Post date: Mar 30, 2010 1:37:11 AM
We call on every Filipino who has reached voting age to make a pledge to be a responsible citizen, to insist on ethical behavior in politics and to protect the integrity of his or her vote.
Honest elections are the linchpin of democracy. An honest vote is the minimum requirement of responsible citizenship. Let us stop the abuse and the corruption that turn politics and elections in our society into a farce.
It would be a tragedy if the new generation of voters were to start out by corrupting their first vote -- their first act of sovereignty. With bad politicians seeking to entrap them into dishonesty, offering money or favors, the temptation is great.
First-time voters and the youth should be jealous of their right to vote honestly and freely. They must understand that the legitimacy of government hinges upon their vote. A corrupt vote produces illegitimate winners. Illegitimate winners capture illegitimate authority. The exercise of this illegitimate authority is one of the main causes of widespread corruption. It produces a government that exploits instead of serves society.
This cloud of illegitimacy hovers over the heads of many leaders, making them ineffectual. Their ascent to power is questionable. Their legitimacy is tainted by corruption. They lack moral authority and so have low credibility. This cannot go on if our Republic -- and democracy itself -- is to survive. There have been too many illegitimate winners. They weaken the foundation and the sovereignty of our Republic.
To secure the integrity of our Republic, we ask all voters to make a solemn declaration that they will vote honestly and fight any attempt to corrupt it or unduly influence it. For our part, we pledge to stand by them in this resolve.
Let there be no more attempt to defile the solemn rite of sovereignty and the rubric of democracy. Let there be no more manipulation, no more attempt to subvert or corrupt the electoral process! There must be no more vote-buying, vote-rigging, or ill-intentioned hakot. To engage in such corrupt practices is to be an enemy of democracy.