DESPITE moves by some members of the House of the Representatives to amend the Constitution, the Commission on Elections has said that it’s all systems go for the presidential polls in 2010. After a voter’s education campaign in UST last December, just how many members of the Thomasian community still believe in the power of the ballot to effect change in the country’s political system. The Varsitarian asks some of them.
Will you vote in the 2010 elections? Why or why not?
“For a change, yes. Gloria is now on her ninth year and I want to see a new leader.”
–Jeff Magalong, first year electronics and communication engineering
“Yes, (for me) to exercise my right. I want to advocate for change.”
–Kimberly Erjas, fourth year commerce
“Yes, I will vote. They say that voting is nonsense, but I say no. I will vote because I understand the significance of it. I want to be a part of it so that I will also have experience.”
–Andrea Fe Padilla, third year communication arts
“I will not vote because I do not believe in the candidates that we have now. Remember, duty does not stop during the elections. I want someone like (former Senate President) Jovito Salonga because he is the kind of person who would not want to be controlled by other countries.”
–Dr. Marina Gamo, sociology professor
“Yes, I want to use my right to vote. I don’t want to waste my chance to speak.”
– Ivan Al Sta. Rita, second year hotel and restaurant management
“Yes, because I believe that we should not ignore the power of a single vote.”
–Rachel Escrupolo, fourth year accountancy
“Yes, I definitely want to vote so that even in this way, I can do something for my country. I also believe that voting will play an important role for change as my single vote will help change our country.”
–Philip Bryan Datoon, second year information technology
“No, I have no plans of voting because I think my vote will go nowhere.”
–Dylan Ababou, UST Growling Tiger
“Yes because it is my responsibility to my country. If we would not make ourselves involved, you cannot hold anyone accountable.”
–Assoc. Prof. Richard Pazcoguin, campus ministry assistant director
What do you look for in a candidate?
“I want someone true — a true Christian, a true Filipino, and a true person. Let us pray that God would grant us someone imbued with these.”
–Mrs. Benilda Certeza, architecture professor
“I want a ruthless leader.”
–Erwin Paat, second year civil law
“I want somebody who is not corrupt, honest, somebody who cares for the Filipino people, somebody who can lift the economy, who can offer employment.”
–Prof. Consuelo Gotauco, mathematics professor
“He who has passion for the country, with a good platform, strong character and has foresight.”
–Jeremy Paulo Tabernero, vice president, Nursing Central Board of Students
“I prefer someone who does not brag his or her projects (through) ads.”
– Jovella Marie Marzo, third year sports science
“I want someone who is not popular.”
–Angeluz Millano, second year, college of science
“I want someone who has morals. It is not enough that he/she knows what is right or wrong. He or she should do what is right.”
–Jarodelyn Mabalot, second year, legal management
“I want somebody who is honest, cannot be bribed, has a heart for the poor, a true person and friend.”
–Asst. Prof. Francis John Patrick Montenegro Vicente, athletics moderator
