KRIS—the better Kris, the sincere Kris, the brilliant Kris, the wonder boy, my valued friend—did not make the cut for the congressional race.
He fought the good fight, but the people chose someone, and it’s not him. We should see Kris Ablan again in the public sphere. It would be a very big injustice to good government if he does not come back.
That, dear karikna, is not the number of yellow shirts I have purchased. I surmise not even Noynoy Aquino has that many in his wardrobe. Two hundred pesos is the current rate in the vote-buying operations for the first congressional seat in this province. I have firsthand information that two of the strongest contenders for the post have started special operations as early as the first week of April.
With a strong grip of barangays in Laoag City, one candidate operates through barangay officials who hold a list of registered voters for each household. Upon payment, a recipient is asked to sign beside his/her name.
Another candidate, who promises a fresh brand of politics, seems to find difficulty veering away from the dark shadows of his old man. His camp, however, has a more legal way of doing things. They give allowances of two hundred pesos to every volunteer. This seems acceptable because candidates really have to take care of their volunteers. The problem is that just anyone and everyone can be a part of their payroll. All that you have to do is go to their headquarters and fill out a form. The result: some barangays would have hundred, if not thousands, of barangay coordinators. If this is not circumvention of the law, what is? Same pig, different collar.
While it does not shock me anymore that this happens in every nook and corner of the archipelago, it disturbs me that it’s not only the poor who accept dirty money from politicians. Almost everyone now does, and this includes my friends who are professionals, and even those who live comfortable lives. God, I even have friends who are involved with the election watchdog Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting who admit to ‘selling’ their votes. Continue reading “200”
One of the letters I received was from William S. of California USA. His letter merits attention, because he suggests I write about something he finds important.
Part of his letter reads:
“I am one of your avid readers in the Ilocos Times Online. Based in the west coast USA, I make sure I read your column on a daily basis during my free time at work. It is a matter of principle that we really need to give you due recognition for providing enlightening information on the various social issues in the provincial and national levels. The issues you tackle span the judicial system, social economic system, political system and educational system. I admire some of your articles when it bites the “status quo” of those people in power, whether in elective or appointive positions, who are holding and discharging their duties for their own and circle-of-friends’ benefits. I also came to believe that the Ilocos Region seems to be the “Wild-Wild-North” of the entire archipelago since it is all the same since I left to this date. The conflict resolution in the political arena undermines the rule of law.
“The reason for this email is to suggest that we educate the local voters for the upcoming 2010 local and national elections. I was wondering if you could mention in your column how to value their votes for the right candidates in the upcoming election. There has to be a way to gauge budding political figures versus those who would like to perpetuate the political family dynasty. The electorate has to realize that there is always an alternative, a fresh start and new faces to select from instead of the “traditional.” There is always a political process to use if we elect the person who does not meet the people’s expectation. We also need to address those folks in the rural areas to stay home during election day if they are not aware of the issues affecting them and if they do not know the political agenda of the candidates. We need to emphasize to the rural folks and others that a few cans of sardines and a couple kilograms of rice should not subvert the voice of the people during elections.”
Continue reading “Preparing the thumb for the stains of politics”
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