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Verdict: Zero

In the world of probability, perfection is a reality that science does not consider possible. Factors that thwart perfection simply abounded in this world, or so scientific investigaton is concerned. But in the Philippine local elections, particularly in Sto. Tomas town in the first district of Pangasinan. If you will ask local party, Biskeg na Pangasinan, leader Mayor Vivien Villar about this phenomenon, she will explain that "there was unity among the residents during elections."

In the 1986 snap election, Liberal Party presidential candidate Corazon "Cory" Aquino received a "zero verdict" from Sto. Tomas. Eighteen years later, Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino presidentiable Fernando Poe Jr. got the same verdict against reelectionist Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Arroyo instead got an overwhelming majority vote of 5,470 of the 5,668 cast in town.

In 2001, fifth district Congressman Mark Cojuanco got the "electoral nod" of Sto. Tomas town, and left his opponent voteless in the poll. Staunch Arroyo critic Senator Peter Cayetano also suffered similar fate in 2007 elections. Cayetano however made it among the 12 senators elected that year.

While this feat has not been an election-to-election event, the improbability of statistical perfection in voting for public office in Sto. Tomas remains to cast some doubts either on the accuracy of statistical theory or the dynamics of getting that perfect negative vote. 

This year's elections may not also replicate its "zero verdict" as Mayor Villar threw her support to Nacionalista Party presidential candidate Manuel "Manny" Villar Jr. (no blood relations). The endorsement of the block-voting religious group Iglesia Ni Cristo of Liberal Party presidential bet Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III ensured that Aquino at least not get a blanking on May 10. 

But it will be worth finding out how Sto. Thomas throws its verdict on the gubernatorial and senatorial races this year.  
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