What should the Comelec do to improve its operations?

Interviews by Martin Dante L. del Rosario, Katrina B. Paredes, and Margaret Michelle C. Tan

“Trust talaga yung problema ngayon ng Comelec, malaki yung naging impact nung Hello Garci na issue, so feeling ko kung maayos ‘yun, kung maayos ‘yung system ng Comelec, pati maging transparent sila sa mga [tao], feeling ko magiging maayos ‘yung mga susunod na elections.” – Marlon Jose Ibabao (III BS Ch:MSE)

“Dapat ‘yung mga Comelec official maging transparent. Kung gusto nila ng change, dapat sa kanila magsimula.” – Erik Lawrence Dy (II BS Mgt)

“Electronic yung pagvo-vote. Para electronic na lahat tapos para mas mabilis ang pagka-count, tapos baka maiwasan din ‘yung pandaraya.” – Paul William Mayuyu (III BS ME)

“Kung may hint of cheating lang man, dapat i-disqualify na agad. Stricter punishments.” – Jan Joseph Abolino (II BS ECE)

“Younger people ang dapat mag-man ng booth. Twenty-plus kami na Chua na sunud-sunod nagboto, tapos mali-mali ang name na sinulat. Dapat magkaroon rin ng mga signboards sa school para mas madali hanapin ang mga voting stations.” – Sherleen Rose Chua (II BS MCT)

“Siguro dapat aprubahan na lang ‘yung computerized na vote-counting para malinis, walang dayaan.” – Arvin Pajarillo, Loyola Schools (LS) Maintenance

“I think the Comelec should embrace technology, like computerized counting or voting, to ensure accuracy, and they should also assign credible people to manage the operations. Finally, dapat may transparency.” – Ysabella Kristina Poblete (III BS Mgt)

“Computerized [operations], kasi we can’t get stuck forever in the stone age. If improved operations means faster operations, computerization is what is needed about the honesty issue. About the honest operations... ‘di ko sure kung paano pa maaayos ‘yun. We need new people in there to regain the trust of the people.” – Kristoffer Ryan Velarde (IV BS ME)

“Wala[ng] naging problema sa voting center namin sa Marikina eh. Even ‘yung counting, walang problema. Tahimik siya. More or less okay na ‘yung system. Okay rin siguro kung computerized na, pero pag-aralan muna dapat nila. Dapat din mag-consider sila ng paraan na mas maging madali ang pagboto sa mga matatanda, tulad ng paglagay ng mga voting booths sa ground floor lang lahat.” – Dhea Santos, Rizal Library Staff

“Fix ‘yung designations of precincts where people should vote.” – Ma. Kristina Dumo (III BS ME)

WHAT SHOULD THE COMELEC DO TO IMPROVE ITS OPERATIONS? Comment and share your views with the rest of the Ateneo community!

What do you think of political dynasties?

Interviews by Cyril Fermin

“Political dynasties are here to stay. Despite the constitutional provision requiring the creation of a legislation, there is no way it could be done considering that most of the Congress people are members of political dynasties themselves.” – Nestonel Estrada (IV AB PoS)

“Okay lang naman siguro ang pagkakaroon ng political dynasties, as long as magaling ‘yung dynasty nila at hindi corrupt and stuff. I don’t think it depends on what your last name is eh. Basta if magaling ka na politician okay lang.” – Mark Daryll Tan (II BS Mgt-H)

“Political dynasties are greatly responsible for the triangle system in the Philippines, in which two percent of the population monopolizes everything. Still, it is their right to run for office—given the damn rule that anyone who is of Filipino citizenship can run which disregards political dynasties or education—and it is the people who vote for them still. I myself do not conform with political dynasties, but find nothing, under law or religion, that contradicts it. As long as the leader is a just and honest one, political dynasties would not matter to me. But since many are not, I believe a law must be issued regarding this to minimize or stop political dynasties.” – Randolph Keane Cobankiat (II BS LM)

“I think it depends if ‘yung talagang purpose lang nila is to serve the country and not to keep the power to themselves. Or that they are just doing that to prevent others from taking their positions.” – Monika Lara Guballa (II BS LM)

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF POLITICAL DYNASTIES? Comment and share your views with the rest of the Ateneo community!

What are your views on the high number of election-related crimes?

Interviews by Karen Marie J. Cunanan, Maria Francesca Coreen T. Frias, and Edwin Lawrence B. Joyas

“The sad part about it is that it isn't an unusual occurrence during elections. I believe that election-related violence is reflective of a culture of impunity and political immaturity. This issue is passé for most countries so our elections, being notoriously violent, can hurt the Philippines' international image and cause the Filipino people to lose faith in its elections, if that isn't the case already.” – Margaret Anne Garcia (II BS MCT)

“Siyempre, it’s depressing dahil mababa ang credibility ng government. It pains my heart and I’m very disappointed in the people of the Philippines.” – Phillip Ian Maverick Layno (II AB PoS)

“I think it is a very alarming reflection of our country’s corrupted political system. These crimes further prove how most people are willing to resort to killings just to secure their selfish political agenda. The saddest thing, I think, is that come election day, the casualties of these crimes are forgotten, and we, Filipinos, elect the very people responsible for the victims’ loss.” – Dorothy Ann Lopez-Dee (II AB DS)

“Philippine politics is still dirty. It just shows the lack of respect in the election process.” – Charlene Tiu (II BS MCT)

“Iyong mga tumatakbo… karamahin sa kanila ay mga buwaya. Unang habol lamang nila ang makukuha nilang pera ‘pag nasa gobyerno na sila. Nakokonsenya lamang sila bago gumawa nang maganda para sa bansa. Habol lang talaga nila ang pera.” – Emmanuel Concepcion, Technical Assistant, Rizal Library

“Well, I think it just goes to show where too much thirst for money and power can take you. From merely being corrupt, politicians now use horribly violent measures just to take hold of a position that will enable them to quench this thirst.” – Charmaine Fatima Gomez (II BS ME)

“Personally, ako, dedma ako ngayon sa eleksyon. I mean, it's always the same thing that's happening from the voting process, tabulation, the candidates who get elected… For example, there's always the case of missing ballots, or flying voters, or voters who sell their votes. During tabulation, definitely may dagdag-bawas, and [for] sure, may matsutsugi on account of election-related violence. Then there's bound to be stupid candidates that the masses will vote into the Congress, Senate, presidency… Like in this year's election, in my opinion, si Trillanes at Honasan… Kaya 'yon. Dedma ako.” – Jon Derrick Lee (II BS MAC)

“Ganoon din naman noong nakaraang eleksyon. Hindi naman na nakakagulat iyon. Mas grabe nga lang ngayon, kahit mas tahimik yung eleksiyon mismo, maraming patagong nangyayari.” – Name withheld, Loyola Schools (LS) Maintenance

“I think it’s all nonsense. It’s chaos! Politicians killing each other for a seat in the local and national government. It’s even more painful because surely, they’re doing this for all the wrong reasons—money and power—not because they sincerely wish to help our country. It’s disheartening to think that there is no political stability in the government and thus we just can’t help but question our leaders’ intentions. Our future rests in their hands. All we can do is hope for the best.” – Ma. Agnes Surop (II AB IS)

“Actually, I think it’s very childish. I mean, you have people who go out there. They campaign. They talk to the people. They see. But they’re never sure of themselves…They go out there and do all these things just to make sure they win. They can’t seem to stand the idea of losing to someone else. So I think it’s really, really childish.” – Julius Alfie Barcelona (II BS HS)

“Sa tingin ko, hindi na siya nakakagulat, pero nakakalungkot na rin kasi maraming mga tao na [namamatay]… Hindi sila dapat nagiging part ‘nung selfish objectives ng mga politicians.” – Joanah April Hermano (IV BSM AMF)

“Bale sa puwesto kasi ‘yan. Kumbaga, talagang nagpapatayan [sila] makuha lang ‘yung kanilang minimithing puwesto. Kaya ayun, siguro dahil sa kasakiman na rin sa puwesto, nagagawa nila ‘yung hindi dapat gawin. Siyempre kumbaga, pera-pera [ang] labanan diyan kaya ayun ... Kaya siguro ‘yung krimen talagang hindi maiiwasan.” – Mannex Varona, Cashier, Ateneo Multi-Purpose Cooperative (AMPC)

“If you compare it with other countries, ‘di ba it doesn’t really happen frequently? And because there are a lot of crimes, I don’t get why people would want to go into politics. It’s just stupid. I don’t like the politics here in our country.” – Denise Joanna Tan (II AB Comm)

“Para sa akin… ‘di ba gagastos nang marami ‘yung mga candidates para makapasok sa Senado? [Sa] tingin ko, dahil kasi malaki ‘yung nakukuha nilang pera sa loob kaysa sa ginagastos nila, kaya gagawin nila lahat para lang makapasok as senators or other kind of officials. Tapos siyempre kung natatalo sila, siyempre baka magha-hire sila ng mga men para mag-assassinate or pumatay ng ibang tao.” – Jose Carlo Magsino (II BS Bio-A)

WHAT ARE YOUR VIEWS ON THE HIGH NUMBER OF ELECTION-RELATED CRIMES? Comment and share your views with the rest of the Ateneo community!

How was your experience as a voter?

Interviews by Martin Dante L. del Rosario, Katrina B. Paredes, and Margaret Michelle C. Tan

“Voting wasn't as big a hassle as I thought it would be. We got our precinct numbers without much delay, and there wasn't a long line where we were supposed to vote, so we got our ballots quickly. However, the poll watchers were hanging around the area, and so I couldn't really concentrate on casting my votes. It wasn't exactly comfortable to write down names and then worry about the poll watchers standing right behind me.” – Angelica Elise Lim (II BS Mgt)

“Di ko alam sino boboto ko, pero okay naman, kahit tinatamad ako, it was a different experience kasi first time ko.” – Genevieve Lim (III AB MEco)

“It was okay. I was annoyed at a lot of things like trying to find the precinct number. But maybe that’s just me. I found it quite slow…but then again, there were a lot of people, and I don’t know the whole voting process. ‘Cause my friends and I were talking about it. Shouldn’t it be computerized na and all? So there, parang waiting in line, then, they’re trying to find pa your voter’s ID or something. So parang it's slow.” – Erin Victoria Montenejo (II BS MCT)

“It was actually organized. I already knew my precinct, so I didn’t have to look for my name on the list which would’ve been a big hassle.” – Melinda Gayle Limlengco (II BS ME)

“Surprisingly, I felt very much unprepared when I was actually there. All the technicals went smoothly—finding my precinct, blah blah. Pero nung nakuha ko na ‘yung ballot, parang, ‘Uh…’ Despite having ample time to come up with a list of candidates etc., ang dami ko pa ring blanks. I suppose it's a lack of personal preparation.” – Gabrielle Ann Agarrado (III BS Ch:MSE)

“Okay naman po. Hindi naman po kami masyado tense kasi alam na namin iboboto namin.” – Allan Oliva, security guard

“It was actually very chaotic. It took some time to find my name in the voters’ list. There were others whose names were not there or others moved to a different voting center. Two precincts lost their indelible inks arousing suspicion of fraud and cheating. But still, it was worth the wait and the frustration to be able to contribute to change.” – Joseph Gideon Sarreal (III BS MCT)

“I voted in the province (Tarlac). It was short and sweet. People came early eh. Basta it really wasn’t as much of a hassle as people expect it to be.” – Raem Puno (IV AB IS)

“Okay lang, mainit, pero obvious na madaming violation. Pagpasok mo pa lang sa school may nagbibigay ng sample ballots with candidates’ names. The posters of candidates are right outside the school, hanging pa sa electric wires. May pumasok sa loob ng polling room nagbubulong ng person na dapat i-vote for mayor pero pinalabas din agad ng poll watchers.” – Hannah Stephanie Ang (III BS MCT)

“Well, it was easy for me because it was in my village and I came early. I had fun.” – Lourdes Ramona Victoria Farrales (II BS LM)

“Okay naman. Wala naman [gulo]… maayos naman eh. Maluwag naman dun sa amin sa Marikina.” – Alma Fermano, photocopying lady

“Well, the voting system nowadays, I think, is more orderly. Kasi, as a first-time voter, ‘yung places where I should go was given to me properly. May mga directions on where to place this paper and that. It’s written already there and stuff so… Ayun, I think it’s more orderly as a whole.” – Moses Cantillon (III AB Eu)

“Pagpunta ko ‘dun, di pa bukas ‘yung presinto. Kung ‘di ako nagreklamo, ‘di pa sana bubuksan. ‘di pa raw kasi preparado, e diba dapat one day before naka-prepare na ‘yun? Bakit may delay? ‘Di nila inisip na may pasok ‘yung ibang mga tao, gaya ko. ‘yung sa paghanap ng pangalan, ako pa nagturo para ‘yung number na lang ang hanapin, ‘di yung apilyedo, para mas mabilis. Kaya ‘yun, medyo matagal.” – Joseph Banhao, security guard

“I have no idea what the ballot looks like, so when I saw sample ballots being given out, there was a part where I didn’t know who to vote for. I wasn’t able to vote anyway because I can’t find my name in the voters’ list. I spent an hour going up and down the building designated for our barangay and the people handling the ballots were so unhelpful.” – Sophia Kho (III BS LM)

HOW WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A VOTER? Comment and share your views with the rest of the Ateneo community!

Whom did you vote for, and what do you expect from them?

Interviews by Jodel Pierre P. Ampil, Keila Marii C. Chavez, and Edgar B. Concepcion Jr.


“Noynoy Aquino. Parang he would be able to do what his father [had] left for him [to do]. Tsaka let’s do something unusual. Tingnan natin kung mananalo siya.” – Lauren Michelle Santos (II BS HS)

“Chiz Escudero, kasi he’s a man of dignity and courage. I believe that [by] voting for him, the Philippines will have a just lawmaker who will voice out any anomalies that may affect [the] society’s welfare. His campaign against graft and corruption leads me to think that he will be one of the pioneers of a better and more transparent Senate.” – Maria Janela Herrera (III BS MCT)

“Si Kiko Pangilinan, kasi may paninindigan siya at [sa tingin ko ay] magiging maayos siya.” – Leah Robes (II AB IS)

“Rolando Tigas ng Samal, Bataan, kasi nung naging mayor siya, nakita ko ‘yung pagbabago. Mas gumanda ‘yung plaza, at ‘yung palengke [ay] lumaki. Gusto ko[ng] ipagpatuloy niya ‘yung pagpapaganda sa lugar namin.” – Ana Liza Chacon, photocopying lady, Rizal Library

“Kiram for senator, kasi kahit na hindi ako Muslim, malaki ang pagbabago kung may representasyon ang mga Muslim sa Senado kasi for the longest time [ay] wala eh. Kahit na hindi naging matunog ‘yung pangalan niya nu’ng kampanya, sinigurado ko na malalagay ko ‘yung pangalan niya.” – Jethro Niño Tenorio, Instructor, Department of Filipino

“Binoto ko si Manny Villar kasi ever since bata pa lang ako, sabi ng parents ko, sobrang hindi siya mangurakot. Masipag at matiyaga siya.” – Martin Molina (IV AB Eco)

“Binoto ko si Chiz Escudero. Binoto ko siya dahil magaling siyang politician, tapos marami siyang kino-contest sa Congress. Gusto ko ng ganu’n. Ayoko [nang] nangbu-bully lang yung administration. Mas gusto ko yung may lumalaban sa kanila para may different view na pine-present.” – Roberto Ramon Sangalang (IV BS Mgt)

"Lacson. [I expect that he will promote] peace and order." – Kendrick Share (III BS CS)

“My main choices for senator are the people from Ang Kapatiran—Paredes, Sison, and Bautista. I voted for them because I want to make a stand and they were the only three candidates that were non-partisan and that did not rely on popularity. They had a legitimate platform and they were the only ones who really had a clear-cut way of changing.” – Patrick Gerard Simon-King, Instructor, Department of Economics

“Si Chiz Escudero. He looks promising. He has a good track record, and he’s a man of principle.” – Kezia Kariana Montemayor (III BS MIS)

"Kapatiran, because they’re God-centered… so the Senate will not be solely working, solely political… important kasi [that they’re] God-fearing.” – Angela Francisca del Rosario (AB Psy ’07)

“Si Chiz Escudero. Ine-expect ko sa kanya yung project niya raw sa pabahay. May narinig ako na maganda explanation niya. Kunwari daw yung tao, ilagay mo sa parang pigpen, mag-aasal-baboy. Pero ‘pag linagay mo raw sa bahay, titino raw yung mga tao. Nakita ko yung mga tao na nangangailangan ng bahay. So ‘yun [‘yung] ine-expect ko sa kanya.” – Paolo Gayod (III AB Eco)

“I voted for Kiram, the only Muslim candidate. I think [that] for the longest time, Muslims did not have any representative in the Senate and I think the Catholics were very controlling. I think it is about time that a Muslim represent[s] people from Mindanao.” – Nina Monica Cariaga (II AB MEco)

"Chiz Escudero. [Sana ay] huwag [siyang] maging [traditional politician (trapo)]." – Edralyn Baisa, Staff, Office of the Associate Dean for Student Affairs (ADSA)

“Escudero. Ine-expect ko na lalo pa niyang lalabanan yung administrasyong Arroyo gaya nang ginagawa niya nung congressman pa lang siya. Ngayon, ‘pag naging senador siya, mas mailabas niya sana ang kabulukan ng gobyerno para sa ikakabubuti ng lahat.” – Sairry Sandoval, Secretary, Department of Economics

WHOM DID YOU VOTE FOR, AND WHAT DO YOU EXPECT FROM THEM? Comment and share your views with the rest of the Ateneo community!

What are your views on the accuracy of election surveys?

Interviews by Kirk Chester C. Damasco, Cyril Isabelle A. Fermin, and Earl Christopher M. Segales

“It's pretty accurate because voters answer based on what they see. These are good indicators of [the] performance, image and popularity of candidates.” – Christian Domingo (IV BS Mgt)

”Hindi kailanman maaaring tingnan ang sagot ng iilan bilang kumakatawan sa pulso ng lahat ng mamamayan. Itigil na ang mga survey na yan.” – Jonathan Ibañez (IV AB MEco)

“Surveys can be corrupted, too, so [they] can have bias. [They] may really lack accuracy because [the] sample size is not enough to be representative of [the] actual population. Also, if paid for, survey makers by human nature might want to feed the ego of the paying party.” – Anna Cristina Rojas, Lecturer, Department of Leadership and Strategy

“I think they're not accurate and I believe they lean towards specific candidates. Well, to tell you the truth, it's something we discussed sa table over breakfast type of thing. That the officials in this country are so corrupt now that even such polls are probably backed by powerful people who are leaning towards particular people.” – Brian Marco Chanyungco (III BS Mgt-H)

“I'm not sure if one should believe in surveys because most of the surveys are biased kasi politicians pay for these surveys. Sometimes they use their own people in conducting the surveys. So most probably, the results will be in their favor. And ‘di ba there's this thing with self-fulfilling prophecy? Like if lumabas sa survey na you’re going to win, most probably you will ‘cause people will think na, ‘He's going to win, so siya na lang ivo-vote ko.’ And pag lumabas naman na the politician's not going to win, most probably, he will not kasi people will think na why vote pa for this person if he's gonna lose din naman.” – Micaela Kristina Galvez (II AB PoS)

“I don’t know how they get their data so I'm not in a position to say. But I'd say ‘not accurate’ given the inaccuracy of the elections themselves.” – Jerome Emil Villanueva (IV BS MAC)

“I believe that these surveys are pretty misguiding. Accurate or inaccurate, voters should know the platforms of each candidate and decide from there. [They should not] be overwhelmed by surveys which [have] a bandwagon effect on their mentality. Surveys [do] not even provide majority of the voices which [have] to be heard, and [surveys] can easily be handpicked to benefit certain candidates. So all in all, no to surveys in general.” – Kevin Gonzales (II AB IS)

WHAT ARE YOUR VIEWS ON THE ACCURACY OF ELECTION SURVEYS? Comment and share your views with the rest of the Ateneo community!

What do you think of the candidates' advertisements? (BATCH 2)

Interviews by Karen Marie J. Cunanan, Maria Francesca Coreen T. Frias, and Edwin Lawrence B. Joyas

BATCH 2

“Well, the candidates’ political advertisements mean that they really have a lot of money since all those advertisements cost so much.” – Rex Karlo Español (II BS Mgt)

“They don’t talk about their platform[s] and what they are planning to do. Mapapansin na talagang nagsasalita lang iyong mga famous …. It’s just a popularity thing.” – Ray Bastien Mayol (IV BSM AMF)

“I think the problem with the political advertisement[s] is that they’re trying to seduce the people to let them know that they’re doing the right thing. But in a way they’re not really that kind of person, in such a way that they’re creating an illusion that they’re like this and they do good deeds … So [regarding] political advertisements, I think the government should ban them.” – Mark Bryan Magno (III BS LM)

“Nakakatuwa iyong mga advertisements. Iyong ibang ads sa TV, maganda— lalung-lalo na sa bata.” – Lisa Agbay, Staff, Department of Information Systems and Computer Science (DISCS)

“Hindi sila sumusunod sa Comelec. In TV, they exceed their number of minutes. Napaka-superficial naman iyong mga commercials. They won’t even be able to address the problems, basing on their previous performances. Why would they waste money kung hindi naman nila mababalik iyon?” – Maria Sophia Clarisa de la Paz (III BS Mgt)

“Siguro masasabi ko lang… masyadong nag-fo-focus sila ‘dun sa [advertisements]… masyadong nilang pinapaganda yung [advertisements]. Magastos masyado yung mga adverstisements ng mga pulitiko ngayon. Kumbaga, imbes na sa iba ilaan yung pera para ‘dun sa political advertisement, mas [iginugugol pa nila ang] pera ‘dun sa advertisement na ginagawa nila.” – Rafael Papelleras, Office Assistant, Office for Social Concern and Involvement (OSCI)

”It’s very mass-oriented and it doesn’t have anything to do with what they plan to do to the country. It [doesn’t] target any intelligent audience. It also [doesn’t] show their credibility. ” – Jaime Marquez (II BS Bio-A)

“Para sa akin, ‘yang mga ganyang mga ginagawa ng mga pulitiko … parang ipinapakita lang nila na mayayaman talaga sila. Kaya nilang i-announce ‘yung pagkatao nila sa pamamagitan ng mga ads. Kaya dapat hindi ganun, kasi mas lamang yung mapepera eh. Paano naman yung mga kandidato na simple lang—mayaman din—kaya lang hindi kayang ano? Magkano ba ang ginagastos sa bawat show ng kandidato? Kaya para sa akin, hindi maganda ‘yang ganyang [advertisements].” – Reynaldo Guevarra, Laboratory Technician, Department of Biology

“Karamihan sa kanila, hindi dini-discuss iyong platform nila. They create this illusion to the people na kaya nila i-resolba ang mga problema na binanggit nila. Parang ‘substanceless’ lahat ng mga advertisements, pure spectacle.” – Erika Joy Ticong (IV BS CoE)

“They are expensive. The quality is not well thought out, I think. They just want to flash their faces with motherhood statements. They are insulting the public. They think that the public does not think. They think that it is enough to have their faces seen and the public is going to vote for them.” – Emanuel de Guzman, Lecturer, Department of Sociology and Anthropology

“They are violating a lot of rules. Because, when I watched TV Patrol, it showed that a lot of them violate public property rights and they fail to follow Comelec rules, like [on] where to put their posters.” – Jose Miguel Imperio (II BS HS)

What do you think of the candidates' advertisements? (BATCH 1)

Interviews by Karen Marie J. Cunanan, Maria Francesca Coreen T. Frias, and Edwin Lawrence B. Joyas

BATCH 1

“It appeals to the masses but the message they send out for some ads [is] shallow and doesn't say much on what they can do for the country.” – Ma. Kristina Claudio (II AB Eu)

“It's good exposure for them, but we can’t be assured of their motives.” – Rose Monica Julia Munda (II BS Mgt-H)

“I believe it's just a mere show of lies for the people to vote for them.” – Justin Lawrence Tec (II BS MIS)

“Of course, having taste and being young, I think they suck, honestly. But I think that even credible candidates who have real and strong feelings to help the country need these ads to get noticed. I mean, if you have to work all day for a minimum wage, you wouldn't bother looking up their credentials and do[ing a] case study, so you'll most likely base your votes on first impressions and personal feelings.” – Julz Henriane Riddle (II AB Comm)

“Sa lahat ng napanood, nabasa, at narinig ko, one-fourth lang ng candidates ang nag-present ng platform nila. Pasikatan lang sila, kung sino ang may mas sikat na endorser.” – Kimberly Realoza (II AB DS)

“I think the ads are propaganda with a lot of subtle and often subliminal messages. They can either be informative or misleading, depending on the audience.” – Ana Maria Felisa Mayor (III AB IS)

“In my opinion, the platforms should include what the candidates did before and what they did wrong. The problem now is they are using all these jingles, and that’s not the point of [the] election.” – Jose Mari Tuason, Professor, Department of Mathematics

“Basta when it comes to ‘yung [celebrity] ads, walang kwenta ‘yun. It's all a big joke to me. Kasi aside from the fact na they'll say anything and everything to get your vote, ginagamit lang nila yung appeal ng [celebrities].” – Katherine Anne Ochoa (II BS MIS)

“Well, if the objective of the candidates is to make the people remember them, I suppose it’s quite effective if you’re talking about it, like as an ad. An example would be, you know, Pichay’s ad na everyone knows that’s an ad for Pichay. And I suppose it works, if that’s the objective.” – Finness Calacal (III AB Comm)

“I think naman they’re just trying to capitalize on mass media. I mean, you can’t get off naman with platforms or you can’t convince [people through] platforms, especially since hindi naman lahat ng nanonood educated and everything. So they’re just trying to use what’s available to them and targeting it to the context na ‘yung people na magvo-vote talaga.” – Miguel Antonio Balmaceda (IV BS Mgt)

“Iyong sa TV advertisements nila, masyadong magastos. Iyong impact ng advertisements nila halos walang sense.” – Grace Savellano, Staff, Department of Information Systems and Computer Science (DISCS)

“Well, for most of them, I think they’re medyo pilit. Well, yeah, they’re trying to attract the masses. Pero well, ‘yun nga medyo pilit and I think masyado nang fake. Masyado nang fake, or manufactured, or canned ‘yung dating ... For me, the most appealing is Sonia Roco’s ad. Kasi, you know, it’s super simple. It’s super [direct] to the point. Well, I’m not voting so I’m not biased.” – Ma. Ramona Linda Fernando (IV AB Psy)

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE CANDIDATES' ADVERTISEMENTS? Comment and share your views with the rest of the Ateneo community!

What issues are important to you as a voter?

Interviews by Jodel Pierre P. Ampil, Keila Marii C. Chavez, and Edgar B. Concepcion Jr.

“Platforms, because you have to know where they stand. Also, the automated voting thing, because it is there [where] you will get the credibility of your vote. Nuisance candidates [are also an issue] because they are irritating. It’s because some of them are obviously political strategies to mess the elections.” – Ma. Teresa Gromia (III BS MCT)

“I guess the platforms of the candidates and their competence and passion to serve the people.” – Cherilyn Sy (II BS ME)

“Women’s issues, children’s rights, education.” – Margarita Orendain, Ph.D., Chair, Department of English

“Siguro yung political background ng candidates. Like Manny Pacquiao, wala siyang political background. Importante yun kasi nawawala yung red tape sa trabaho. So if may political background, tingin ko mas competent sila for their position.” – Phillip Andrew Ruby (II BS ME)

“[Ang] importante sa akin [ay] kung ano ba yung, kunwari re-electionist, ano ba yung performance niya nung nakaraan niyang [termino]?” – Ma. Theresa Villanueva, Head, Filipiniana Section of the Rizal Library

“For me, I believe that the two issues that should be focused on are the political killings, how each candidate actually responds to the problem of political killings today and how each candidate also responds to the problems with the environment and how they can make businesses more eco-friendly to give a better environment to the Philippines.” – John Jeremiah Rimando (III AB Eco)

“First of all, yung platform, tapos kailangan makita mo yung dedication nila to help the people, hindi lang alam mong gusto lang nilang makapasok sa politics. Personally, ayoko ng artista.” – Bianca Marie Agustin (II BS ME)

“Issues as a voter? If there’s actually someone to vote for. Because I really am not interested in voting for anybody I don’t believe in. So in these elections, I don’t think I’m going to vote… Although I can vote. I’m registered. There’s no one to vote for so that’s a big, big issue. Why vote if there’s no one to vote for?” – Conrado Nicolas Atienza (II AB Comm)

“I suppose yung economic issue and corruption in the government. We have the top position as the most corrupt country in Asia. And whatever they say about the increase in [Gross National Product (GNP)]… pwede mong doktorin yun. At education issues, which ha[ve] never been addressed since the time of Martial Law.” – Name withheld, Associate Professor, Department of Theology

“Gusto ko para sa eleksyon ‘yung walang dayaan. Parehas kung sino talaga ang dapat manalo… At saka dapat piliin ang talagang mapapagkatiwalaan ng bayan.” – Ruben Yanson, security guard

“Kelangan mo yung ano magagawa niya sa kabataan. Second, kung ano yung sa economy kasi tumataas na ‘yung economy. Okay na yun sa tingin ko… So paano ime-maintain at paano yun mate-take advantage ng mga businessmen and government officials. Third, yung sa culture. Sa akin kasi, mas important yung pagpapanatili ng culture ng Pilipino at ‘di ‘pag-ano sa Western thoughts.” – Al Agassiz dela Torre (III BSM AMF)

“Dapat meron silang care for the taxpayers dahil [taxpayers] yung nagdudusa. Pati na rin ‘yung education and their street smartness or their common sense, how they live the real life.” – Claudia Camille Fernandez (II BS ME)

“[Sana] mapayapa ‘yung election sa Lunes tapos… mawala yung vote-buying and then maging matalino sa pagpili ng ibobotong tao para iluklok sa posisyon bilang senador.” – Rogelio Alabat, Ateneo maintenance, Office of Administrative Services (OAS)

“Well, [one of] the issues that are important to me as a voter is … especially focused on education because education tackles mostly … [how] … the children of today, not just children but adolescents and adults today, can evolve in terms of intellectual ability and the skills that can be honed in order to lift up the situation of the country.” – Mario Lorenzo Cuyegkeng (II BS HS)

WHAT ISSUES ARE IMPORTANT TO YOU AS A VOTER? Comment and share your views with the rest of the Ateneo community!

What do you look for in a candidate?

Interviews by Martin Dante L. del Rosario, Katrina B. Paredes, and Margaret Michelle C. Tan

“Platform, credibility, experience. Kasama na rin diyan ang history, past projects, past bills passed, at iba pa.” – Miguel Lope Inumerable (III BS CS)

“Wit and intelligence. Gusto ko rin alam niya kung ano yung gusto niyang mangyari.” – Anne Precious Kristine Rellin (III BS MCT)

“Sana at least graduate ng college, tapos siyempre responsible tsaka committed. Basta yung may pinag-aralan, hindi ako go ‘dun sa mga nagsasabing kahit walang pinag-aralan may abilidad, iba pa rin yung may pinag-aralan.” – Julie Rose Bagasbas, Staff, Office of Student Activities (OSA)

“Integrity. I think that if a candidate has credibility, then everything else will follow.” – Maria Michelle Michiko Soriano (II BS Mgt)

“Pare-parehas naman eh, kahit sino naman maupo ganun pa rin eh, walang pagbabago. Wala na, bahala na lang kung sinong manalo, ganun rin eh.” – Adrian Asuncion, Staff, Ateneo Multi-Purpose Cooperative (AMPC)

“The candidate must have integrity, must be a hard worker, has concern for the people, and is also honest and just.” – Erwin John Aquino (III BS Bio)

“If I think they’re smart, then I’m gonna [sic] vote for them.” – Jose David Jorge Yulo (II BS Mgt)

“’Yung hindi plastic. Pinapanood ko ‘yung mga forums on TV. ‘Yung marunong sumagot. ‘Yung hindi [marunong sumagot], definitely ‘di na ‘yun. I’m not very particular with parties, more on individual candidates talaga. I also visit their websites to check them out.” – Earl Keh, Faculty Member, Department of Quantitative Methods and Information Technology, John Gokongwei School of Management (JGSOM)

“I look for a good platform and credibility. [Dapat] okay ‘yung background—he didn’t do anything wrong or [he must have] no record of doing something scandalous.” – Jessica Jean Kristine Cocabo (II BS MAC)

“His credibility. I check out their podcasts, interviews, past projects, etcetera. Through [these], I will know in a way if he’s willing and capable of fulfilling his platform.” – Ruby Criselda Domingo (IV BS Mgt)

“Ayaw ko sa kandidato na hindi marunong sumagot ng simpleng tanong ukol sa kanilang pagkakandidato, at sa pagsagot nila ay hindi nila naiisip na walang katuturan o may kabuluhan sa pagiging sensitive sa mga nakikinig. Ayaw ko din ang kandidato na hindi tugma ang mga goals sa pagiging senador. Sa ibang salita ay dapat sa ibang posisyon sila tumakbo.” – Nina Isabella Niguidula (III BS MCT)

“’Yung maka-tao, maka-Diyos, at matulungin.” – Loreto Quinit, Security Guard, Manuel V. Pangilinan Center for Student Leadership (MVP-CSL)

“That’s not a simple question. The candidate must have devotion, truth, honesty, and selflessness.” – Simone Josefina Banawa (III AB MEco)

WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A CANDIDATE? Comment and share your views with the rest of the Ateneo community!