Allow me to share with you this forwarded email about a Philippine senator who died and before his verdict whether to go to heaven or hell, the senator was asked to experience both. The story is full of humor and reflects on how politics in the country, for so many years, has shaped the minds of Filipinos. I hope this would serve as an eye opener to all of us as we choose the Philippines’ next political leaders come May 10 elections. ^_^

HEAVEN and HELL by Leng Zapanta

While walking down the street one day a Corrupt

Philippine Senator was tragically hit by a car & died.

His soul arrives in heaven and is met by St. Peter

at the entrance.

“Welcome to heaven,” says St. Peter. “Before you

settle in, it seems there is a problem. We seldom

see a high official around these parts, you see, so

we’re not sure what to do with you.”

“No problem, just let me in,” says the Senator.

“Well, I’d like to, but I have orders from the higher

ups. What we’ll do is have you spend one day in

hell and one in heaven. Then you can choose

where to spend eternity.”

“Really? I’ve made up my mind. I want to be in

heaven,” says the Senator.

“I’m sorry, but we have our rules.”

And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator

and he goes down, down, down to hell.

The doors open and he finds himself in the middle

of a green golf course. In the distance is a

clubhouse and standing in front of it are all his

friends and other politicians who had worked with

him.

Everyone is very happy and in evening dress. They

run to greet him, shake his hand, and reminisce

about the good times they had while getting rich

at the expense of the Filipino people.

They played a friendly game of golf and then dine

on lobster, caviar and the finest champagne.

Also present is the devil, who really is a very

friendly guy who is having a good time dancing

and telling jokes.They are all having such a good

time that before the Senator realizes it, it is time

to go.Everyone gives him a hearty farewell and

waves while the elevator rises…

The elevator goes up, up, up and the door reopens

in heaven where St. Peter is waiting for him,

“Now it’s time to visit heaven.”

So, 24 hours passed with the Senator joining a

group of contented souls moving from cloud to

cloud, playing the harp and singing.

They have a good time and, before he realizes it,

the 24 hours have gone by and St. Peter returns.

“Well, then, you’ve spent a day in hell and another

in heaven. Now choose your eternity.”

The Senator reflects for a minute, then he answers:

“Well, I would never have said it before, I mean

heaven has been delightful, but I think I would be

better off in hell.”

So St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he

goes down, down, down to hell.

Now the doors of the elevator open and he’s in the

middle of a barren land covered with waste and

garbage. He sees all his friends, dressed in rags,

picking up the trash and putting it in black bags as

more trash falls from above.The devil comes over to

him and puts his arm around his shoulders.

“I don’t understand,” stammers the Senator.

“Yesterday I was here and there was a golf course

and clubhouse, and we ate lobster and caviar,

drank champagne, & danced and had a great time.

Now there’s just a wasteland full of garbage and

my friends look miserable. What happened?”

The devil smiles at him and says, “Yesterday we were campaigning …Today, you voted.”