Editorial: A Game of Political Roulette
Less than a year from now, the Philippines would be electing a new set of leaders that would govern them. As this time fast approaches, the campaign period, too, closely commences — with politicians setting up their tactics to secure their spot on the administration. Politicians put a lot of effort into getting the heart of the masses yet act oppositely when given the position.
They again are on the move — but the question is, are we?
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) expects about four million new registered voters in the upcoming 2022 national elections. However, there are only 1.3 million registered as of February. Though understandably, the country is still under siege by the crisis brought upon by the pandemic, it is still a duty to practice the right to suffrage while observing proper health protocols.
COMELEC’s faulty online registration site is also to blame for low registration for making several errors on the first day of its release. This can be considered an alarming case as the key to ‘cleansing’ is in the hands of new literate voters to elect new leaders in position. Moreover, this age group is considered the target of the 2022 elections. Then again, practicing the right to suffrage is a social responsibility that one needs to fulfill — and it may be considered, too, as power, for one vote makes a million effects.
Moreover, it is safe to say that people do not know who they are voting for. It seems like elections are becoming popularity contests as influence trumps over their actual ability. Filipinos are getting low as they only know these persons’ names and the positions they would run in. Still, they fail to dig deeper into their abilities and qualifications, giving these politicians a free pass on getting a sure spot on the government.
Social media could have solved the issue, given the immense power and influence it holds over millions of Filipinos. However, that did not seem to be the case as this virtual platform has been, and still is, filled to the brim with trolls and misinformation proliferators. Such examples include Presidential Communications Operations Office Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson and Jam Magno, social media’ influencers’ who, on several occasions, have disseminated false information to the masses.
We cannot hide the fact that personality-based politics are still overriding our electorate system. Therefore, it is indeed possible for us to elect another unfit politician for the upcoming election. But one thing is for sure; the Philippines doesn’t deserve unworthy politicians and their service. We need strong advocacy for citizens’ empowerment and remind our circles of the importance of practicing our right to suffrage.
Running for an elective post is a right for everyone, but choosing and electing a worthy candidate is a responsibility that is entitled to us. Remember that we have the power to control our fate as a nation and change it for the future generation. It is in our hands to dictate this game of political roulette.
Words by: Erika Corsino, Rita Lopez, Gabriel Madriaga and Dave Ortiz
Cartoon by: Gabriel Madriaga and Erika Corsino
