By Jel Santos
They came in fancy vehicles, accompanied by house helps, nurses and security guards. Unlike in most polling places around the country, there was hardly any people lining up or loitering outside the air-conditioned pavilion.
Meet the voters from Forbes Park, the exclusive enclave of the ultra-rich.
Evangeline Manotok is running unopposed as chairman of the barangay which has a total of 3,191 registered voters, a healthy mix of homeowners, gardeners, drivers, guards, and caregivers.
Manotok, whose family owns a security and travel agencies, among others, is running for a second term of office. She was also unopposed when she ran for the first time.
Also expected to get elected are the members of Manotok’s seven-man ticket.
The only opposition is provided by independent candidate for councilor Domingo Samar, a driver and a house caretaker.
In 2013, Samar ran for a council seat and received 30 votes.
A village guard, who asked not to be named, said Samar got permission from his employer to run again.
Many of those who showed up for the elections came because they don’t want to be delisted.
“Nagpaalam ako sa boss ko. Matagal na akong nakatira dito. Mga 15 years na,” said Ligaya Baquiler, a 54-year-old caregiver.
