While walking down the street a Philippine senator was tragically hit by a car and 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 to Hell. The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a golf course.  In the distance, 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 hands and reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich at the expense of the people.  They played a friendly round of golf and then dine on lobster, maliputo, caviar, Cebu lechon, and the finest champagne.  Also present is the devil who really is a very friendly guy and who is having a good time 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 and the door reopens in Heaven while 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, Cebu guitar, 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 before 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 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.

"The other day I was here and there were a golf course and clubhouse and we ate lobster, maliputo, and caviar, lechon, drank champagne and we 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".