(Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi)
I wrote here my hesitation to register for absentee voting, to quote:
Don’t get me wrong. I love Philippines. Not that I’m being lazy either. But there’s this initial not so optimist feel of what for? The governance that I’ve witnessed after each election is vicious. I remember one discussion with the locals here. They’re giving praises as to how educated the Filipinos they meet are, and they wonder why the househelpers and cashiers (in the malls) they meet are seemingly educated. “Most of them are college graduates. But maybe they find it necessary to leave Philippines for a while for a number of reasons. Not always the major reason, but for the better pay.” I said. “But what is your government doing? Philippines has a very good education system, you produce world class professionals, what’s wrong with your government?,” they asked. OMG, Prez GMA help! Kidding.
(The embassy is open during the weekends, Friday and Saturday, to accommodate more registration. Only those full of excuses won’t be able to register. Haha. I used to be like that.)
Believe it or not, (though my family are/used to be Marcos loyalists) Prez Cory touched me in a way that I (finally) registered for the absentee voting few days ago. Kudos to the people in Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi. They are efficient. I filled out the required form, gave a photocopy of my passport (you may provide a copy of labor card or its equivalent), signed in the signature pad, photo taken (they’re using an old Canon Powershot A300) , fingerprints scanned, briefed about the coming elections and availability of the voters ID, etc.
While waiting for my turn, I regaled myself by counting the number of desktops they have (i.e. there are seven PCs visible from the counter), looked at two Panasonic photocopiers, a no-name 14-inch television with TFC subscribtion, Prez Arroyo’s photo on the wall near the cashier, Vice-Prez De Castro’s photo near the photocopier, walls painted cream of white, at least a dozen blue monoblocks, (unintentionally) eavesdropped at other registrants’ conversations – hot topic: the lavish dinnner in the US (at this point some registrants sarcastically looked at Prez Arroyo’s photo near the cashier; hey, why is it near there? malicious question, heehee, coincidence of course), etc.
Registration is until August 30, 2009. More information here.
The only time I voted was during the 1998 presidential elections. I was too excited then, I even brought a list with me to the precint (first time kase). Who to vote for this time?
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