes it might be a simple shaded sheet, but this sheet will either lead our country for good or bad,” said voter Reneboy Salnungan.

 

They also pointed out how every Filipino has the ability to decide what’s best for the nation. By voting, they place their hopes on better leadership and policies after the midterm elections.

 

 

 

Even voter Clemente Arcoles hoped the winning candidates will set and strengthen the policy direction of programs aimed to help sectors like senior citizens through provision of benefits.

 

For the Philippines

Filipinos also highlighted how suffrage should be used to advance both the Philippines and the people, through leaders whom they can trust to represent them in Congress and the local government.

“If you love your country, you need to vote for what’s right… Para sa bayan (for the country),” said voter Star Vistar.

 

 

 

 

Voice of the youth

Comprising more than 18 million of the registered voters, the youth has a chance of making a big impact in the 2019 midterm elections. 

They trooped to polling centers to make their voices heard in determining the country’s next set of leaders. In many campus mock senatorial polls, the youth’s favorites featured candidates from Otso Diretso, such as Chel Diokno, Neri Colmenares, Samira Gutoc, and Bam Aquino.  

 


 

– Rappler.com

 

Follow Rappler’s full coverage of the 2019 Philippine elections here.

Bookmark this Rappler page for real-time election results.

 

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