Christmas Season
THE much-awaited and joyous Christmas Season in the Philippines, which is the longest celebration in the world, begins Friday.
Actually, September is the first of the so-called four “ber” months of the year, when Filipinos, including those living in various parts of the world, mark the holiday season.
The other “ber” months are October, November and December.
“Ang Christmas Season ang pinakamasayang selebrasyon sa buong bansa,” ayon sa maraming sektor, kasama na ang mga dayuhang nakapag-asawa ng mga kababayan natin.
But not all the people are happy about the start of the holiday season, particularly the candidates in the October 30 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKEs).
In fact, the candidates and their supporters don’t want the twin political exercises, which are supposed to be non-partisan, to be held before the Christmas holidays.
“Dagdag gastos lamang ito,” according to the candidates and their relatives.
The village and SK candidates know full well that registered voters, including even their relatives, neighbors and close friends, expect to receive “gifts” from the bets.
“Kaya takot na takot ang mga kandidato na gumala-gala kasi ang tingin sa kanila ng mga botante ay mga pilantropo,” a well-meaning voter said.
He expressed the hope that the Commission on Elections (Comelec), through its deputized agents, succeeds in apprehending violators of election laws and regulations.
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