My 2004 Ballot and My 2007 Ballot

 

You may consider this my answer to Arbet’s challenge.

Since the 1992 Presidential Elections - the first election that happened when I already had a sense what was going on in the national scene — I’ve always been drawn to elections. I’m drawn to preference polls and exit polls the same way I ogle at stat sheets at the end of basketball games and medal tallies during an international athletic meet. The 1992 polls had the energy, intensity and thrill of a genuine sporting event. All seven candidates had strong bailiwicks and the race was obviously wide open following the six-year term of Corazon Aquino. *Seriously, I loved this election and I promise to make an entry about it soon*

Back in 1998, I was one of the teenagers who saw an excellent amount of promise in Raul Roco. He was a good speaker and he seemed to be ready to be a future president someday. Unfortunately, due to the sheer number of candidates (Quick, guess how many ran for president in 1998 - the answer will be found later in this same article) Roco couldn’t finish better than third behind de Venecia and eventual winner Ejercito-Estrada.

In 2004, It was finally time! Roco will be running for President against the incumbent and an action star. It was almost a cinch that I’ll be voting for the Bicolano to be the country’s chief executive. Then… disaster struck.

*Answer: There were 11 candidates for the presidency in 1998 - Estrada, de Venecia, Roco, Osmeña, Lim, De Villa, Santiago, Enrile, Marcos, Dumlao and Morato.

I saw and heard Raul Roco in person.

During one Thursday afternoon, he arrived in the UP College of Medicine for a discussion on the elections. He was in effect courting us medical students for our votes. The tail end of the program, the floor was opened for questions.

Raul failed. Miserably.

On a simple question regarding his plans regarding the medical brain drain and lack of socialized health services, Roco dodged the question and just said that he will name Jimmy Galvez-Tan (his campaign manager whose son I eventually became classmates with) as Department of Health Secretary. The student asked again (with feelings)… but Roco didn’t take it seriously and simply dismissed him with the same answer.

I was disillusioned. I was disappointed. My rock star of a politician didn’t seem much different compared the the “traditional politicians” he swore to fight.

My Dad was an FPJPM leader in our province. Lacson just seemed too much of a killer and kidnapper back then, while here was what I thought of Eddie Villanueva. The thought of an FPJ victory sent chills to my spine, so I went with the only other candidate left not named Eddie Gil.

 

This is my 2007 ballot. Obviously, I half-heartedly filled this ballot after writing down the first name. Joker Arroyo is a candidate that is clearly built for the Senate. No one can ever debate better than a Joker Arroyo. The Senate needs him even if his only role is to be in debates and point out the flaws of a specific bill. He’s not exactly a legislator (i.e. making his own bills), but his penchant for discussion and debate puts him at the top of my list.

Manny Villar’s lack of popularity is a conundrum to me. I’m perfectly comfortable thinking of him as our President by the year 2010. He’s the rich man who doesn’t need much political accommodation to get him places and yet he nearly has NO charisma at all. It’s a shame, really.

Kiko Pangilinan is on my ballot for saying noted. You saved us a lot of trouble Kiko! Hahaha. Noted indeed. Yes, I know. Move along.

Martin Bautista gets my vote for being from the UP College of Medicine. I still think his party is a fundamentalist party, though. Curiously, they were actually considering adopting Danton Remoto as a step-brother in their Kapatiran. Oh the irony!

Zosimo Paredes is on my ballot because I don’t like Adrian Sison. Yes. Move along.

I’m voting for Michael Defensor because despite his episodic foot-in-mouth disease, he delivers when he’s given tasks by the President. This guy should never be a spokesperson again because he has no composure at all. As far as serving well while in the cabinet, I think Mike has paid his dues. Yes, move along…

Miguel Zubiri is on my ballot because he’s the first candidate to let his wife talk on his behalf. HOW CLASSY, MIGZ.

Si! Ping! ang kinabukasan! How can you not vote for that?!

Cesar Montano has sponsored a LOT (and I mean a LOT) of basketball courts. Yay!!!

So there you go. I’m sure we’re all voting for the same people. Haha

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May 9th, 2007 in elections, eleksyon 2007

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