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Posted by Lani Estepa on Tuesday, May 15th, 2007 at 2:05 pm
In a democratic society, where people can exercise their lawful rights under no restraint or influence of anyone, it can be said that “the voice of the people is the voice of God. So has God overwhelmingly spoken in Lapog: 8176 vs. 2433 in favor of the incumbent mayor?
On election day, people trooped to the polling precincts as early as 6:30 in the morning. The precincts opened at 7 a.m. so they waited in line to exercise their sacred right to vote. And I’m sure many voted according to their conscience; because surely, it is against their conscience to turn their back on those who gave them something or some amount in exchange for their votes. The pollwatchers were true to their sworn duties to protect the ballots of the candidates who paid them, no matter at what cost.
Barangay tanod (village policemen) kept vigil on the eve of the election to guard their villages from vote buyers. I overheard somebody relating about an incident in a northern barangay where a group of barangay tanod chased away a bunch of people who were allegedly working for a vice-mayoralty candidate and suspected of being in the area to buy votes. Isn’t that commendable? But then, somebody replied: but when a group who’s on their side tries to do the same, they simply turn their back and pretend nothing’s amiss. Double standard democracy, eh?
And then there’s this voter who came to me, relating that the barangay chairman in their area was exhorting him to vote for the barangay chairman’s bet. He, of course, told her that he won’t be doing anything like that at all, because he is voting for the opposition. The strong support from the barangays is noticeable in the election results. (See the distribution of votes according to barangay here.) Rumor has it that barangay chairmen were promised some incentives if the incumbent would win in their respective area. Who knows what other measures they did to ensure a win?
Once again, vox populi, vox dei? Is the voice of the people the voice of God? You figure that out and please leave the answer in the comments box.
another 3 years of nonsense governance. Kaasi pay ni Lapog.
1 | allan May 16th, 2007 at 5:53 pmThe result is very disheartening.
2 | allan May 16th, 2007 at 6:07 pmThanks, Allan. Yes, that’s all we could do for Lapog for now, feel pity for our beloved hometown, because we are outnumbered by people who were sweet-talked or forced to vote straight for the incumbent party.
3 | Lani May 16th, 2007 at 6:38 pmLike they say, we get the government that we deserve and the majority of Lapoguenios have spoken for us. Sigh!
4 | Lani May 17th, 2007 at 2:41 amAPAY??? Why do the Lapoguenios keep on electing these people? Why do they keep believing on these monsters’ nonsense promises? Why don’t they learn? Perhaps, this means more sacrifices for the Lapoguenios without the payback. Our dream of seeing Lapog rise amongst the other prosperous towns of Ilocos Sur will be kept hanging for more gruesome years until our fellow Lapoguenios will be enlightened who to elect.
5 | Christel May 17th, 2007 at 11:17 amI surprisingly received this bad news the night of the election when I phoned home. I’ve heard reasons of why people opted for the incumbent mayor and opting out on the new candidate. Seriously people need to set aside their social and emotional past and differences in order to make sound decisions. Sad to say they are being judgmental rather than futuristic. What will become of Lapog? I may not be there to suffer another 3 years with our townmates but it was their choice and so be it. Nakapimpiman la ngarud ti ili tayon ngem mismo nga tao met laeng ti mangisarsarak ti masangbayan ti Lapog.
6 | Mae May 17th, 2007 at 7:52 pmLooking at the votes from each barangay, one could only surmise if its worthy still TO GIVE BACK SOMETHING To LAPOG? Guess NOT. By looking at the votes, makita tayo no sadino ti ayan ti taga Lapog nga awan ti bibiang da, kasta met ti aramiden tayo, haan tayo ibibiang ida, baybay-an tayo met ida, ta mapan da agpatulong kadagidiay inbotos da (wenno nangilakuan da ti botos da). . . Looking further at the results pains me so much, but I’ve accepted that, the fact that I have also lost my love for lapog . . .
7 | Nani May 21st, 2007 at 12:13 pmJust don’t mind Lapog. The people, let them have their leaders. As for the young profs/old profs… STOP HELPING PEOPLE IN LAPOG WHOM YOU FEEL DON\’T CARE ABOUT LAPOG AND ACT LIKE STRANGERS COME ELECTION TIME BECAUSE YOU ARE NOT IN THE SAME BOAT WITH THEM. . .baybay-an tay latta idan, kitaen tayto pagpatulungan da no adda masapul da. Awan pag-asa Lapogen kabsat, I have given up….
8 | nani May 21st, 2007 at 8:17 pmI agree to Nani, they chose to be that way, let it be that way; I have given up for a long time. I served to many organization in our hometown tried my very best but unfortunately no lack!!! I rather volunteer to American Red Cross in my community than pitying to people who does not deserve it. Kaasi pay ni Apo San Juan; Adu a kararag ken sakripisyo iti inna liknak-am ngem piman ta awan man laeng iti makaibtor ti sulisog ti pirak!
9 | Vrynz May 30th, 2007 at 1:36 pm