Team DailyPedia
Actor and director Manny Castaneda took to Facebook last April 12 to explain why he will vote for Miriam Defensor Santiago for president in the upcoming May elections.
“…my vote for Miriam Santiago is not meant to elect her as president but more to honor her,” Castaneda explained. “It is my way of expressing my utmost respect and admiration to a feisty lady for her principles, courage, intellectual brilliance, mastery of the English language and yes… even her theatrics.”
Castaneda is aware that Santiago is coming in at last place during recent surveys, but this did not deter him from making his choice. “I shall be part of the measly 3% (based on recent survey) who will vote for her. Clearly, I will vote for a candidate whose chances of winning are almost nil,” he confessed. “Fate has it that Miriam Defensor Santiago will not be the next president of the Philippines and most probably will never become a president of our country… making her one great president we never had.”
Netizen Pau Cunanan agrees. “Me either, I will still vote Miriam for President. Yes, she might have health issues but the experiences, bravery and intellectual capability she [has make] her fit as a President. Weighing Du30 and MDS seems to be difficult but I want to give my points to the righteous one and not for the trendy one.”
Mhilet Pascua Sy, a Rodrigo Duterte supporter, tried to convince Santiago voters to choose Duterte instead. “nd ito labanan ng prinsipyo kundi laban ito ng kinabukasan ng ating bayan… sa palagay ko, mas makakatulong tau sa ating bayan kung ipagpalatuloy natin ang laban na yan sa tulong ni mayor na syang tanging merong pagkakataon na talunin ang mga bulok na kalaban. sa palagay ko, mas magiging masaya si MDS kung si Digong ang mahahalal na pangulo kesa kay Roxas, Binay o Poe sapagkat iisa lang naman ang kanilang layunin, yun ay magkaron ng pagbabago sa ating bansa. tulungan nyo kami, magtulungan tayo mga kapatid. (This is not a matter of principles, rather it’s a fight for the future of our country… In my opinion, we could help our country out by continuing that fight with the help of Mayor [Duterte,] who is the only one who has a chance to win against the other rotten candidates. In my opinion, MDS [Miriam Defensor-Santiago] would be happier if Digong would be the one elected as president, instead of Roxas, Binay or Poe because they both have only one goal, and that is to have genuine change in the country. Help us, let us help each other.)”
However, Nicson Acebedo countered, “Gusto din namin ng pagbabago (We also want change) the MIRIAM WAY not Digong’s. Kaya cge lang (So, go on) you have the right whom to vote in as much as we have the right to vote and support Miriam all the way!”
But Melin Doria had his reservations. “…trace back when Miriam first ran for president along side Ramos, Imelda Marcos, Osmena and 6 others.. She would have been a great leader but she was too power hungry snd showed it especially after FVR won. And still same sentiments as China too was a bullying snake. Miriam was too intense and may bring us to war.”
