Election 2010 (AKA I Should Have Posted This Entry Last Month)

"What this country needs is not a change of men but a change in men." 
- Sen. Richard Gordon

Last second Monday of May, Filipinos flocked to voting precincts to exercise their most precious right and holy duty to their country: suffrage. I am personally excited to this Election because this is the first automated election in Philippine history. Likewise, this is also the first time that I am going to vote.

As a first time voter, I want my first time to be as memorable as any first times that will happen in our lives. I spent some time to think of whom I am going to vote. I considered several characteristics of what I think a President should possess. And after some time of contemplating the pros and cons, I am confident of my choice.

- Competence: I believe every government official should be competent enough to hold a public office. One that has the capability to deal with the challenges of governing a country.
- Track Records: Like an Employer hiring an applicant, track records are important basis of a candidate to be considered as qualified for the job.
- Not Corrupt: Most of the Filipinos will agree that the rampant corruption in the Government is one primary problems of this country.
- I also believe that a President should be an Economic Literate (since the country was not greatly affected by the worldwide economic meltdown), s/he should has the capability of maintaining the Economy's stability. Likewise, a moral candidate is needed as well.


Graduated from Ateneo De Manila University with A.B. in History and Government (1966) and University of the Philippines with a Bachelor's Degree in Laws (1975), Richard Gordon served as a Mayor in Olongapo for 11 years before he became the Founding Chairman and Administrator of Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA). He also served as a Cabinet Secretary in the Department of Tourism under the Arroyo Administration (2001-2004). In the National Election of 2004, he was elected as Senator up until now. An awardee of Gold Humanitarian Service Cross Award by the Red Cross, Gordon, chairman of the Phil. Red Cross, is committed to public service through medical missions and reliefs.

The lists goes on and on for this candidate. I exerted effort to know more about him and the other candidates, and I arrived to the conclusion that he is the best choice. So that is why I gave my vote to him.

"I would like to congratulate Sen. Aquino for his spectacular victory. I call upon this nation to unite and support him.... I would like to congratulate all the winners and pray that they serve our country well. We accept the will of the people." 

- Senator Richard "Dick" Gordon

Footnote: Sen. Richard Gordon lost the Election after he conceded to the Presidential Race front-runner Sen. Benigno "Noy-Noy" Aquino III. According to the unofficial tallies and exit polls, he came 6th out of the 9 candidates. Sen. Gordon will remain as Philippine Senator until his term expires on June 30, 2010.

*Reference: Senate of the Philippines (Sen. Richard Gordon)
**Photo taken from www.senate.gov.ph