CNN Hero of the Year Efren Peñaflorida calls on the youth to check the background and sincerity of candidates, stressing that public must be vigilant as early as now to ensure a clean and honest 2010 elections.

“In the elections, we must not just base our decisions in our emotions, the infomercials we watch and read. More than that, we must check the background and sincerity of our potential candidates. Voting wise, do not sell them,” Peñaflorida said during a rally and concert in Makati grounds last Friday evening.

Noting that the youth comprises 60 percent of the voting population, the largest voting sector, Peñaflorida said young voters can make a difference in the political system of the county.

“Let us protect our right to vote. Youth, we have the energy, the passion to make a difference, come out in the open and participate actively to ensure honest elections,” Peñaflorida said.

The concert-rally was attended by young people paying tribute to Peñaflorida’s heroism that bagged him the CNN Hero of the Year title.

Penaflorida said that a lot of problems beset the country and what the Filipinos need is a “change from within.”

“Change must start from within. Let us change our attitude, way we think, perspective, and our character to make a difference in the country,” he said.

He said it is high time for Filipinos to stop depending solely on the government and to be of help to others, not just times of need but in “every day be inspired to uplift the lives of others.”

“The government is there. But we must act. Tulong-tulong tayo, kasi hindi lang naman kaya ng isang tao lang. One is never too strong to do things on his own,” he said.

Peñaflorida, voted "CNN Hero of the Year" in 2009 for his outstanding advocacy to educate Filipino out-of-school youth through "pushcart classes," also said that Filipinos have always been searching for a better life, but do not realize that they themselves can make things happen.

“Let us just allow na lumabas ang kabayanihan sa puso natin at lahat kumilos para sa kababayan natin,” he said.