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More Fil-Ams registering to vote because of Con-Ass

By Ging Reyes, North America News Bureau Chief | 06/13/2009 9:35 AM

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From New York to San Francisco, U.S.-based Filipinos are heeding the call to register for the 2010 elections.  They say they know what’s at stake this time, and they hope their vote would mean change for a better Philippines.

 “Panawagan ko sa kapwa nating mga Pilipino, maging matalino tayo sa ating pagboto at huwag ibenta sa mga politico ang takbo ng ating lipunan,” said Gerulin Sucgang Africa, who registered to vote at the Philippine consulate in New York.

Marvin Guevarra, a first-time absentee voter from San Francisco is excited about choosing the next president. 

“Sa tagal ko na ring hindi nakapag-participate sa pagboto especially national ito. Saka mas interesado ako sa mga “uprising” (sic) candidates, may two choices ako na nasa isip ko,” Guevarra said.

But voters are alarmed by the passage of an administration-backed resolution at the House of Representatives for a Senate-less constituent assembly to change the charter.
Thousands have been protesting against “Con-Ass,” believed as a scheme to keep President Arroyo in power.

“Parang nanganganib na ang ating darating na halalan, baka hindi matuloy. Dahil bakit biglang sumulpot itong 1109? Kaya ako’y nakiki-isa sa mga ating mga kasama doon sa Makati, dapat mapigilan itong 1109,” said Ronnie Estrada, another absentee voter.

Like many of their kababayans back home, these voters believe corruption is the country’s biggest problem, which only a new administration can solve.

“Mainly corruption naman eh di ba?  Kaya di tayo makaahon,” Guevarra said.

“Corruption! Because it’s what’s holding down the economy, and we have to bring our people some hope,” said Rudy Torres, another new voter for 2010.

“Tulungan na lang ang mamamayan, huwag nang isipin ang magpayaman, sana magkaroon ng leaders na ganoon,” said absentee voter Ben Rodriguez.

To ensure a change in leadership, Filipinos have taken the fight against Con-Ass to the web.

“Sa ngayon, sumasama ako sa mga online petition at tinatawagan ko din ang mga kamag-anakan doon, kaibigan, dahil kaming mga absentee voters dito sa America, eh gusto naming bumoto!” Estrada said.

Many say the cyber campaign against Con-Ass has a global reach that should not be ignored.

They may be far from home, but overseas Filipinos are hi-tech and connected.  They vow to block any moves that would prevent the elections from taking place in 2010.
With additional reporting by Lenn Almadin-Thornhill.