ON 2010 ELECTIONS

Filipinos are looking forward to the 2010 elections because they desperately want change. This is indicated by the recent Pulse Asia survey showing that 65 percent of our people believe that the May 2010 elections would push through. This belief springs from the desperate hope for an opportunity for change.

While some "analysts" say that the presidential election would be won by the candidate with the "biggest campaign budget" and grassroots network, I believe that the candidate who can best convince our people that he or she can bring about a change for the better in their lives would win, in addition, of course, to grassroots support organizations.

A great majority of our people now is apathetic and despondent because of the growing economic difficulties that they face. This is also indicated by the surveys that showed that 4.3 million households or 23.7 percent of households have experienced hunger in the last quarter of 2008. People are also worried about the rising costs of sending their children to school, about unemployment and higher prices of fuel and food.

People want change. And the candidate who can gain the trust of the people that he or seen can bring this about will win.