Monday, 29 March 2010, Manila
Countdown to May 10
By Carlo Simon
May 10? What is in store on this day?
Is it a holiday?
Is it memorable?
You might wonder why I have written the title like this.
Yes, May 10 is indeed a holiday, memorable and most of all, historical. Historical because our country will hold the 2010 Presidential, National and Local Elections and the First Fully Automatic Election on this day.
“Fiesta Season” Starts
As a keen observer of the coming election, I noticed way back in 2009 infomercials of candidates broadcast over national television. Then some banners on streets. Why? Because it is the start of their premature campaigning even if there is no Juan Dela Cruz for President yet. You will know that this person will be running for a position in the government and I am really wondering where they get their funds for this.
The local candidates also joined this bandwagon through their posters. In one place in Metro Manila, candidates were putting up their own “simple campaigning.”
Then February 9, 2010 came, thus began the start of the campaign for national seats. There were posters all around, tarpaulin on trees and electric posts, streamers or “banderitas” hanging.
What can you say? It’s election fever again.
As time passes by almost a month and half later the start of the campaign for local elections followed. Sad to say, banners doubled.
The electoral governing body still does not have the power (or the political will) to remove the visual pollution. Even more the so called “common poster area” has not been followed and is not effective.
Expect to have a dirty Philippines during this period of election fever. Campaign paraphernalia is everywhere, polluting our perspectives.
Candidates now are in full blast in their campaign. They roam around all kinds of places, giving their platforms and promises, and most of all a free concert every now and then with showbiz personalities.
What to do?
You can certainly help change the country. There are a lot of candidates to choose from but you must make your own decision. It is time to vote wisely -- to choose who is capable or not. Do not lose hope. Our country needs a great leader and a great government.
Yes, you can make a change. Yes, you can make it happen.
Countdown to May 10
By Carlo Simon
May 10? What is in store on this day?
Is it a holiday?
Is it memorable?
You might wonder why I have written the title like this.
Yes, May 10 is indeed a holiday, memorable and most of all, historical. Historical because our country will hold the 2010 Presidential, National and Local Elections and the First Fully Automatic Election on this day.
“Fiesta Season” Starts
As a keen observer of the coming election, I noticed way back in 2009 infomercials of candidates broadcast over national television. Then some banners on streets. Why? Because it is the start of their premature campaigning even if there is no Juan Dela Cruz for President yet. You will know that this person will be running for a position in the government and I am really wondering where they get their funds for this.
The local candidates also joined this bandwagon through their posters. In one place in Metro Manila, candidates were putting up their own “simple campaigning.”
Then February 9, 2010 came, thus began the start of the campaign for national seats. There were posters all around, tarpaulin on trees and electric posts, streamers or “banderitas” hanging.
What can you say? It’s election fever again.
As time passes by almost a month and half later the start of the campaign for local elections followed. Sad to say, banners doubled.
The electoral governing body still does not have the power (or the political will) to remove the visual pollution. Even more the so called “common poster area” has not been followed and is not effective.
Expect to have a dirty Philippines during this period of election fever. Campaign paraphernalia is everywhere, polluting our perspectives.
Candidates now are in full blast in their campaign. They roam around all kinds of places, giving their platforms and promises, and most of all a free concert every now and then with showbiz personalities.
What to do?
You can certainly help change the country. There are a lot of candidates to choose from but you must make your own decision. It is time to vote wisely -- to choose who is capable or not. Do not lose hope. Our country needs a great leader and a great government.
Yes, you can make a change. Yes, you can make it happen.
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