I’m 31 and a first-time voter on the upcoming 2022 national election...

I was fine all those 12 years. Seemingly impervious, distancing myself from politics. I didn’t think my vote really mattered. If anything, I’d only Register just for the voter’s ID. But even the idea of going to a Comelec office and lining up to register was daunting to me. There wasn’t a sense of urgency back then.

What changed, you ask? 

The sobering realization that everything is political. 

We are all affected by our leaders’ decision or indecision, action or inaction. Especially during the pandemic where we have experienced:

• The current government’s abysmal performance in handling the pandemic, resulting to loss of countless lives and livelihood, which were preventable had the administration acted quickly.
• Their blatant disregard for human life and the plight of our HCWs, who are at the forefront of this ordeal. 
• Their insatiable greed for power and money. That these authorities don’t care if we are still in the middle of a pandemic. They will continue bleeding us dry. 
• Not to mention the misguided ‘War on Drugs’ efforts the current administration prides itself with. 

I can’t imagine living under a regime where news on exposed corruptions aren’t new anymore.

If you are as frustrated and disheartened like many other Filipinos with the state of our country, and you don’t want this to continue for the next 6 years or so, register to vote! 

Enough is enough!

When I decided it was time to register, I was overwhelmed with hesitation and anxiety. I didn’t want to be exposed to COVID-19. I’m 31. I’m way too old to register as a first-time voter. And the difficulty I encountered in securing an appointment online only dampened my conviction. But this didn’t stop me. I wouldn’t allow another Presidential election to pass without taking part in it. I have a voice and I’m going to use it. I’ll shout if need be.

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Many countries have been deeply affected by COVID-19, but it is fair to say ours has experienced worse. And with this Current Administration, the end of COVID-19 is far from over. 

Despite all of this, there is still hope. 

There are still leaders whose unwavering desire for change inspire those around them. If COVID-19 and its alarming variants, and corruption are highly transmissible, I believe hope is as contagious too.

In the coming 2022 national election, we shall reclaim what is rightfully ours: the power to elect the right leaders, and the power to exact change---to be the change. You are the change!

Register and make your voice heard. Make your vote count.

You only have until September 30, 2021 to register.