With elections slated next year in our beautiful archipelago of delicious coconuts and smiling carabaos, expect those running to be elected or reelected for national and local positions to smile at you more, make more promises, photobomb your selfies or groufies (whether you like it or not) and become more visible on traditional and social media.
Just like an infection, politics is a game of addition, after all. So, we all just have to live and endure with this fact of life, especially when elections are in the horizon.
Many already know it but allow this near-sighted Ibaloy writer to sound like a broken record once more: Most of those who get voted into national and local office are usually those who are popular, well-known, or are more “visible” to the public. It’s good if their fame was acquired through stellar or admirable achievements on their part, but hell, no, most owe their visibility and name recall solely on their families being in power since time immemorial. Let me stress I said most and not all to be fair.
No wonder most of our national and maybe even local leaders belong to political dynasties (thank God, Baguio has never been ruled by a political dynasty so far. But who knows?)
No wonder an anti-dynasty law will never pass. No wonder also that our beloved Philippines continues to be the Sick Man (or Woman) of Asia. Well, wonder no more.
As we are several days into 2024, maybe we should include in our New Year’s resolutions the resolution not to base our votes on the popularity, good looks, visibility, fame or even the singing and dancing skills of a candidate but on his or her track record of public service, honesty, competence and other solid virtues. Just a humble suggestion. Hope the resolution doesn’t get broken in next year’s elections.
May our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ continue to bless and keep us all safe.
May 8, 2024
