BELGIUM – Filipinos in Belgium believe that every Filipino should take part in preserving the essence of the elections. Thus, for May 2010, they encourage their countrymen to be extra vigilant and sensible in choosing the right candidates.

Ador Olavere, leader of Ugnayang Pilipino sa Belgium, reminded everyone to be politically aware.

“Sa palagay namin, sa election 2010, laging may pag-asa tungo sa pagbabago. Dapat lang maging aware ang mga tao na ang iboboto nila ay No. 1, hindi sila corrupt. No. 2, di sila nagpapadikta sa malalaking tao na may personal na interes,” he said.

Apart from projected plans in the future, it is also vital to know the candidates’ track records.

But for Cordillera Community in Belgium head Ric Cuyob, he thinks otherwise.

“Ang pag-asa ngayon sa mga pagkakaisa ng mga migrante. Sa pagkakaisa ng mga bumobotong mahihirap na Pinoy na pag-aralan, na ibigay ang kanilang boto sa mga taong hindi nanatiling matagal sa gobyerno. Habang tumatagal kasi ang political party lalong pinapahirapan ang mga Pilipino,” he said.

On the other hand, presidential aspirant Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III found allies in the Filipino Chaplaincy.

Rev. Father Apollo de Guzman considers Sen. Aquino a perfect choice for the presidency.

“Sa wakas nakakita sila, itong si Noynoy ngayon, anak ni Ninoy at ni tita Cory na magtataguyod ng malinis na panunungkulan. Kung tayo ay pangungunahan ni Noynoy na malinis ang pamilya at pamilyang marunong magsakripisyo at pamilya ng mga martir tayo ay magkakaroon ng pag-asa,” De Guzman said.

Some who declined to be named stated that the Aquino-(Mar) Roxas tandem will bring an end to a disastrous Arroyo government.

But for most OFWs in Belgium, the future of every Filipino in the next six years depends on the outcome of the 2010 presidential elections. They say what's essential is that elected officials prove their worth by serving their countrymen well.