Philippine National Elections 2010

On May 10, 2010, the world will be watching as we Filipinos once again exercise our rights to elect the government officials whom we hope would bring change to our country - a much needed change from Macapagal-Arroyo's regime. I can't help but wonder if the Filipinos really have awakened from a deep slumber when we ousted the Marcoses by holding a People Power. How have we changed since then? Are we wiser in choosing our government officials? Or the Philippine Elections have just become a vicious cycle of more "good-looking" politicians, more money-making political schemes and the same old faces of "trapos"?

Yes, we all want change - but are we doing our part to achieve that change? Did we become more responsible with our votes, are we now aware of the platforms of the candidates, and do we know the characters of each and every candidate, whether they are running for a city councilor or the president of the Philippines? Our vote matters, but more importantly, what happens after the elections matters more. After they've proclaimed their promises and exhausted all possible means of getting our votes - what will happen to us as a nation for the next three years will depend on how the Filipino will exercise his rights on May 10.

I fervently pray that God intercedes for us this coming elections, that we as a nation may be enlightened as to who will be our next leader. It is also my prayer that the elections will be peaceful and honest, and that the people responsible for safeguarding our ballots will remain true to their responsibility and commitment in achieving our first step to change.