PWAs can vote and will vote

By Cathy Genovia

Manila Bulletin’s Students and Campuses section invited ASP during their open forum on “Boto Mo, Ipatrol Mo, Ako ang Simula. ” This forum is part of ABS-CBN’s year-long campaign to to encourage Filipinos to begin taking an active role in the upcoming 2010 Presidential Elections.

The forum was held at the head office of Manila Bulletin in Intramuros last Wednesday, Dec. 2.. ASP National President Dang Koe, Vice President Grace Adviento, Executive Director Ranil Sorongon and ASP Angel Cathy Genovia joined.

Students and teachers from schools such as University of the Sto. Tomas, University of the Philippines, De La Salle University, Philippine Women’s University, Philippine Normal University, and Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila.

MB-SCU's writer Ina Hernando said Manila Bulletin wanted “parents and CWAs of ASP to be reactors--those who have kids who will be voting or adults with autism who are registered voters already-- in our open forum wherein they can ask questions."

ASP National President Dang Koe got the attention of the forum attendees when she started her reaction with the following statement: “There is no truth to the rumor that I came here to endorse a presidential candidate suspected of having autism. But if we do have candidates with autism, they will surely not cheat during the election, and they will not become corrupt officials when elected.”

ASP National President Dang Koe with forum attendees

ASP Vice President Grace Adviento and other invited guests in signing "Boto Mo, Ipatrol Mo, Ako ang Simula"

Dang stressed to the attendees that a part of the autism population “can vote and will vote.. and will patrol their votes. “ This drew a loud cheer from Charrie Villa of ABS-CBN’s News and Current Affairs. Dang also described how a voter with autism will most probably decide on whom to vote : “he will review the qualifications of the position, list down all candidates, review their profiles and compare them with the position’s qualifications.”

After the forum, Dang joined other invited guest reactors and student leaders in signing the “Boto Mo, Ipatrol Mo, Ako ang Simula” wall which signifies their support to the campaign.

ASP would like to thank Manila Bulletin’s SCU Team headed by Ms Ivy Mendoza for continuously supporting ASP’s advocacy. Not only did they invite Dang as a reactor to the forum. They also gave ASP a tent/booth to further promote autism awareness during the mini-concert after the forum.

Posted in: elections