My Party List of Choice

I used to be a non-believer of the party list system. Though the framers of the Constitution had a good motive when they provided for it, I saw many groups that are taking advantage of the privilege for their own personal gain. They do not really represent marginalized sectors. If you would ask the people they purport to represent, they really don't feel benefited.


I used to hate leftists. I perceive them as mere nuisance, doing nothing but disrupt peace and order (and cause heavy traffic on my way to school. Argh!). Whenever I see rallies, I wanted to yell at those people and tell them to just go home and think of a nice meal to cook for their family.


But that was then... until I met these patriotic people from a noble party called AKBAYAN.


I've been a volunteer for Sen. Noynoy Aquino since he proclaimed his intention to heed the people's call and run for President. But mine was just online campaigning. Last February, I decided to step into the ground and campaign on the field. Eventually, and as a natural consequence of being a true Yellow Army, I found myself marching with Akbayan from Plaza Miranda to COMELEC. And that was then that I started getting to know the causes that they are fighting for. I got amazed by their dedication, and a part of me felt ashamed of myself for bragging to be a patriotic Filipino, when my efforts won't even match a quarter of theirs.


Akbayan is not one of those leftists that are war freaks and trouble makers. They are in fact peace-loving people who advocate for genuine reform in the government and seek to depart from traditional politics. They fight for the right causes and the real interests of the unheard voices of the people. Other groups just go out to the streets and protest without digging into the real issue and knowing the true sentiments of the people they claim to represent. (Yes, I'm speaking in particular about the illegal strike at the Hacienda Luisita. Poor farmers. They never wanted what the protesters cried out for.)


I still think there are bogus party list groups. There are more of the fake than the genuine. But I see Akbayan as a real representative of the marginalized people who cry for reform, but still within the bounds of democracy. (Boo, communism!) And being so, this party upholds and supports the real noble intent of the Constitution. 


I still hate rallies. But I am convinced that Akbayan, in the first place, wouldn't be marching to the streets if there are no genuine issues to fight for. They really listen, evaluate and discern. Hindi kagaya ng ibang walang ginawa kundi mag-rally at kumontra ng kumontra, di naman naiintindihan ang issue.


I'm not an Akbayan member... not as yet. I'm not sure if my present priorities would allow me to give my time and equate the dedication of its members. But I am now supporting their cause. No more Miss Apathetic.


This coming election, no more boycotting of the party list vote. I shall cast my vote for - to copy Joey de Leon's t-shirt print - "alam nyo NA".


=)


P.S.


If you don't think the same way as I do, I respect your stand. Just please respect mine, too. We are in a democratic country, but I believe that freedom should be within the bounds of reason and good manners. Thank you!