Eleksyon 2016: What to expect

The fiesta atmosphere and the flurry of activities of voting day make elections fun in the Philippines.

Neighbors, old and new alike, meet at the queues at the polling precincts. But before they get there, they first wade through hordes of last-minute campaigners giving away sample ballots. Hung and strewn everywhere are campaign materials hung like fiesta buntings and movie premiere banners.

It has been that way for decades. Expect the next election day, May 9, 2016, to be a just as crazy, busy, and exciting.

Here are "10 P's" you can expect on that day:

(1) PILA – Line up early. The voting is from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. only. However, at 3 p.m., people waiting for their turn will be allowed to vote if they are within 30 meters in front of a polling place.

(2) PERA – Candidates or their representatives are not allowed to give away cash or anything of value to voters. Report vote-buying incidents and other voting day anomalies to the proper authorities.

(3) PROPAGANDA MATERIALS – The solicitation of votes or distribution of propaganda materials is prohibited within 30 meters of a polling place... but it often happens. When it does, report to proper authorities.

(4) PHOTOS – Beware: No one is allowed to take photos or videos of their ballots.

(5) PUSTAHAN – Betting on who will win in the election is not allowed. Don't take a chance to gamble or you'll risk paying for this crime.

(6) PISTOL – Pistols and other firearms are not allowed and if “guns, goons, and gold” dominate elections in your area, call the attention of proper authorities.

(7) PAPEL – Some say Philippine elections are “dirty,” literally. Polling places are littered with posters, leaflets, streamers, banners, pamphlets, sample ballots, stickers, calendars, pins, buttons, flags, and other printed materials during elections. Strive to keep elections “waste-free.”

(8) PANALO – Some political candidates are already assured of a victory even before elections have begun. In Bataan, four members of the Garcia family achieved an unprecedented feat as they are running unopposed: outgoing Congressman Enrique “Tet” Garcia (2nd  District) and his three sons: Bataan Governor Abet Garcia, Balanga City Mayor Joet Garcia and neophyte Francis Garcia.

In 2016, Abet 2will remain as Governor while his father will be the Vice Governor. Joet will be the new Congressman in the 2nd District while his brother, Francis, assumes his old post.

The situation is not as easy for other candidates. For the Presidency alone, 130 people filed Certificates of Candidacy (COCs). Out of all these aspirants, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) was reported to be inclined to approve only five.

(9) POLITICAL FAMILIES – Political families are a fixture in Philippine elections. All 80 provinces throughout the Philippines have political families like the Garcia clan.

According to GMA News Research's study of the last general election (2013), 19 of 23 senators come from political families. Out of 284 members of the House Representatives, at least 180 (63%) are from political families.

The numbers are even higher at the gubernatorial and mayoral levels. Out of 80 incumbent governors, at least 68 (85%) are from political families. Out of 140 city mayors, at least 118 (84%) are from political families.

The province with the highest number of political families is Pangasinan, with 24. Many of these families have relatives currently in office.

Some families have been ruling for many decades. The Felix clan of Cainta, Rizal held a major post uninterrupted for the longest time—55 years. Members of the Payumo clan ruled Dinalupihan, Bataan for 48 straight years until 2013 when incumbent Bataan Rep. Tet Garcia's daughter Gila won the election.

(10) PURPLE MARK – Once you have finished voting, the last step is getting a purple mark, an indication that you have successfully cast your vote. Wear it proudly. It's a matter of Pinoy Pride!  — ELR, GMA News