Manila: Frenzied campaign spending, circus-like entertainment in vote-rich, towns and villages, gun-toting goons, character assassinations, catchy political adverts and rumours of a power grab are just among a thousand and one issues and things that have been keeping Filipinos busy.
Since the official start of the electoral campaign period for the May 10 national elections last March, security forces have tried to contain hotspots, making sure that this year's political exercise remains orderly and peaceful.
At least 18,000 candidates are standing for various elective positions — from President of the republic down to small-town legislators.
Conspiracy
Candidates and election watchdogs are worried that the daily two- to four-hour electric power outages in many towns and cities, including Metro Manila, are part of a conspirancy to rig the country's first automated elections.
But young voters are too excited about the elections. They are happy that the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is installing 82,200 precinct count optical scan ((PCOS) machines in 75,471 precincts nationwide, for the fast counting of ballots.
"We are leaping forward, whatever the apprehensions are. The dark days of waiting for a month for the declaration of winners are over," said student Lyra Agcaoili, a first-time voter.
Comelec is also monitoring campaign expenditures; preventing undue advantage; banning banners and buntings on major streets; banning celebrities from campaigning while at work. Media organisations have organised debates to help voters choose intelligently.
Voters have started to discern truth in political advertisements.
Elections are no longer the ruling elite's playground for democracy. Voters are now making their choices known even before May 10, as they hope for the best from their candidates, said Mercy Abad, one of the founders of Pulse Asia, a private pollster.
Outgoing President Gloria Arroyo, an economist, has turned the country's economy around, but she has remained unpopular. She was accused of cheating in 2004, and her husband, of alleged corrupt practices. She is not a presidential candidate, but 90 per cent of voters said they would not vote for a candidate she has endorsed. They want change from Arroyo clones, observers said.
"That is why Senator Benigno Aquino III, who is against corruption, is leading even if he came in late as a candidate, and he is being outspent 20:1 by property magnate turned senator Manuel Villar, who is for economic development," said Abad of Pulse Asia.
In Pulse Asia's survey from March 21 to 28, Aquino got 37 per cent pre-election support; Villar with 25 per cent; former President Joseph Estrada, 18 per cent; ruling party bet Gilbert Teodoro, 7 per cent; evangelist Eddie Villanueva, 3 per cent Sen. Richard Gordon, 2 per cent.
From past surveys, Filipino voters want economic development; good governance, and accessibility from their leaders, said Abad, adding that ideally, the best presidential candidate should possess all these qualities.
But Aquino's campaign remains focused on anti-corruption with Villar on development through hard work.
"How the voters will warm up to these campaign strategies will be seen after the May 10 polls," said political analyst Prospero de Vera.
"Generally, if the economy is good, Filipino voters vote for someone who is for good governance, transparency, and against corruption [allegedly unlike Arroyo]. If the economy is bad, the voters favour a candidate who promises food on the table, salaries for workers, and good economy [just like Arroyo]," explained de Vera.
