Tips on how to make our votes count

Today is May 12th, the day of the Philippine midterm elections, so please make sure to go out and exercise your right to suffrage. Your vote matters!

- PAT-P

As my daughter Gabbie and I drove to Baguio last month, she asked me if I already had my list of senatorial candidates.

As I went over my list, I realized that I only had eight names. Interestingly, it was the same with Gabbie. She could only confidently name eight candidates who had her vote. And to think there are 66 senatorial candidates competing for just 12 coveted seats in the Philippine Senate!

Every name you write is a vote to help them win. If you're unsure about someone, skip them. Don't "accidentally" help candidates you're only half-sure of.

Bullet voting (writing only the names you strongly support) helps those candidates rise in ranking. It's not about quantity—it's about focus, dedication and quality.

Skip the Top 6 to 7 survey leaders. They're already safe. Your vote is more powerful when used to boost underdogs with proven track records who are on the edge of the Top 12—especially those known for working quietly but effectively on education, clean audits, farmer support and good governance.

If you support four to five candidates with all your heart but then add five to six names you're unsure of, you weaken the impact of your top choices—especially if those six are polling close to them.

Avoid voting for entertainers, dynastic placeholders and headline chasers. That's how weak candidates sneak in—through name recall, not merit.