Belmonte cites role of Filipino voters

Speaker Sonny ‘SB’ Belmonte today urged all qualified voters to go out and vote early – but vote wisely.

"Voting according to our conscience, tempered by reason, is one of the most vital responsibilities of every Filipino qualified voter who would want to preserve and strengthen our democracy," Belmonte, PPC’s mayoral bet in Quezon City, stressed.

By this time, Belmonte noted, most qualified voters have already decided whom to vote for, and "should not waste this important opportunity to be heard and to be counted in deciding our leaders for the next three years, whether for national or local governments."

Belmonte is riding high on his good government platform grounded on his proven leadership and managerial competence. The House leader also made good his vow to wage a clean and platform-oriented campaign even as his rivals, in their desperate moves to win voters, have resorted to black propaganda.

He is expected to cast his vote at the Christ the King Elementary School in Barangay Kristong Hari along E. Rodriguez Avenue in Quezon City.

According to successive poll surveys conducted by Smart Research Services, Inc., Belmonte has consistently maintained his 2-1 lead over his closest rival with a more than 54 percent approval rating. His closest opponent has yet to reach the 30 percent rating while a third party bet could only muster less than 10 percent of those polled.

In view of past experiences where voters complained of names missing from voters’ lists, among other irregularities that marred past polls, Belmonte urged voters to check their names as early as they can so their votes would not be invalidated because of technicalities or listing errors.

At the same time, Belmonte urged private groups, including non-government organizations, people’s organizations and other civic groups to help the people keep their vigilance against any attempt to desecrate the electoral process.

"Dapat, lahat tayo ay magbantay upang maalis na ang mga pandaraya at mangibabaw ang tunay na mithiin ng mga mamamayan sa pamamagitan ng malinis, maayos at mapayapang halalan," Belmonte added.

Likewise, Belmonte expressed confidence that the public school teachers, and the youthful volunteer-watchers manning every polling precinct nationwide would never allow any fraud to destroy the integrity of the ballots.

"We need to help our teachers in carrying out their poll duties. They have done this before, sometimes at the expense of their lives. The young volunteer-watchers are also indispensable in keeping vigil against elements out to violate election laws for selfish political ends," Belmonte added.