Election Period in the Philippines

Bangga Escala.  Taken May 3, 2013

Along Burgos Extension.  Taken May 3, 2013. Is there really
a need to spell out the candidate's name?

Before I wrote this blog, I checked out the Omnibus Election Code. I did not really read it.  I just sort of scanned through it, but right in the middle of it, I got tired of reading/scanning.  The law is filled with technical terms and other stuff that I find uninteresting.  So I told myself, whatever the Election Laws say, I will still write this blog.

I don't like the Election Period here in the Philippines.  To say that I "don't like" it is an understatement.  Maybe the term "hate" would be more appropriate.  Before I continue, I just want to emphasize that I am not for or against any candidate, and whatever I write here is of my own volition.

Now, I will answer the question:  Why do I hate the Election Period?

First, VISUAL POLLUTION.  Posters, banners, and all manner of paper and posters are given out and posted everywhere.  Looking at all these makes my eyes hurt.  I love nature.  I love looking at trees, the sky, grass, animals, etc.  This is one of the reasons why we chose to live a bit further from the city proper.  Here in our barangay, we still see a whole lot of sky, and a gazillion (or maybe not) trees, flowers, and grass.  But the Election Period did not spare us from its visual poison.  Putting up posters and giving away flyers are normal during the Election Period, but can't these activities be done decently? Is it possible for the candidates to put up only ONE poster in one area?  Is it possible for the candidates to hang or post their banners in an orderly fashion?

Along Burgos Extension.  Taken May 3, 2013.

Second, NOISE POLLUTION.  The city proper is noisy as it is.  Cars honking, people talking, loud music playing in some areas --- and it's as if these are not enough, at all times of the day, you can see and hear campaign vehicles playing weird jingles/songs for candidates.  Most of them have made up lyrics sung to the tune of popular songs.  And the volume is unbearably loud.  These campaign vehicles are most irritating when you are on your way home from the office.  I mean, you are tired, you want to rest, and a campaign vehicle behind you is blaring some frighteningly loud music.

In front of Providence Negros.  Taken May 5, 2013.
These posters were not here yesterday (May 4).

Lastly, SOLID WASTE (or Solid Pollution):  A few days after Election Day, we will be seeing posters and banners falling from wherever they are posted.  It will a MIRACLE if these posters and banners are gathered and thrown/recycled properly.

Ideally, I would choose a candidate who will say:  "For every piece of poster or banner I put up, I will plant a tree."  Or a candidate who will say:  "I will PERSONALLY sweep all the streets that my campaign vehicle passes through to make our city clean." After all, those in office should be good examples, right?

Libre lang mangarap. (Roughly translated, "It's free to dream.")

Bangga Pine Tree.  Taken May 5, 2013. These posters
were not here the day before.

Along Burgos Extension.  Taken May 5, 2013.  Not to be outdone,
another candidate also had his name spelled out on the wall.