IVOTE,My Candidates for Election 2013

 I could clearly recall my experience the first time I exercised my right to suffrage. It was for local elections (barangay captain and kagawads),PCOS machines were unheard of.  Playful teenagers
we were, we included "Alvin the Captain, Jerry the Defense Minister" on our kagawad list. During the counting of ballots, we witnessed the election-in-charge read out loud with a puzzled expression these players' names, our laughter had to be suppressed.:)

Up until now, election seasons make me excited because unlike others, I see it as an opportunity for  eonomic progress,good governance,and service to people. It makes me sad when some people do nothing but blame the government officials for the misfortuned plights. It knocks me ill just as much to discover some friends don't cast their votes anymore,others are not even registered voters.:( Hay!!:(

Few days before May 13, I am way into finalizing my list of candidates. I share them on this site. You may do too. You may press like/unlike on my list.That's how it is living in a democratic country. Freedom of choice. Thank you Cory. The beauty of this 2013 elections, none among the Aquino siblings is vying for any position and this equals to less weight of stress on my part.:)

May I include disclaimer here. These candidates are my personal choices. I do my part to know them through their educational background( I am so particular with this), track record, family and personal relations, scandals written about them, their contributions in our motherland and what credible people say about them.And yes, gusto ko magaan ang loob ko sa kanila.

May I start with my 2 Senators:

1. Francis "Chiz" Escudero

My own reasons: He is a close buddy of PNoy and he campaigned for him on 2010.. He is intelligent. I like how he speaks.

Escudero has been consistently ranked among the top 3 in surveys. The 43-year old senator is a former congressman of the first district of Sorsogon. One reason Chiz considers his youth and advantage is " The enthusiasm of the youth to connect to new and innovative ideas makes for a good combination with the experience and wisdom of the generation before us."

Chiz finished his primary, high school and law education from the University of the Philippines. He passed the Bar in 1994 and obtained a masters degree in International and Comparative Law from Georgetown University Law Center in Washington in 1996.

He chaired the committee on justice and human rights at the Senate and passed 281 bills. As chair of the committee on environment and natural resources, all 300 bills and resolutions filed were acted upon.

He was among the Ten Outstanding Young Men in 2005. In 2007,he was the only Filipino to be named Asia News Network's Asia Idols. The World Economic Forum also honored him as one of the world's Young Global Leaders in 2008.

Latest controversy on him: His love relationship with Heart Evangelista. Others: He voted for RH Bill. He smokes.

His best statement to date: " My allegiance is constant. It remains with the people I have pledged to serve and not to any party or individual in particular, which should be the case, for all government officials."

2. Paolo Benigno "BAM" Aquino IV

My own reasons. Gosh,he is Ate Kris' first cousin, Ninoy's nephew. He is the Constitutional Chairman of the National Union of Catholic Student Councils.

This 35 year-old Aquino is a Filipino social entrepreneur and public servant. He is chairman of the National Youth Commission, currently the president of MicroVentures, an investment bank for start-up businesses which runs the Hapinoy Social enterprise. He is one of the Ten Outstanding Young Persons of the World for 2012. His Hapinoy program was awarded United Nations Project Inspire Grand Prize 2011.

Bam was a consistent honor student in Ateneo de Manila University from grade school to college. He's the valedictorian in grade school and high school. In 1999, he graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Management Engineering from ADMU. He took an Executive Education Program on Leadership and Public Policy in Harvard University.

He joined the special projects group of ABS-CBN Foundation. He was involved with rehabilitation centers for abused and neglected children, disaster management and relief operations.

Bam's educational platform is impressive. He has what he calls "Education 2.0 Bill" which will push for curriculum development, college financing and the revival of the "Study Now, Pay Later" policy. We all agree with Bam that education is a RIGHT and not a privilege.

Another priority bill is the GoTrabaho bill, which he says will push for stronger linkages between industry and educational institutions through a national internship program, and the use of IT to pool information about industry requirements, vacancy and skill requirements.

Minor controversy on him: The issue of political dynasty.

I know that corruption is way out of his league.

Vote for Chiz and Bam, please? Thank you.:)