This barangay election reminds me of the "many loong long time ago" election we had in our barrio.Political wannabees used to discuss politics and the "fate"of the barrio over "kalteks sa tuba-(caltex plastic container of engine oil washed thoroughly and used as tuba container). They predicted the election results and the winners three weeks before the election while pushing bottle caps and stones playing dama set etched on a wooden "tugas" bench. They guffawed and debated over their political beliefs while munching "linuyang na saging". Brilliant minds despite limited school exposure.
There were some whom i knew were being elected into office because of the "kumpare" system. But the most unique was the "no vote, ibot" silent campaign of some political contenders i knew. "No vote, ibot" meant ---- kung dili nimo iboto ang maong kandidato, ibot ang imong balay sa iyang yuta".And yes, the landlord won the election.
But i would like to make this article as a tribute to a man i dearly called "Tatay Kasi" (with a stress on the last syllable of his name). He was my tatay when my real tatay was thousand miles asea. He was the one who helped me repaired my crude slingshot made by my brother. He was the one who tirelessly hoisted me atop the carabao's back when i falll in every i tried. All i've known was that, he never even graduated from the elementary level but he is a brilliant man who know many things about the laws or "balaud". He always started his mentoring on me with " matud pa sa balaud".
He was elected as barangay kagawad for three consecutive terms. A good man. A better barangay Official. The best and most well verse in barangay laws. Though today, he can barely walk without a cane but he is still mentally sharper and more politically opinionated than the "new generation" of politicos in our barrio.
To Tatay Kasi.... mabuhay ang kalteks!!!
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