We are told by media organizations and the COMELEC that majority of the registered voters will cast their vote for the first time on May 13, 2013 midterm election. To date, over 52 million registered voters , of which more than 12 million of them age 18 to 25 , are expected to arrive in no less than 300,000 polling precincts nationwide. This demographic of young voters which constitute to 23% of the total registered voters is more than enough to make a significant impact in the outcome of the nearing election. Perhaps this is one of the reasons why I am writing to you, young people of this generation.
The right to suffrage is one of the fundamental rights guaranteed by our Constitution for every Filipino citizen that have reached the legal age of 18. However explicit that voting is a right, which may give someone the impression to “weave” or to waive this right; it also comes with inherent responsibility. That is, it actually becomes our responsibility to use this privilege in choosing the right candidates whose vested interest is to serve the nation with honesty, integrity and excellence in their full capacity. By carefully examining the background and platform of the candidates, your vote can make a powerful results; so powerful enough to change the future of our nation.Did you remember how our parents and the grown-ups would tell us not to intrude over their conversation? But this election day, we enjoin the grown-ups in speaking out, loud and clear, as to what kind of leaders we would want to lead this country through the vote that we cast in silence. It is empowering to know that even at our young age we can be part of such a historic event that may alter the course of our nation. By looking at our numbers we can be assured that the grown-ups would hear us through the ballots that speak our mind.
We are young but we are not stupid. We owe a lot to technology that opened our eyes on social issues and chronic social diseases. We are longing for change and yet change is on its way. We cannot be fooled by promises and popularity of those candidates that are vying for political throne yet have used up huge amount of money for ads and propaganda. We cannot be deceived by candidates who hide their intentions at the guise of an advocacy. We will not allow anyone to threaten us; not even those who will try to buy us however astonishing their offer maybe. Regardless how socially poor we are, we live by principles and walk with dignity. To them we say, we are intelligent voters and we will NOT vote for them.To my fellow young people, let’s dream and make it happen. Let’s VOTE WISELY!
