Yesterday I ranted about the quality of political ads in the Philippines. Today, I’m sharing some information I have on elections. It might not be much, but my point is this - I shouldn’t rant if I don’t offer some sort of solution or some kind of way to improve the situation.

Now, the things I will mention will not necessarily improve political ads, but I think they just might give is more information about our candidates - at least more information than they can (try to) sing to you in a jingle.

So, here goes:

Dial 10-149 for Free Election Information Nationwide
I got this one by email. The body of the message follows:

The dream of an enlightened electorate may just be a phone call away”.

Starting May 1, 2007, access to UNBIASED, RELEVANT election related information is just five numbers away…10-149. The first-ever gabay halalan call center dedicated to helping our voters make enlightened choices will once again serve the Filipino people this 2007 elections. Callers anywhere from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao can simply pick up the phone and dial 10-149 from a PLDT landline FOR FREE (not even long distance charges) to talk to a tele-educator about:

• candidates’ profiles and stand on issues
• party-list information
• your precinct
• information for first time voters
• information on how to get involved in the elections
• inquire about election related legal matters
• report election related incidents i.e. prohibited acts
• other election information which we can look up for you except whom to vote for :>

This service is especially helpful for Filipinos who do not have access to the internet or cannot read since a live person will be the one providing you with the information you need. Calls will be entertained from May 1 to May 15, 9:00am to 9:00pm.

The Gabay-Halalan 10-149 call center is spearheaded by Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan and Life Academy in cooperation with PLDT.

*Gabay Halalan is still in need of Metro Manila-based volunteers who would like to be tele-educators. Please call SLB at 426-6101 or dial 10-149 to volunteer and look for Marj.

Gabay Halalan 10-149 adheres to “Lubos na serbisyo para sa kapwa Pilipino”.

iVote.ph is your impartial guide to voting on May 14
I also got this via email. The rest of the message:

Forward to officemates, friends, family, and every Filipino voter you know.

The goal of iVote.ph is to guide voters on their choices for the 2007 elections.

The beauty of our democracy is that, every three years, we are given the opportunity to keep our leaders or replace them with new ones. But what do we know about those we vote into office? Aside from the familiar name, the TV-friendly face, the snappy slogan, and the catchy jingle, is there anything more? The sad reality is, beyond this general impression, there isn’t.

This website aims to help change that. By featuring the platforms of candidates for the Senate, House of Representatives, and some local positions, we have the chance to make an informed and educated decision. This way, when we cast our ballots on May 14, 2007, we are not only writing down a name; rather, we are rallying behind a system of values and ideals. We make a stand not only about who we want our leaders to be, but also what kind of country we want to become.

The coming elections can be a discussion on issues, a dialogue between the voters and our prospective leader. Personality and popularity should not be the ONLY deciding factors in any election. It can and should be about who has the clearer message over who makes the louder noise; and a debate on ideas over mere propaganda.

The right to vote is already ours. Let’s make use of its power.

Reference:
http://technology.inquirer.net/infotech/infotech/view_article.php?article_id=63054

@62: Educated, Defensible Vote
some excerpts fromt their website:

@62: Educated, Defensible Vote is a non-profit, non-partisan voter’s education campaign targeted to the youth for the Philippine National Elections.

For the 2007 Elections, we will be circulating @62: Educated, Defensible Vote 2007 Elections Fact Book. It is a factual compilation of the profiles and platforms of candidates, their corresponding parties, and the party-lists. The fact book also includes articles on relevant election issues. The content of which are neutral and research-based; the form is audience-friendly. The fact books are due for circulation on 04 May 2007 in coffee shops, fast food chains, schools, and offices in the Greater Manila Area.

Do you know of any other sites up or emails circulating?

Tags: Philippine Elections 2007, Gabay Halalan, 10-149, Free Election Information, iVote.ph, @62, at62, Elections Fact Book