I believe in the Philippine government because quite frankly, it is the only government that we have. Even if there is not much glory or high praise, the very fact that we as a nation still exists today is proof that quite possibly they are doing something right. I do not deny their failures and shortcomings that have led to dire consequences, still I cannot imagine living in a country that is not bound by sovereign authorities. I do not condone the crimes they have committed, in fact, we should be ever more diligent on the government's transparency.

Corruption is a fact in this country, only a fool would deny that. Even in other countries too, they are just better in hiding it. It is a fact the same as how the illusion of democracy is a truth. It had never worked for the Romans, and it never will. Though the ideals of representing the people is the best for any government, democracy will forever be a representation of the rich and powerful. The Spaniards are long gone, the Americans have been successful in brainwashing, yet still here we lay battered by our own wrong doing with no one else to blame but ourselves.

Who knows? The Philippines might improve in a year's time, or maybe a century. We don't know. We could only hope. It is a hope that I will risk for. Some people cry for change out in the streets, most people just get up and go to some far flung country. I do not blame them, nor do I blame the economy, the imperial colonizers, the government -- not even God. I am tired of pointing fingers, of wallowing in pity, in anger, in apathy. The only thing that I can do is to believe. Not of blind fidelity, but of some divine faith that can only be found in the soul of the young and the idealistic.

I believe in the Philippine government, because I believe in the Filipino people. No matter how naive and cheesy it may sound.

You may not approve of what I have to say, but as of 1:03 pm, the 6th of May, 2009, this is what I believe in.

So register and vote for the 2010 elections. Vote for the rich and powerful politicians that you believe to have hearts and have the capacity to do good. Not every rich and powerful person is evil. If they turn out to be just as corrupt as the next one, it's not your fault, you acted in good faith. It is all that matters.