APOLITICAL

a·po·lit·i·cal/ˌāpəˈlidək(ə)l/adjective

not interested or involved in politics

Apolitical—a word that best describes ME and many carefree young people in our very opinionated yet very sheltered generation.

Not talking about every millennial alive on the Philippine islands, but I believe most of my millennial friends and acquaintances choose to be apolitical human beings.

Why not?

Being apolitical protects our peace and quiet. It protects time-tested friendships from being shattered just because of differing political opinions. It protects us from bashing and the popular cancel culture. It protects our mental wellbeing.

Truth is it’s more comfy and convenient to think and talk about the latest Netflix series we’re dying to watch, the amazing Budol finds we finally bought for our home revamp, the little milestones of our child or how much weight we melted off with the help of Hulahooping.

Truth is it’s easier to remain silent despite a series of injustices and incompetence passing by our horizon. It’s easier not to be bothered by other Filipinos’ problems that do not directly affect our sheltered lifestyle. It’s easier to be numb when you’ve lost hope in anything political.

Where has our being “apolitical” brought our country and the rest of us? Are we happy with where we are now? Will it benefit us long-term?

At this point, being apolitical is only for the ignorant, the coward, and the selfish.

If we have the heart and the mind, we ought to make a stand when it comes to things affecting our country and our fellowmen. We have to be brave enough to voice out our stand because being silent does not make us better citizens.

Are you apolitical? This is our chance to prove to the nation that our generation is no coward.

Vote for the right candidates in the 2022 National Elections. Choose leaders who are honest, credible, competent, efficient, professional. Choose leaders with values, integrity, compassion for people, a clear vision, and empathy.

But of course, it all starts with ensuring that you are a registered voter. Register before October 31, 2021.

Who are qualified to vote?

• Citizen of the Philippines
• Eighteen (18) years of age or over on or before Election Day (May 9, 2022)
• Resident of the Philippines for 1 year for at least six months in the city or municipality wherein he/she proposes to vote immediately preceding the election

How do I register?

To vote in the 2022 Philippine elections, you have to be registered.

• Accomplish online registration forms at iRehistro.
• After accomplishing forms at iRehistro, eligible voters will need to personally submit their application form to the local Comelec office or the Office of the Election Officer.

Where should I register?

Remember that accomplishing the online form does not automatically make you a registered voter. You have to go to your local Comelec offices or the Offices of the Election Officer to personally submit your application. These offices can be found at or near your city or municipal hall.

To set up voter registration satellites, COMELEC also partnered with malls like Ayala Malls, Robinsons Malls, and SM Malls. Check out COMELEC’s Facebook Page for list of malls that have voter registration satellites.

What is the schedule for voter registration?

You can submit your application for voter registration from 8AM-7PM on Mondays-Fridays, and 8AM-5PM on Saturdays and holidays.

What documents do I need to bring?

You have to present a valid ID, a photocopy of your ID, and accomplished COMELEC forms if you have already prepared them.

Find more info

To know more about voter registration in the Philippines, you can read Rappler’s FAQs: What you need to know about voter registration during pandemic.

You may also contact COMELEC at the Voter Care Center hotlines.