IT HAS BEEN the talk in coffee shops and beer joints – the upcoming barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections next month. Thousands have filed their certificates of candidacy. But how many among them are really serious to serve their respective communities?
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“Most of the candidates for kapitan are come-backers,” said a businessman while enjoying his coffee.
“Yes, and some really want to have their political power back. There is money in that political rank,” added a professor.
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“In a towns, a was shot after filing his certificate of candidacy. He was attacked by a hired triggerman,” said the professor.
Then he added: “Many candidates are pets of either the mayor or the congressman. Barangay chieftains are the linkage of bigger politicians to reach out to the mass voters. So it could not be denied these candidates receive material support from bigwig politicos.”
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“Look at the list of barangay kagawads in your own community. You may find it amusing to find something common among them – they are jobless, or are senior citizens, or are siblings of higher politicians. That is politics in this country, dirty and stinky,” murmured the professor.
A retired banker smiled: “Well, voters are easy to convince. A few hundred pesos will do, or a thousand.”
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“In this country politics is money. No money, no votes, no win in this kenkoy country,” the banker lamented.
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“Oh, by the way, why doesn’t the Commission on Elections make drug testing a requirement to become a legitimate candidate? All because it is not in the Constitution? Damn this government we have. Even drug users can become barangay chairmen or councilmen,” said the banker.
“Don’t be shocked, my friend. Some government employees and traffic enforcers have tested positive for drug use,” said the businessman.
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“What will happen to this country? Let’s finish our coffee and pray for a better Philippines,” the businessman concluded their coffee chat./PN
