Of platforms and trains

In a few days, it will be judgment day. Different sectors have organized forums, debates, lectures and even demonstrations. I bet the Comelec is confident that this year's elections will go on as planned. As for the candidates, they are hopeful that their days of being under the sun, staying up late at night, spending on paraphernalia will also pay off. But in every race, someone loses and wins.

This year's elections for the national positions will be for the 12 remaining seats in the senate and a representative per district. Their job description is to make laws which will forward the welfare of the Philippines.

However, the campaigns have been full of promises - promises that have been said since time immemorial. These promises are what they call platforms, their ticket to a vote from every citizen.

Education has been a long time platform by a lot of candidates. But yet the problem is still persistent up to today. We lack classrooms, books, and the proper wage for the teachers. Yet, the law on the K-12 program was passed; a burden to the lacking facilities that we have as we add two more years to the basic education system.

On the tertiary level, the state universities and colleges still have not tasted the free education promised to them. Scholarships have surfaced bearing politicians' names. However, these are not enough to send a child to school and it is not for everyone.

Health is also a number one platform of some of the aspirants. They aim to have a health system that would cater to every illness a Filipino would have. Yet with an ideal program, we have to face reality that our health workers have chosen to work abroad. During the surge of nurses in 2003, doctors went to nursing school so they could go abroad. Not to mention, the poor health facilities that we have.

Education and health are only two of the most promised platforms by people who aspire to be in the legislative branch. An American National, in a letter, commented on the lack of a transportation system in Cebu. He compared our land to his where trains were present, ready to take him wherever he wants to go.

I do remember a politician promising the Cebuanos a train system that would run from Talisay to Danao. It was in the year 2000 when he said this. Lo and behold, 13 years after, there is none.

I understand that the process in drafting a law entails so much hard work and battle in the senate. If this is so, then why make promises and break them?

If they are true to their word of giving the Filipinos a better life with the laws that they will pass, they will fight for their authored bills no matter what as long as it is for the benefit of the many.

All these platforms seem very doable but have not been put into proper action and this has been happening through several administrations.

Now, there is hope to change this by May 13. I urge all of you, especially the youth to stand up and cast your vote. Complaints and open letters can only do so much, but the real action is when you take part in the change by shading the names of the people you believe in on your ballot.