Results (on the elections)

I think this makes a lot of sense.

You want the same results? Then do the same things again and again.

You want a different outcome? Then do things differently.

You want a better outcome? To just work "harder" may not always do the trick. There should be something different in what you put in, or in how you do it.

I believe the same applies to our voting. If we vote for the same people, or use the same method of preparing for voting (or the lack of it), then we shouldn't be surprised we're in the mire we're in.

It seems to me that for voting, my general criteria, so far, are:

1. No other family member in (elected positions in) government -- this is always a source of temptation to make one's family nepotistic, and we can help them avoid this temptation by not electing them all family into office.
2. New but competent persons (track record, curriculum vitae, stand on issues, etc.).
3. Aside from other helpful standards as L.A.S.E.R. (lifestyle, action, supporters, election conduct and reputation) will be helpful for our democracy: Bago naman! More importantly, a new way of voting can also bring us a new (and hopefully renewing) scenario for the political landscape. Tama na 'yung "name recall, pogi/maganda sa poster, kilala ng pinsan ko, binigyan kami ng relief goods" lang.

Some suggestions:

1. Perhaps this time, let us really study how we will vote. Consult friends, search the net, reflect are just some new ways.
2. And let us prod others to do the same.
3. We can also try (perhaps for the first time for some) to let faith enlighten our choices. Try lang; if faith is supposed to be life-giving for the soul, can it not also be for the body?
4. See voting not as a "one-time, big-time" right for one day every 3 years, but as a responsibility we owe to our country that makes us proud because of its Tubbataha Reef, Verde Passage, rice terraces, fiestas, natural warmth, halo-halo, family closeness, Santo Nino, etc., a responsibility upon us all each day of our "always-blessed, sometimes-damned" Filipino lives.

*Originally posted on Facebook