Ways to Win an Election # 1: Take Advantage of Your Position

This sign came up early this week. After more than a year of endless banners and posters all over the city, the City passes an ordinance prohibiting the display of such paraphernalia  in major roads and streets.

And like true civil servants, the city street cleaners swooped down the streets and tore down the banners of Defensor, Susano, Lagman and almost everyone else.

Everyone's that is except those of the mayor's anointed successor and his running mate who happens to be the mayor's daughter, and of course, the mayor himself who is running for Congress.

I guess being in power has its privileges.

Sad.

Text Bomb, Text Bomb

Text scams have turned even nastier. Not only do these attempt to con people into forking out money but now they are even used for political ends, to tarnish the names and reputations of politicians.

I got the following this morning from +639268225950:

Congrat's ur sim # had won 2nd prize winner worth of [Php 750,000] via electronic raffle last Oct/17/09! to claim ur prize call me now! Im: Atty. Mark D. Mendez Per dti#3302 s'09! ito po ay pamaskong handog ng AQUINO FAMILY!

Hmm, maybe I should text this to KRIS and send to 2366.

Too Cheesy for Me

My wife saw this tucked under the car's windshield yesterday afternoon in S&R the Fort.

I guess he's hell bent on seeking the presidency this 2010.  Despite his dip in popularity in the latest surveys.

Last Monday, 12 October, when he was supposed to announce his plans for next year's elections, he instead announced that he was postponing his announcement because he was prioritizing relief efforts for victims of Typhoon Pepeng.

That was the right thing to do. But why make the announcement on TV Patrol through an exclusive interview by Karen Davila? Is it because his new 30-second commercial was launched on the same evening telecast?

You're a good man, Mr. Senator. And you're still young. Why the rush?

Remember, cheese only gets better with age.

Save your energy and resources for 2016. Take it from Spencer Johnson --- whose bestselling book you've obviously taken the liberty to copy --- and read "the handwriting on the wall."

"The quicker you let go of old cheese, the sooner you can enjoy new cheese."

Akalo Mo Trapo, Yun Pala... Totoo!

Amidst all the destruction and sufferings brought about by Ondoy and Pepeng, some politicians still took advantage of the situation to further their presidential ambitions.

At first I gave this particular politician the benefit of the doubt when the first photo appeared on Facebook. But soon the other photos appeared too. Plus numerous press releases on his relief efforts. Many in the company of a controversial but popular noontime game show host. 

 

 

 

Sipa at Tadyak, that's what this presidential wannabe should get from us voters this coming elections. 

Tips for a Hassle-Free Voter Registration

We've all heard the horror stories: very long lines, not enough application forms, people having to wait hours just to register for the 2010 elections. Truly an unpleasant initiation for first time voters.

But the registration process need not be a nightmare. The key is preparation and advanced planning.

I went with my younger sister Sam when she registered and it took her no more than thirty minutes to complete the process. And this despite the crowd in the Quezon City Hall.

So how did we do it? Here are some pointers:

• Fill out the application form beforehand. You can download this from the Comelec website. Fill up all three copies but do NOT sign or put your thumb marks yet.
  

• Bring a photocopy of a valid ID (driver's license, passport, school ID).
  

• Know where to go! Find out beforehand where your city or municipality comelec office is. Know your district and your barangay.
  

• Bring a pen. Even if you fill up your application form beforehand, you still have to sign this in front of the Comelec officials.

• Come early. The Comelec offices are open from 8 am to 5 pm. Avoid coming near lunch time or late afternoon.

Remember, you only have until 31 October 2009 to register. Avoid the rush and register now.