By Uldarico Calasang
With the upcoming midterm elections fast approaching, once again will the Philippines exercise their right to vote and elect “new” leaders who will take up the national and local governments. This would hopefully spark the hearts of leaders to run for said positions, those whose hearts are ready to showcase their “love” for service and the people, or so to speak.
Unfortunately, the hearts that were sparked by the nation-wide call for service were not those whose passion burns bright for the people, but those who plan to monopolize politics to gain power. This is evident with multiple political parties that are known only for fame and fortune, not for integrity and credibility, and definitely not their platforms.
Their rosters are so messed up that it makes one question how the bar to run for senate has been set so low that a convicted and detained criminal is allowed to run for a position that will affect millions of Filipinos.
Aspiring candidates who contribute to nothing but bring down the state of the economy could be prevented from having a chance to sit in power—and should be, however, the vast majority are too blinded by the fame and personality of the aspirant that instead of voting based on realistic and beneficial platforms, policies, and track records, common sense is thrown out the window.
Fortunately, this is not true to all. There are still people fighting for the better and candidates genuine of true service to the people, but it is alarming that such a concern had to be raised in the first place. Dirty politics and corruption have been evident in administrations that carry high power and responsibilities all throughout, but that does not mean it should be tolerated.
I believe people forget that political parties do not carry a slate of clean, cut, and capable candidates.
Blind loyalty is bane to future progress. Just because a candidate carries the name of another does not mean they possess the same qualities. That is why it is important to scrutinize and verify the intent of the person you are voting for this upcoming election.
Change for the better is possible for the Philippines, but only if the ignorant are willing to unplug their ears and uncover their eyes from blind loyalty. Your vote should not depend on the color and banner the candidate is carrying, but instead the actual integrity and credibility of the aspirant—how they can make actual change for the country.
