a dose of elections

The elections fever is still on and I was supposed to blog last Sunday to say something about this year's elections, and about how everyone should exercise their right to vote and vote wisely, meaning vote based on conscience not entirely on popularity, and blah blah blah, but i got busy with other things (sleeping) so i just thought it wouldn't matter. Most probably everyone in my network who voted last Monday already made up their minds weeks or even months ago about whom they vote.

COMELEC as expected is just beginning to count the votes (on its third day of official canvassing) and I was surprised that John Osmeña is 10th in its initial count (though its still less than 1% of official number of precints). It was still a surprise since Osmeña was nowhere near the winner's circle in all surveys and exit polls, and only ranked no higher than #17 or #18 in NAMFREL and in the media quick counts.

But more surprising than this, though a pleasant one, is the fact that Trillanes is consistently in the Magic 12, if the NAMFREL and the media quick counts are to be believed. COMELEC tallies the rebel soldier at around 18th place (the same place Osmeña should have been). but i don't think there had been a switch of votes here since they are both from the opposition and are ardent GMA critics. the difference just is Trillanes is "genuine opposition" while Osmeña is an opportunist who has remained loyal to Erap simply because he grabbed a slot in the G.O. coalition and Sotto and Oreta did not.

Speaking of the two turncoats, i'm so glad they're nowhere near the winner's circle, though Sotto might inch closer in the days ahead. but definitely for Oreta her supposed advocacies on early childhood education must be passed on to other senators instead, maybe Pia Cayetano might take that up in the last half of her term.

Nevertheless, i'm glad G.O. is leading Team Unity across all tallies. I expect it would be a 6-4-2 in favor of G.O., though i'm hoping it would be a 7-4-1 that would include Trillanes. hopefully Honasan won't be elected because he has been a political turncoat himself, you cannot be sure about where he stands on issues and he tends to use his charm everytime he is cornered in a situation. definitely not the kind of leader i want.

Recto on the other hand seems to know where he stands, but i don't want him elected again simply because he's the author of the VAT law. but i don't see him losing in this elections.

I think Recto and Zubiri will join Angara and Arroyo on the Senate slate, with Pangilinan and Honasan joining, and Legarda, Escudero, Lacson, Cayetano, Aquino and Villar taking the majority for the opposition. I think Pimentel will finish 13th and Trillanes 14th, with Defensor, Roco, Pichay and Sotto following suit in that order.

just my take. again, im hoping against hope Trillanes gets in.