Opportunity Knocking

The May elections event is an opportunity knocking for the Filipino people. It is not a job offer but a duty - a qualified duty not just to vote but to transform that vote to put to rest the twin problems of corruption and poverty that have plagued the country for years. Every Filipino voter should therefore vote with this in mind. It is the future of the country that is at stake here. Reforms in government can only begin when you have elected leaders that are serious and committed in eradicating the root problems of slow economic development --- corruption and poverty. If the lure of money overcomes the call of patriotism, then the vote that could have spelled the difference between permament political reforms and shoddy political promises is rendered wasted. Filipino voters should therefore vote with their conscience. This is one opportunity knocking. A vote can level a mountain of problems in a democratic country such as the Philippines. Choosing well-meaning candidates with concrete programs of reforms for the good of the community and the country should be considered by the voters. And it is easy to see who they are. These candidates commit themselves to the voters. They are not moneyed candidates who suspiciously deal in vote-buying and confusing political ads. Instead, they speak from the heart. They follow election rules and are not puppets of corrupt political figures. Indeed, the May election happening is memorable for it will test the patriotism of Filipinos and challenge their ability to choose between making their vote count and solve the ills of the country or become a part of the cycle of corruption and poverty by allowing corrupt candidates to rule once again. This is an opportunity knocking and Filipino voters should take advantage of it.