Election Dreams

By Nick

Politicians make people dream during elections and give them nightmares once they are in office. This has always been the case but why do we hold on to the dream? Are Filipinos still asleep? Yes!

Let us wake up. No matter who gets elected, our lives would still be the same. Graft and corruption will still be there. Poverty will still be there. Pollution will still be there. Population explosion will still happen. Power shortage will still be there. Prices will still go up. Justice will still be for the rich. Heinous crimes will still be there. Why? Simple. Political dynasties and warlords will still be there. They will still be in control of the lives of the people especially the poor. What will the poor get? Empty promises and dole-outs at the most. Keep their hopes alive until the next election.

Why are the barangays roads better during elections? Why are there so many government projects during elections? Why are improvements undertaken during elections? Why are those not in the administration promising a better future? It is because getting elected is what matters. Once the incumbents get reelected, life will still be the same. Once the challengers get elected, expect their ROI moves.

Shall we go on dreaming? Or, shall we go ahead with striving to make our lives better in spite of whoever gets elected. If we don’t give importance to politicians, things will be very different for us. Citizens in progressive countries don’t mind political ads. They only mind the character and personalities of government officials and candidates for different positions in government.

Finally Common Sense Wins in Supreme Court - But Damage is Already Done

A few months ago, the Supreme Court (SC) issued a decision that "favors" appointed officials. Instead of automatic resignation upon filing of CoCs, they still should resign, terminated by the President or win the election. If none of these happens, they stay in power - even if they are running for a government position. Upon hearing this news, I decided that it's a "WTF-moment" for the SC. They should have used their common sense instead of deliberately ignoring the consequences of their decisions.

Fortunately, they have reversed the said decision. This means the appointed employees by the government are now considered resigned. What's even better is that COMELEC would go after the candidates who will not remove themselves from their office.

I wish they have used their common sense before the historic 8-6 vote to allow government officials to abuse their power to gain the votes of the people. Yes, it can be argued that some candidates are still good at heart and may not abuse what they have. But giving them power and not using them to gain votes is like giving someone a gun, place their finger on a trigger, tickle them incessantly but reminding them not to use the gun because it's against the law. Like a gun toting ticklish maniac, government officials who stay in power after filing their CoCs will surely pull the trigger - and it's aimed at us.

But I think the damage is already done. Too much power were already given to these candidates. They will gladly step down now because they have already used their power to gain every vote they can. I just hope I'm wrong on this one or else our country will suffer more.

For the SC…please consult a common sense oracle before making decisions like this one.

For the candidates who don't want to step down after filing CoCs, please don't be drunk with power. People may kiss your as* but the world knows how you abuse your power.

Track Record and Integrity

Post by Nick

Erap as mayor was good. His performance as senator was very poor. As Vice
President and as Anti-Organized Crime Czar his performance was a big
question mark. As President, he relied on his midnight cabinet. His
imprisonment for plunder gave him historical notes.

Gibo as congressman was just like other congressmen who join the Amen
Hallelujah chorus for Malacañang. As Defense Secretary he performed well
during natural disasters. Topping the Bar Exam gives him some points.

Flash Gordon has made several notable achievements as Olongapo Mayor, SBMA
Chairman and Red Cross Chairman. As administration senator he performed his
task for Gloria.

Manny Villar made a name for himself as a man who rose from rags to riches.
As Congressman and Speaker of the house he also left a mark because of his
impeachment speech. As Senator and Senate President the Sword of Damocles
kept hanging over his head because of the C-5 controversy.

Noynoy Aquino as Congressman and Senator did nothing wrong. But it seems he
also did nothing else. He becomes good when his parents are mentioned. Kris
Aquino would see to it that he does.

Eddie Villanueva preaches well. He is straightforward and persuasive. He
knows how to count sheep especially when he is awake.

The other presidentiables have yet to make themselves known.

This time they make promises and pledges. Surely, this is not the first time
we heard pledges and promises. Did Cory, Fidel, Erap, and Gloria fulfill
their promises and pledges? Hehehe!

When will we ever learn?

Extra Note: We're planning to add content in this website through podcasting. What is a podcast? Basically, it's a radio program that can be downloaded as an MP3 or streamed in your computer. We're hoping you can provide some input or vote in the poll if this is a good idea.

A New Threat to Candidates: Weather and Heat

Political candidates are risking their lives as they vie for various positions in the land. The threats are coming from almost everyone: they have to deal with their opponents who might try to end their life just to win, some bandits who just want some money for "protection" and even a random accident along the way. This is especially true for national candidates as they try to visit various places in the country. Our flying coffins a.k.a. planes and helicopters can end their life.

But something is out there that threatens the life of a candidate: the sun. El Niño is here and he has taken off his gloves in an official boxing tournament. He doesn't joke around from 8am to 5pm. Stay under the sun for 4 hours without any cover and you're fried. Don't think that you'll be safe simply because you have an umbrella, a cap or a sun-visor. These are only shadows and the sun's heat will still be there. If you're not healthy, you can bet your life (literally) that this is your last election.

If you think you will be safe even under this tremendous heat (which I doubt), think of your followers. Some are very old and very frail so staying under the heat of the sun just to listen to your speech for hours can be lethal.

So for everyone's safety, here are my tips:

* Give out caps, bottled water and umbrella with your name on it - I highly recommend the first two because they are very inexpensive. A small bottled water is just 8 pesos and a cap could cost no more than 20 pesos.

* Set-up first aid huts in your sorties and other festivities - this set-up will be helpful to everyone. If you have the money (I'm sure you have) set-up first aid stalls in festivities. March and April are fiesta months so grab the opportunity.

* Start your sorties late in the afternoon - start at 5.30 pm or 6 in the evening. This means your sortie should last for 3 hours max since 9pm is already late and people will be hungry or homesick (hehehe).

Please consider these options : This year's national and local election has fierce blend of nature so you don't just get out and say your platforms. Protect the people that supports you because they are no use if they die of heatstroke.

A Look at Senatorial Candidate's Website (Part 3)

We continue looking at the senator's website. In this article, we'll be scrutinizing the website's of Alexander Lacson, Raul Lambino, Regalado Maambong, Bong Bong Marcos and Liza Maza.

Alexander Lacson (http://alexlacson.net)

Information: 5 - it's quite difficult for a candidate to provide almost every possible information about him so that he or she can gather votes. But this website clearly provides ample data about Alexander Lacson. If you're patient, you can read extensive articles writing by and about the candidate.

Interaction: 5 - A good website is highly accessible and doesn't require the user to wait for the data needed. Somehow, the major tabs that provides a preview looked great and easy to use.

Aesthetics: 4 - I'm still bothered why web designers have to provide a wide border in the side. This is the only I'm complaining as everything else is easily laid out. The links could have been placed in the right or left side of the website instead of the border.

Overall, a very informative website that's easy to understand and navigate.

Raul Lambino (http://www.raullambino.com/)

Information: 3 - I could have provided a higher score but all I have read was news on where he went (including his twitter posts). Unfortunately, this is not a travel website. The theme "Feel ko and Pinagdaanan Mo" is quite cliche.

Interaction: 3 - there's a slide show on the latest news, Facebook and Twitter. Although quite extensive and interactive for those who wanted to follow the candidate, not much is happening. The rating could have been higher but the forum doesn't have any posts except the welcome message for the programmer.

Aesthetics: 4 - one thing that I noticed about the site is that the font is a bit bigger which is why you need to scroll a bit more. But this is actually better compared to smaller fonts in other websites.

A good looking site but the data is not that extensive as it doesn't provide more about the candidate.

Regalado Maambong (http://www.maambong.com/)

Information: 3 - the website can be compared to Lambino's website since the data provided is actually interesting but it will leave you wanting for more. As someone who has worked in the government for many years there should have been more with regards to what he has actually done.

Interaction: 2 - the only redeeming factor are the interesting links regarding law and election. The twitter link is not actually a real personal link so I assume it was only placed there for aesthetic purposes.

Aesthetic: 2 - looked ok but a lot more could have been done to improve it's look. The only good part of the website is the front page.

You have to give credit to the candidate for setting up a website. Maybe he should give advice to his presidential candidate to set-up something online so that he can increase his visibility.

Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr (http://bongbongm.com/)

Information: 4 - there are good amount of data that can be read. But as I've already pointed out - if you have been in the office for many years, your web page should be as extensive as the encyclopedia.

Interaction: 5 - the site has a few interesting links and data. Youtube and free downloads of his jingle is never lacking. Additional websites such as Imee's website and another website of Bongbong is included.

Aesthetics: 4 - the website looked great but the fonts are very small. This is very common but it can easily hurt someone's eye especially the articles are long.

Good looking site with interesting links but we need more data and the font should be bigger.

Liza Maza (http://www.lizamaza.com/)

Information: 4 - the data provided is good as it provides a background for the candidate. But as part of the congress, I think they should have placed her speeches on the site

Interaction: 5 - the power of social networks especially YouTube is used is here. She even has something unique: a ning web page which is rare for the candidate. Her twitter feed is also active which is also impressive.

Aesthetics: 4 - Although the combination of white font on tabs, red border and pink background might look good, it might not work for everyone.

A relatively good site. Take note of her twitter page as the updates are more related to her work rather than the places she has visited during the election campaign.