BY MAC BRYAN N. BAUTISTA
Contributed to Bulatlat
Vol. VII, No. 13 May 6- 12, 2007

It is my first time to vote being a newly-registered voter after just reaching the magic age of 18. I am now being given a chance to have my say in the upcoming elections for Senate, the Lower House, provincial, city or municipal posts. Curious of what my fellow youth thinks and being asked, as an intern in Bulatlat, to write something about the elections, I decided to do some sort of survey.

I got my high school yearbook, chose some former schoolmates at random, called them up, and asked for their views. I had no pretensions of making a systematic survey with all its statistical standards and well-formulated, non-leading questions. It is just as it is, a random gathering of how my former schoolmates, who are now studying in different colleges and universities think. I asked them whether or not they are registered voters; if given a chance would they want to vote; and who would they vote for and why. I specifically asked them about their views regarding the Senatorial elections.

For all it’s worth, I listed down their comments:

“I am a registered voter, and I will vote in this coming election… Escudero, Pangilinan, and Joker Arroyo will be in my list since Escudero fights for what he believes in, Pangilinan is an independent candidate, and Joker Arroyo because of his reputation and credibility” – Jilliane de Dumo (University of the Philippines)

“I’m not a registered voter just yet, however if given the chance, I would not want to vote as of now… but I’ll go for Legarda, Vic Magsaysay, and Escudero because of Legarda’s conviction, Magsaysay is a new candidate [worth giving a try], and Escudero because of his popularity.” – Harold Nagma (Adamson University)

“Hindi pa ako registered voter, pero kung may chance, ay hindi pa ako boboto kasi parang hindi pa ito yung tamang panahon. Pero kung ako ang tatanungin, boboto ko si Lacson kasi he can rule with and iron fist, at sina Pangilinan at Recto kasi sila logical and scholarly silang mag-isip.” – Charls delos Reyes (Ateneo De Manila University)

“I’m not a registered voter yet, but if given the chance, I think I’ll pass for the moment. But if you ask me, I will vote for Joker Arroyo because he stands for his principles, Manny Villar since I believe he can apply his “rags-to-riches” situation in our country (if he was able to become successful because of his beliefs, he can also apply this to help the Philippines, right?), and Escudero since he shows great promise and we really need young blood in the Senate.” – Jahra Roxas (De La Salle University)

“Oo, registered voter na ako, at gusto kong gamitin ang karapatan kong bumoto ngayong darating na eleksyon. Boboto ko sina Joker Arroyo, Chiz Escudero, at si Angara kasi magaganda ang records nila, at mayroon na silang mahabang experience sa larangan ng pulitika.” – Andren Pascasio (University of Sto. Tomas)

“Hindi pa ako botante, at hindi ko rin gustong bumoto ngayong darating eleksyon kung bibigyan ako ng pagkakataon… pero gusto ko si Escudero sa senado kasi matalino siya, gusto ko rin sina Recto at Joker Arroyo kasi sila magaganda ang reputasyon nila kahit papaano at hindi sila gumawa ng mga hakbang na ikasisira ng kapwa nila o ng kanilang partido.” – Jeroen Jimenez (Far Eastern University, Fairview Branch)

“Nope, I’m not a registered voter… and I think I’ll pass if I’m given the chance to vote this coming election… but in terms of the senatorial seats, I want Legarda since she’s very vocal, Arroyo because when he knows that if it is wrong, he WILL persuade everyone to understand why it is wrong (ika nga kapag mali, mali), and Lacson because he can apply his military experience in the senate and also he has a good sense of responsibility.” – Gabelle Roxas (DLS – College of St. Benilde)

These are the comments of just seven students. They may or may not represent how the youth thinks. But these are still seven voices and to my surprise, echo my own views and opinions. The sad part is that we all doubt whether our vote will matter in terms of changing how things are now. (Bulatlat.com)

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