Aranco says she is not expecting anything from the candidates or politicians. “If we will not work, then we won’t have anything to eat, she says, pointing out that one must not depend on others.
As Election Day draws near, Aranco says she has heard from her neighbors that some politicians are giving away sardines, rice and noodles. “I did not bother to go with them. I’m tired of that kind of politics,” she says.
And Aranco says she has not yet decided whether she’ll vote this May 14.
Pulgo, meanwhile, says he has received sample ballots. He says some politicians have been giving away goodies but he did not accept these. “It is against our religion, he says.
Pulgo is a member of Iglesia ni Cristo. His votes, according to him, will depend on the sample ballot that their church will give to the members, right before the elections.
A resident of Isla Suerte in Bucana, Flordeliza Barquin, 46, believes that politicians or candidates cannot solve the problems besetting the people. “They’re only good with promises, she says.
Living in an area near the posh Ecoland subdivision for more than a decade now, Barquin says they have been battling problems with land, electricity, water and roads. The residents here are contesting the land against the owner of Ecoland Subdivision. The case is still ongoing.
“Just this April, we already have our own connection of electricity. We used to tap from our source nearby. It was illegal but we had no choice,” Barquin says.
Now, they wanted to have their own water connection. They have been requesting for it for years now, according to some residents. “We have to buy our water for 1.50 pesos per pail. Some would sell the water for two pesos per pail,” Barquin complains.
They buy water from their neighbors who were able to pay for the connection. According to some residents, they have to pay 10,000 pesos for the connection. “We don’t have that much money,” one of them complained.
Barquin also complains about the roads. “We wanted our roads to be repaired because it’s difficult to pass when it rains. Many politicians already promised to do it but it never happened, she says.
The people are at the losing end regardless who they are going to vote for this election, says Barquin. “You can see these groups (the Team Unity and Genuine Opposition) on television, and all they do is fight. (Marilou M. Aguirre/davaotoday.com)
