My own list for May 13

Let's admit it. President P-Noy has done a very good job in restoring the confidence of its people to move forward. Just as we all thought that corruption could not be undone in this generation as many of his predecessors failed in their battle against it that many of them likewise fell in their fight to overcome its temptations. But I believe that corruption can be won, if and when we choose and elect those who are as determined as the president to relentlessly continue the battle.

It is also our duty to vote those whom we believe to represent us without fear and favor. Those with firm resolve to pursue what is best for the state not what is best for a particular religious institution. Yes, we all need to vote according to the dictates of our conscience. And if your conscience tells you that it is not wrong to vote those who support the RH Bill then by all means shade them in your ballot.

Remember, your church is not your conscience. Your conscience is your own. I believe that man is inherently good and is gifted with his own moral compass to distinguish between good and evil.

Thus, separation of church and state is not only an issue of governance, it is also a "personal issue" in itself which appeals to our duty as citizens to delineate our religious persuasions when deciding or resolving political issues.

In my choice, hence, for senators I will vote in light of what these candidates can do as legislators and their position on issues like the widening disparity between the rich and the poor. The issue on political dynasty, over-population, and their position on constitutional change, environment, economy and other important issues.

I also tend to vote on candidates with impeccable reputation as a person and as a leader. And I have come up with my own list of "for senators" come May 13 and the reason for my choice. I haven’t completed my list yet, but here are my first six candidates.

1. Risa Hontiveros. More than just championing women's rights, I share her views on the RH Bill. She stood by it in spite of the criticism. Cheaper Medicines Law, and the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program Extension with Reforms (CARPER) are just some of the pro-poor legislations that she successfully advanced during her term as a party-list representative. 

2. Teddy Casiño. The reason why we still have political dynasties in practically all regions is because we have yet to define what political dynasty means. This lack of definition has been exploited by many politicians to justify their control, bequeathal and monopoly of elective positions. Teddy Casiño has consistently and relentlessly fought for the dismantling of political dynasties and that fight has to be continued in the senate.

3. Eddie Villanueva. We don't need geniuses to make good leaders. We need good examples for people to follow. 

4. Aquilino Pimentel III. Principled, independent-minded. He may be a part of the Liberal Party but you can count on him that he is not actually beholden to any party. Pimentel is one that the senate needs to dispel the tyranny of the majority.

5. Ramon Magsaysay, Jr. More than just honesty in government, we owe it to him the ecommerce Law. Magsaysay would make a good representative for the trade and industry.

6. Edward Hagedorn. When the informal settlers in Palawan protested against their relocation, Hagedorn replied, "Why, do you deserve to be called "squatters" all your life?" The way Palawan managed the informal settlers may be a good example to resolve the problems of human settlement in the urban centers. I am against mining in Palawan and somebody has to stand for Palawan in the Senate to stand against the strong lobby of mining companies in congress. 

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