By Chris Jon Peñaflor || Illustration by Joxyne Gravoso

What exactly does it say when voters cast their ballots based on familiarity with the candidates instead of understanding their platforms and assessing their actual capabilities to lead?

In the realm of politics, votes are often cast due to the significant influence of a candidate’s name recognition. However, Filipino voters should shift their focus to a candidate’s qualifications, competence, track record, tenacity, and accessibility to the masses. The country’s leaders should bring sound value, strong educational backgrounds, and extensive leadership experience. 

One significant issue currently faced by the country is the tendency of voters to equate a candidate’s visibility with capability. Recently, several well-known celebrities and entertainers have taken the position of public servants, successfully gaining mass support despite lacking leadership skills and political experience. Yet, this problem is not solely rooted in the nation’s voters, as many are not privileged enough to gain access to quality education. Those who have inadequate awareness and understanding fall victim to manipulative tactics during campaign periods. Even before the election, candidates often use the “mere-exposure” effect. This involves distributing printed materials with their faces in certain areas to gain repeated exposure. This tactic subconsciously influences the minds of voters, making the candidates appear favorable and fit to be leaders.

Indeed, fame plays a significant role in a candidate’s electoral success. For example, former Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos, now a senatorial candidate, appeared in the Philippine TV action drama series “Black Rider” broadcasted by GMA. Despite already being a prominent figure as DILG secretary, Abalos probably did it to gain more public exposure and establish a sense of familiarity with a large scale of voters who still do not recognize him.

Celebrities and online influencers who run for public office should reflect if they are competent enough to serve and help the country, rather than adding to the existing problems of the country. For example, Deo Balbuena, also known as “Diwata” or “Diwata Pares”, decided to file COC as the fourth nominee of Vendors Partylist regardless of his lack of understanding of the laws and skills to create beneficial policies, make changes, or effectively deal with contemporary social problems. In an interview by Rappler on October 2, 2024, Balbuena gave only indirect and circular answers instead of being straightforward with what specific policies or laws the Partylist has to offer and how they will be implemented. This just goes to show the importance of ensuring that those who are being put in power have the skills and political experience the position requires. 

It’s not sufficient for people to know the candidate; the candidate should also know the people’s needs.  Candidates who already believe that they are qualified should still bear in mind that other candidates might be more qualified than them. Those who are running for office should be fully aware and should be reminded that they are pursuing a duty and responsibility, not a hobby.

Another alarming issue is the country’s legal loophole that allows convicted individuals to run for public office. Due to the state of rigidity and inability to address contemporary issues of the constitution, candidates with criminal convictions, but whose cases are under appeal or have been pardoned, can still seek office as legally stated under the 1987 Philippine Constitution and the Omnibus Election Code. One notorious example is Kerwin Espinosa, a self-confessed drug lord, who filed a candidacy for mayor in Albuera, Leyte despite ongoing legal battles. 

These are just a few of the heavy burdens and unfortunate realities in our country. The nation is still categorized as a flawed democracy. The system tends to favor the famous and wealthy, or the stars and the “big-time.” This dynamic not only allows criminals to evade the full consequences of their actions but also hinders those less-known candidates who have the skills, knowledge, and commitment to public service to secure a spot for public office. 

The trend of celebrities, influencers, and convicted criminals to hold office in the country endangers the integrity and democracy of the nation. A candidate’s fame or popularity should not be a deciding factor in selecting leaders. The country has made significant progress through the sacrifices of countless Filipino heroes, and honoring their contributions requires breaking free from ignorance.

Filipinos have long been giving power to the hands of those who only make the country poorer. Filipinos have shouldered this burden for too long and it persists to weigh heavier with time. Now is the moment to make wiser choices, have good judgment, and regain consciousness. This won’t change the past, but it gives back to the Filipino people the future of the Philippines – the country sworn to love and die for.