Forget the "Undecideds" or the "Swing voters". The "Donkey voter" is not a myth. In fact, it might just dictate this year's election results.

A refresher on "Swing" votes

Benign0, the Webmaster of GetRealPhilippines.com, in a post exclusively written for Blogwatch.ph expressed his concern (he says he is neither undecided nor particularly fussed about who will win) over an underrated and underestimated group of voters known as the "undecideds" or the "swing voters".

***

Note that the term "swing" also apply in a multi-party system like ours. This is not exclusive to a two-party system. In the United States for example, although it may seem they have a bi-party system (Democrats vs. Republicans), there are actually minor parties that have successfully benefited from a "swing vote". These have occurred in instances where say, an unsatisfied Republican who is apathetic to the Democrats opted for a third party choice. A similar case for a Democrat also happens.

***

For the "undecided", Benigno puts the figure at anywhere between 2-6%, does the Math and arrives at the conclusion that it's actually difficult to determine its impact on the election results because being "floating" (read: not "flying") voters, you simply can't tell where their votes will go.

I guess this is the part where I can honestly say that it can be anyone's game. And that to hastily conclude that today's survey-leading candidate will surely win (even with reduced winning margin) may not be entirely prudent. For all we know, those undecided may ultimately form into a solid "vote block" for the second placer. If that happens, then the second placer may actually have a chance.

Now if these undecideds however opt to split their votes on the 3rd to last placer, then 1st placer's victory is in the bag.

The undervalued and overlooked "Donkey voter"

Alas, there is a segment of voters undeservedly overlooked! This is a group whose criteria for voting for a candidate is as incomprehensible as Partial Equations is to a 3 year old.

Their voting behavior is more unpredictable than the weather and more amusing than a rerun of Takeshi's Castle.

Neither your multi-million infomercial nor your honeyed-tongue and jaw-dropping good looks can shatter their reinforced wall of apathy and laziness.

You can drop dead in front of them and they wouldn't care. They are a force to be reckoned with -- a law unto themselves. They answer to no one and they don't give a hoot about foreign policy or climate change or Charter change or whether Manny Pacquiao wins or loses -- heck, their indifference is the stuff of legends.

They are "donkey voters" and they are out to take us for a ride -- a long, slow ride that is.

Wikipedia describes a donkey voter as "someone who votes for candidates based solely upon the order they are listed on the ballot paper".

The so-called donkey votes are said to be cast by "uninterested protesting and ignorant voters". And one of the reasons why donkey votes occur is the lack of "none of the above" option -- which compels people to vote even when they are either "undecided" or "unwilling" to vote for lack of a better choice.

If you don't think this isn't such a big issue or that it hardly happens in our country, then why, may I ask, is Noynoy hell bent on urging the COMELEC that Vetellano Acosta's name be stricken out of the ballot paper -- a tedious, costly and risky process considering COMELEC's race against time, when Acosta has already been disqualified in the first place and that any vote for him will be considered void? I'll tell you why -- it's because of donkey votes.

It's also the reason why Party Lists vying for a congressional seat have come up with the weirdest of names as 1-AANI and 1-UTAK. Because in the battle of Party Lists, as in the battle for any other elective post, top of page is top of mind.

What does this all mean?

To the "unconscious" aka the ignorant voters, this problem is a shared responsibility between the government and the voting public. However, the government carries a bigger chunk of this responsibility. Election awareness and all activities related to it must be the major thrust of the COMELEC. The lack of "resources" should never be a convenient excuse.

To the "conscious" donkey voters, obviously, nothing. As Jason Mraz aptly puts it, "The remedy is the experience, it is a dangerous liaison / I say the comedy is that it's serious.." They are simply taking out their frustration about the government on the voting system itself. Feeling hopeless and resentful, they resort to distort the system and play our country's future like a deck of cards.

These people belong in either one of these two categories: 1) Poorest of the poor who have lost their faith in everything -- much less, the electoral process or; 2) The obscenely rich who are so damn sure that they won't be a penny poorer regardless of who becomes President and who couldn't care less if the world ended today.

Which category do you belong to? Neither of the two? Swell. That gives us one less donkey vote to worry about. Unless of course you belong to the undecideds. :)

***Note: Donkey voting has been proven to be more prevalent in countries that practice "compulsory" or forced voting. Since voting here in the Philippines, although highly encouraged, remains essentially voluntary, it is assumed that people who bother to register and ultimately vote come election day have a lesser chance of being "uninterested protesting and ignorant voters".

Popularity: 1% [?]

While Noynoy Aquino and Manny Villar are engaged in frenzied mudslinging at each other, someone's reaping all the benefits.

While these two top contenders are busy trying to knock themselves out of the ring, someone just got in.

Gilbert "Gibo" Teodoro didn't get to where he is now at such a young age by chance. He didn't become Defense chief by sheer luck. The man clearly is "all about winning". Teodoro is, by my modest estimates, highly-driven.

And if there's one thing I've learned over time, it is that "the world makes way for the driven". Always.

When a man of quick wit and charm opens his mouth, the world, as if compelled by the elements of the universe -- listens.

The guy seems to know exactly what to do and is actually doing it well. He attends just about any forum/debate there is and leave audiences enthralled, mouths agape.

For reasons unknown to me, he has reportedly reduced trimedia ads spending. He is now concentrating on that 'grassroots' buzzword sort of campaigning -- doing it the old-fashioned way yet disarmingly endearing. And the latest survey results seem to prove that he is on the right track.

Could Gibo (and not Erap) be in fact the real 'third wheel'?

Watch out hotshots. Someone forgot to lock the back door. And that someone will pay a dear, dear price for such negligence and complacency.

If you two allow yourselves to be entirely invested in your petty fights any longer, you might as well stand aside and make way for Gibo.

Because if we wanted a dose of highly-entertaining boxing, we would have all flown to Texas to watch Manny Pacquiao box his heart out against Clottey. Thank God for pay-per-view.

Your political bickerings were cute for a time but let's face it, you can only stretch a joke like this for so long.

Can't you guys see the writing on the wall yet? Or are you both in a state of comforting denial?

While Noynoy's survey ratings are steadily decreasing and Manny's seem to have reached its peak (now slowly decreasing as well), Gibo's rating is slowly but surely increasing!

Shape up. Shut up. Regroup and revisit your strategic plans. Now is the time to engage in tactical guerilla warfare.

Otherwise, you'll find yourselves against the ropes or worse, face flat on the floor, bloody and all.

*** Based on experience, my blog poll has reflected future survey results fairly well. It has predicted Noynoy's rise and fall and Villar's surprising rise from fall. This time, Gibo is fast catching up with Noynoy and has amazingly overtook Manny Villar in a matter of days.

Maybe we were all wrong after all. There must be something profoundly clever in Ronnie Puno's smug looks and reasurring statements that will eventually prove to us all that in reality, we know nothing and we were never in control.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Last updated: March 4, 2010 @ 2100H

First there was Erap Estrada (although he didn't blurt out a name, he dropped very obvious hints). Now there's Senator Dick Gordon. Them and a few more less publicized tidbits of "political bribery" stories fuel today's hot election headlines. And we thought El Niño is hot, no?

Is there any truth to this? Well there's no sure way to tell right now. We are left to choose between taking the accuser's word at face value or dismissing it altogether as another attempted black propaganda.

Sen. Manny Villar is eternally rain-drenched in his elections summer parade.

Sen. Gordon has an untainted reputation and is yet to disappoint us. With that in mind, his claim that an 'emissary' of Sen. Manny Villar attempted to 'buy' him out and talk him into withdrawing from his presidential bid for the coming May 20'10 elections by offering to 'reimburse' him of his previous expenses and projected expenses is not an accusation that Villar should take lightly.

So far, we've only been treated to a bland response via an interview where Villar denies such an 'indecent proposal' to Sen. Gordon, adding that he no longer has money to spend for such things because whatever campaign money he has left is allocated to campaign-related expenses. Is 'buying out opponents to withdraw' part of that 'campaign-related' expenses? Villar doesn't say.

Although not really improbable, it's a no-brainer that such a move would only backfire at Villar. Given all the propaganda and mudslinging going around against him, trying to 'reimburse' opponents and buy out their dreams of becoming president would be like fanning dying embers to a flame. That's plain stupid, I think. But as always, this is the Philippines. This is Philippine politics. No move is so stupid for politicians. However, I'd like to give Villar the benefit of the doubt -- in the same way I'd like to give Sen. Gordon the chance to prove his accusation for all the world to see.

The trouble with sifting truth from a heap of lies is that there's so much 'hybrids' going around. There's black prop, there's counter prop, there's counter-counter prop and there's modified version of all those. So unless someone can come up with irrefutable evidence that could hold water in court, all these can be ruled out as 'modified truths', 'half truths' or 'true lies'. Confused already? You should be.

Besides, anyone can claim to be someone's emissary. So I'd echo Villar's challenge to Gordon: name that emissary. (Update as of March 4, 2010 @ 2100H: Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile wrote in his Facebook fan page note entitled "JPE to Villar: GORDON IS NOT FOR SALE" named the so-called Villar emissary as none other than his friend and colleague Senator Edgardo Angara, Gordon however denied this and said the emissary was a businessman who used to work for the government.)

This is elections period. Everything is meant to shock and deceive the bewildered electorate. So hit us with your best, you guys.

It's bound to get hotter leading up to May. Let's see who can stand the heat that is to come. Let's wait for more scalding accusations and knee-jerk reactions. Sit back. Relax. Enjoy the show.

Popularity: 1% [?]

I have this ultimate and rather obscene fantasy. In this fantasy, there's this one person who digs like mad through my blog archives in the dead of the night-- every night, finding pleasure in reading all the words I've written before and always in eager anticipation of what I will write about next. Always wondering about what I have to say and clinging to my words and opinions as if her very life depended on it -- as if there is no better opinion on earth but mine.

Photo by Laughing Squid

To this person, whatever I write about is worth gold. It doesn't matter if I fail horribly with my grammar or if what I write about doesn't even make sense. Because to this nocturnal being, my blog and words are as alive as I am -- and that is all that matters. It may not be the most rewarding of human relationships but it's the next best thing, she thinks.

If I told her 'so and so' is the best, she would believe. If I told her 'this and that' is a lie, she'd take my word for it. Yes, she's completely capable of thinking for herself but she chooses to believe me just because she wants to.

I could sell her anything I want to, even the very soul she already has -- and she will buy in a heartbeat. With such conviction. Without the slightest reservation. Without questions.

She is that ultimate blog reader. One who sees your blog as no separate entity from you, the blogger. One whose respect for you is intertwined with eternal fascination.

But the bad news is she doesn't exist.

When I started out with blogging, I started fairly the same way and for fairly the same reasons as others before me did and had. All I wanted was to chronicle my life experiences one day at a time so that one day, I or someone I cared about can recreate that one specific day like a photograph -- like a picture, yes, but this time, with words.

I know 'a picture paints a thousand words'. My blog hopes to do the reverse -- to recreate the picture in your mind through a 'thousand words'. Little did I know that it would require much more effort than I prepared for or that I would end up writing about politics (as if my life as it is isn't boring enough).

Eventually, as with many things in my life, the blog took a life of its own and chose to go out into the words, unescorted, deep into the night. You can say that it had its expected encounters with wolves, monsters and aliens. While every step was fraught with danger, it's not without its occasional meetings with friendly animals and there were countless times when it was awakened by serenades from nightingales.

It's easy for a blog to get lost in the woods. But the problem doesn't end there.

Most times, the blog takes a reader with it and both of them get lost. That's where 'responsible blogging' comes in, as if on cue, reminding the blogger to look before he leaps because most times, he doesn't leap alone.

You the blogger reading this, have you ever realized how influential a blogger you've become? Yeah sure, you may not be such a hot shot yet but has it ever occurred to you that it's possible someone from somewhere follows you blindly into the woods every night?

Have you ever thought that each time you come home after an evening of dalliance with your charming post, someone is stuck somewhere deep into the woods? Lost. Or worse, never to be seen again?

It's really great that you give readers these wonderful distractions otherwise known as insightful articles. Go right ahead and woo them effortlessly like you always do. Take them every night into the woods with you. But when you've made your point and before the night is through, please be kind enough to take them back with you. It's the least you could do in exchange for what they've given you -- their trust.

Because, remember that ultimate blog reader I told you about?

What if she does exist?

What if she's GMA? :)

Be careful how you wield that sword. We don't want anybody to get hurt. Responsible blogging is not just a choice. It should be the only choice.

*** Blog responsibly. Nothing could be easier. ***

Popularity: 1% [?]

It was unfortunate that I missed that Mike Defensor blogger event at his La Vista home in Quezon City last night. I'm not from Quezon City and I hardly visit the place (and the few times I did was just to attend blogger events and family socials) and so I probably shouldn't be writing this in the first place.

Mike Defensor is running for Quezon City mayor in May (photo credits: commons.wikimedia.org)

As it turns out, I couldn't leave my son to my mom's because she's not in the best condition to mind him and it's not like I can take my son with me, all the way from Calamba. For the unaware, we do not have a househelp, so I'm writing this while doing the laundry, watering the plants and prepping my son for school. Now you know why I love technology -- it gives me the illusion that I'm always in control. Darna has a magic pebble, I have an iPhone. Now if only this gadget can make me look like Marianne Rivera and make me fly, then I'd be all set to save the world.

Before I lose your interest in all these ramblings, I would like to thank Ms. Jane Uymatiao and Philippinebeat for the live streaming on Qik -- it's the next best thing to being there. You can watch the recorded videos of that event here.

When I first heard of the event through Facebook friend and fellow blogger Paul Farol (Thanks for the heads up Paul.), I found it rather surprising that Mr. Defensor would call for a blogger session knowing that he was eyeing for a local post which, to my mind, didn't really require such coverage from non-QC residents. But since Mike Defensor has become somewhat of a household name -- thanks to lingering memories of his mostly embattled tri-media interviews (always in GMA's defense), I figured it would be lovely to ask him questions specially about his rift with the Liberal Party and how his running against Herbert "Bistek" Bautista is being rumored as some sort of vengeance/redemption for him and dad Mat on that LP vs. Lito Atienza issue. That seems an interesting topic. After all, it's easy to fantasize about political vendetta in this country. And of course, a mayoralty win for Defensor should be enough statement that their political clout endures.

By the way, Mike Defensor is running under the PRP (People's Reform Party) of re-electionist senator-relative Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago. Defensor's running mate is Aiko Melendez under Erap's PMP (Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino) but says he has been endorsed by presidentiable-senator Manny Villar's Nacionalista Party as their mayoralty candidate in Quezon City and Defensor also endorses Villar for president.

You might assume that you and I probably share the same indifference to Defensor on account of his very strong ties with now outgoing President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (to the frustration of many, I reckon). But to dispel all doubts and set the record straight, I must admit to the fact that I was once (and to a certain extent, still is) enamoured with his glorious stint at the House. Man, did the "Spice Boys" rock that time!

It was within that period in his political career (and shortly after that) that I saw him as a potential leader and one worthy of trust and support. And I'm not using the words 'trust' and 'support' here lightly. Too bad that being handpicked by GMA would prove detrimental to his career later on. That's from an outsider's perspective, of course. Only Mike knows what it's like to be 'inside looking out'. For all we know, and by all indications apparent to me, all things considered, his close association with GMA worked well for him.

His accomplishments (feel free to dig through archives online and offline yourself) presents us with some proof to his efficiency as a public servant.

What better results to demonstrate such than those programs and policy changes he implemented in Pag-ibig and DENR during his stay at these
agencies. Try going over some publicly available stats and compare.

Claim to efficiency

We took a housing loan years back and the process surprisingly didn't take long, 3 months at most. Also, the reduced interest rates from 12/13% to 6/7% plus extended loan period from 20 to 30 years (which sadly we weren't able to take advantage of because it was implemented a month after ours was approved) is now benefiting many average income earners who under the old rules and long & winding process would have found getting a house through Pagibig nearly impossible.

If I were to assess his performance, disposition and policy-making, I'd say I would have wanted to see him become senator one day or be reinstated in DENR or Pagibig. And may I add that I was a bit disappointed that he didn't pursue his senatorial plans (not that I know of any to begin with anyway). It is natural to assume he'd run for senator but given the circumstances he got himself into, it's understandable that he may have veered away from any national post. Still, if he did, I think he would have easily won and deservedly so. But I guess losing the 2007 senatorial elections made him rethink his goals, after all, he's still young. Time is on his side.

Efficiency as a talent

The wonderful thing about an efficient public official is that you can put him anywhere in the bureaucracy and he will still somehow pull through and get things done. Talent is one thing. Character (and efficiency) is another. It goes with you wherever you go. That's why even if Sec. Esperanza Cabral was already doing well with the DSWD (save for that 'relief goods rotting in warehouse' blog issue), I had no misgivings whatsoever when she was fielded to occupy the post vacated by Sec. Duque of DOH (who is, by the way, another poster boy for efficiency) when he was transferred to CSC -- although why him and why in that department eludes me to this day. But well, all cabinet secretaries serve at the pleasure of the President so no argument there.

Business-style management in governance

I know you Gloria-haters and Bistek fans are probably sneering in disgust right now. I don't mind. I know a results-oriented man when I see one (or in this case, hear one). See, this is why we should give businessmen a chance in governance. We've seen lawyers and how they toyed with our laws and made it work against us. We've seen economists and how they wowed us with empty "figures" that were devoid of tangible results. You know very well what I'm talking about it and I will say this, at the risk of being partisan and elitist -- that we need to allow ourselves to rub on that "rich-guy, businessman thinking". We can no longer afford to limit ourselves with outdated rules and archaic thinking which has done nothing but to enslave us into this "small-mindedness" that has crept into the very foundation of our society -- the home.

How many times have we seen movies and teleseryes awash with tales of the rich oppressing the poor and the poor wallowing in small-mindedness that that's what's "in the cards" for them? How many times have we taught our children, directly or implied that the neighbor's kids have flashy toys because their parents were just plain rich? And that conversely, they should not aspire for anything more because they should "know their place" in the world? Countless times, I bet. It would have done a world of difference if instead of sourgraping on somebody else's fortune, we chose to see it as a challenge and consequently prompted us to re-educate our children and taught them of the many perks of hardwork and persistence.

Now, what has that got to do with Defensor, or all the other rich businessmen running for public office? Two words -- inspiration and replication.

To inspire and replicate

Successful business people inspire us to do better and not settle for second best. Two things, hopefully, should happen after that, we copy (or devise one customized to our own current circumstances) the formula that worked for them and repeat the same, pass it on to our children, relatives, friends and colleagues. It's that idyllic revolution of paying it forward.

Objectivity vs. Fanaticism

Again, I never lived in Quezon City so I can't really compare or assess the current political and socio-economic conditions there and it's not that I know how residents feel about their candidates. I can only see as far as what I've heard, read and seen about Mike Defensor which is mostly, on a national scale. I can't tell whether QC residents are better off now and are contented with the services they're getting from the local government or if they want to change how things currently are. But I hope they see past political affiliations and get through the heart of effective and progressive leadership
and to consciously make an effort to know their candidates.

We need leaders like Mike Defensor who are testaments to the truth that it is neither brilliance nor charm that makes a successful public official but efficiency. Those who can deliver results are the ones who deserve to serve. Because at the end of the day, your low inflation rate and GDP growth figures mean nothing to a working class family who can't even afford to buy a house because of overly restrictive rules and agonizing wait.

Let's see what happens when official campaigning for local elections kicks off this March. I've heard that Bistek is the runaway favorite. He has endeared himself to QC people which is not surprising since he served QC for a long time. The entry of Mike Defensor will make the coming QC mayoralty race extremely intense. It would be interesting to see how the electorate will decide. But whatever happens, I have a strong feeling that we'll be seeing more of Mike. In the Senate, perhaps? Maybe.

Calculate the risk

Are you ready to try something different? Would you like to take a chance in Defensor? It's up to you. I'm in no position to proclaim that he won't disappoint you. And I'm not saying he might either. But I suggest you keep your options open and unlimited. Who knows, you might just like Mike.

Note: This is not a paid post and I am not a paid hack. Vote objectively.

Popularity: 2% [?]

"I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all." (Ecc. 9:11, KJV)

Yet another survey result has come out -- the latest and the 'most comprehensive' so they say. Naturally, every candidate wants to know how their recent 'overhauls' and 're-packagings' (plus their best laid plans, of course) are playing out and consequently how these 'changes' are swaying voter sentiments (if at all).

It's interesting to note that given the fact that no past pre-election poll has ever prophetically predicted the victory of a presidential candidate, it seems unavoidable for every other candidate (and even voter) to eagerly wait for the next 'latest and greatest survey results' and interpret the same as if it were gospel truth.

Surveys have become very powerful marketing tools that they have been branded as 'game changers' capable of conditioning minds and ultimately swaying public opinion in favor of whomever they 'may' anoint. Of course, there are reputable organizations whose "integrity is beyond question" and then there are those that were established overnight and claim to be as reliable if not better than their bigger counterparts. But just the same, we should try to see right through these organizations because in the heart of every business is profit generation.

These surveys whether commissioned or non-commissioned have become a staple in Philippine elections in the same way a Christmas feast seem incomplete without the much-commercialized ham. We can always do without it, but somehow, the table looks better with that cholesterol-rich pork on it.

It's curious that whenever results come out, we can't help but listen in, read, watch and sometimes even immerse ourselves in it until a newer one comes along. We'd engage ourselves in lengthy and passionate discussions until we're blue in the face proclaiming "I knew it!" and "I told you so!". Others pick petty fights that elevate to lifelong animosity. It's terrible.

I can understand why candidates go gaga over these results and why they usually end up crafting their entire campaign strategy around it -- they need the surveys. They need a baseline. They need to know how far along are they from their goals. They need to know what's working and what's not (whether theirs or their opponents'). If they're doing great, they need these for validation. If they're falling short of expectations, they need these to snap out of complacency.

Are surveys killing democracy?

But tell me honestly, do WE need these? Pulse Asia, SWS and the rest, tell us when a survey has been commissioned or not and if it is, who commissioned such. That seems fair and commendable. But doesn't the whole thing spoil democracy? Alright, when it's not commissioned, they say it's being done as 'public service' and I'm pretty sure they mean well, but don't you think it's slowly killing our appetite for voting according to intellect and conscience?

Such pity for the candidates at the tail end of these surveys. They might end up losing whatever few loyal followers they have to these 'front-runners' all because these surveys kept on showing them at pitiful 1, 2 or 5% scores! Public service, really? Keep your results to yourselves and leave us, the electorate to discern for ourselves. Nobody needs to tell us what we think or who we think we'd like to vote for. That seems stupid isn't it? -- being told, "Hey, you guys, approximately 35% of you will likely vote for Noynoy as president!!!" and then a few weeks after, Hey, Manny and Noynoy are statistically tied! According to who? Us? Really? Oh, a relatively accurate statistical sampling of 'us'? Well that's what it is -- a sampling, an approximation -- a scientific guess at best.

Here's the thing: We don't need to know what WE think. Tell that to the Marines, or better yet to the candidates. They're the ones who need that, not us. In a perfect world, it would be best to keep results private amongst candidates themselves and the survey organizations. That way, candidates can better strategize and surveys won't 'condition' our minds into voting for the popular choice. That will be the ultimate public service you guys can give this country.

But this isn't a perfect world. There are no such things as private or privileged information anymore.

Surveys as birthday presents

Sticking survey results on our faces is like showing us a checklist of possible choices for birthday presents for this country. You know you're getting one in nine presents so you go asking every one (a sampling size, to be precise) of us. Some of us answer, some don't, some still trick you into thinking you're getting one instead of the other. But you know what, it spoils the fun -- because guess what, we don't even know yet which one to get you! And all your 'surveying' is influencing us to get you that one present that keeps topping your polls because it leads us to believe that that's what you want! Is that good for you or for us? No one can tell. But is that good for democracy (not too mention good 'ol fun)? Definitely not.

Surveys? So what?

Surveys don't make victors. Destiny does. Sounds lame? It is. But thinking of it as such doesn't change the intrinsic truth in that statement. If you ever doubted destiny and its inner workings before, think Erap. Point made.

It's difficult to argue with destiny. It is a powerful entity, if you can call it that. Even the unsinkable Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ascribes to that (add that to a resolute belief in genetics and you get yourself a person all-too-absorbed in her own significance, even Adolf Hitler would turn in his grave).

I know what you're thinking. Any mention of the word destiny brings up tarot cards and crystal balls. And perhaps you're thinking a two-bladed sword with an ear-piercing swoosh sound is all it takes to carry on one's destiny. But I'm not talking about "Lord of the Rings' or "Harry Potter"-like destiny here. I'm talking about something closer to real life.

I am talking about destiny borne of the ballot. Media-frenzy -- like most best laid plans will fizzle in the face of destiny. In the end, your ballot will dictate one person's destiny. That is a power you hold. Don't let hype and overrated surveys take that power away from you.

If you think Gordon is the most qualified, then go ahead and vote for him. If you think Bayani will make a good veep, then vote for him. You think a spiritual man is what we need? Then there's Villanueva for you. Ignore the numbers, those are meant to discourage voters. Stay away from manipulators and their devices.

The road to political renewal is long and arduous, littered with ambiguous signs and walked by many swindlers day in and day out. But don't it let keep you from doing what you should. Tune out from the deafening jingles. Distance yourself from deadening promises. And as the great Johnny Walker used to say, "Keep walking."

And yes, I say screw the surveys.

Popularity: 1% [?]