I will put Antonio Trillanes IV at the top of the ballot. I’d like him to win. His courage to bring the truth to the public about Gloria Arroyo and the dignity with which he bore the punishment of an unjust administration showed strength of character. He is needed in the Senate.

A vote for Trillanes is a slap in the face of Gloria Arroyo. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if there would be 15 million of us who would be doing that?

This is my Magic 12:

1) Trillanes 2) Alan Cayetano 3) Lacson 4) Pimentel 5) Noynoy Aquino 6) Legarda 7) Villar 8) Escudero 9) Osmeña 10) Roco 11) Coseteng 12) Bautista

Vicente Romano III, one of the convenors of the Black and White Movement, has also come out with his own senatorial slate. He has only 11 names. He didn’t get anybody from Team Unity. He is voting for all the three Kapatiran candidates, seven from the Genuine Opposition, and one independent.

Here’s Enteng’s list:

Cayetano and Noynoy Aquino: One is outspoken, the other soft-spoken. One is a fearless nemesis of the First Gentleman, the other a staunch defender of democracy. Both come from a family of politicians, but both have made a mark on their own in the changing political landscape as we see a new generation of leaders emerge. Together with the other young congressmen who stood firm on the side of truth, they give us hope that there is still a better future for our nation.

These two are the GO bets that GMA and FG would love to see lose. And the Palace has pulled out all the stops to ensure their defeat.

A win by Cayetano and Aquino would be a slap in the face of GMA and FG. It is a strong rebuke to their immoral and naked abuse of power. And for this alone, I would encourage you to put these two at the top of your list. Please do not forget to write their complete names: Alan Peter Cayetano and Noynoy Aquino.

Roco: During the Civil Society Consultation meetings, Sonia Roco emerged as the top nominee whom we later endorsed to the opposition ticket. She, of course, will advance the legacy of her late husband, Raul Roco. But on her own, she is an accomplished educator. If she wins, you can expect a strong voice for women’s issues and a rational program for education.

Pangilinan: There were rumblings when Kiko finally decided to stay independent, derailing the opposition’s plan to field a complete 12-man slate. My own take is we should not penalize him for taking a stand for his convictions. At least, he did not go the way of Recto and Joker, his colleagues in the Wednesday club.

Escudero: As House minority Leader, he led the opposition through two gruelling attempts at impeachment. Even though outnumbered, he would nevertheless rally a handful of opposition solons to make a stand, if not to prevent, then at least to let the people know of the real issues that hound our society today. During the ConAss attempt, their filibustering paid off. It exposed to the public the insanity of the whole exercise and the true nature of the majority of our representatives – lapdogs and mercenaries.

Trillanes: This requires some explaining. Why endorse, or even vote, for someone who led the Oakwood coup attempt?

Well, to my surprise, he came out as our third nominee during the Civil Society consultation meetings. And I had the opportunity to meet him one-on-one. I grilled him about the Oakwood incident, his links with Erap, with Gringo, and their motives for the whole affair. He explained everything to my satisfaction.

The young officers had valid grievances and sought an audience with GMA. She heard but did not listen. She promised to do one thing, but did the exact opposite. Typical. And so they sought other avenues for their grievances. They were idealists but politically naive, unmindful of the political color of their supporters. All they wanted was the chance to speak up. And they continue to suffer for that single moment of expression.

At least, he was way ahead of us in discovering the true character of GMA, a liar and a transactional president.

Ping Lacson: Many of my colleagues are uncomfortable with his human rights track record. But he is one legislator who has openly opposed pork barrel, and refuses to avail of it to prove his sincerity. To me, that is a rare breed. And for that alone, he should be sent back to the senate.

Koko Pimentel: He is a bar topnotcher. We need him in the Senate as counterweight to some incumbents who know absolutely nothing about lawmaking (or for that matter, about anything). Last I heard, the Senate is in the business of crafting laws. Let’s put someone who knows it well.

Kapatiran Candidates (Bautista, Paredes, and Sison.) I know little of their credentials. But I do know of Kapatiran’s principled platform. They offer a refreshing concept, that we can actually elect based on party platform, rather than personalities. It’s a political innovation worth supporting with our vote.

Please exercise your right to have a say where this country is going. Go out and vote.