The dream that the Philippines would one day be free from the oppressive grips of political dynasties is a hopeless one unless a mere undemocratic line is erased from the country’s law.
In a controversial speech at Las Pinas City, Philippine Senator Cynthia Villar claimed that the people should take their generosity of “giving away land as a debt of gratitude” in the coming 2025 mid-term elections.
The display of vote-buying is indisputably unlawful. However, with Republic Act (R.A.) 8436 making election offenses effective only “upon the start of the aforesaid campaign period”, premature campaigning of “aspirants” has unjustly been exempt from any democratic violations.
This provides a glimpse of just how powerless the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is on democratic arrangements. Therefore, it shall be on the government that we look for changes in the Republic Act, not mindlessly onto an institution which cannot provide change.
From Camille Villar to the infamous Apollo Quiboloy, the streets have been filled with political posters that alter the votes of the people every day. All history shows is that regardless of a politician's leadership ability, they nevertheless win with good publicity. With these questionable personalities having a higher chance of winning, there is a greater need to revise the destructive rule.
According to the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism, 80 percent of legislators belong to political clans. However, with these families emphasizing the longevity of their reign rather than the well-being of the state, there is little hope that the line which rules us all will ever see the light of amendments. Therefore, the common people can only truly match the machinery of the rich when people themselves change their attitude towards their vote and realize the impact it creates in every election.
Although the extended campaign period provides greater time for lesser-known personalities to make a name in the political landscape, they are still at a disadvantage given that the rich can power their discriminating but effective machinery prematurely.
There is no one above the law. But with loopholes in the ordinance which give the rich the power to devour the poor, let us realize that the democracy of this country has been breached, compelling its constituents to rethink their votes in the next election. Only then can we finally witness a fair election. Only then can we truly sever the line of misfortunes.
Posted 04/09/2025
