BALUARTE is a Spanish word that means rampart, stronghold, or fortress. It can also refer to a supporter or a defender in a figurative sense. In Philippine history, “Baluarte” refers to a fortified bastion or bulwark, typically found within the walls of a city or fort. These structures were crucial for defense during the Spanish colonial era, particularly in Intramuros (the walled city of Manila) and other fortified areas. In Bohol, we have Baluarte in Baclayon, which dates back centuries when Spanish soldiers guarded the seas of Baclayon from marauders.
Let’s analyze.
If, during the Spanish era, a baluarte was crucial for defense, a stronghold, and a fortress, it simply means it protects the inhabitants and residents living in that locality from harm, attack, and destruction. It has a positive implication.
In the context of the upcoming elections on Monday, May 12, 2025, let’s connect that to the Boholano electors.
Baluarte: The Boholano voters
Ideally, it is the Boholano voters who are meant to be the bastion, the fortress, the last defense against vote-buying and vote-selling (Inangayan, as they call it in Bohol; a euphemism that replaces a criminal offense) that Boholano politicians, party-list candidates, and senator-candidates despicably offer in exchange for votes.
I spoke with a priest today, and he said it is lamentable that we have sunk this low. I asked if this behavior still reflects the centuries of Spanish colonialism that our fellow Filipinos have subconsciously cultivated over hundreds of years. To illustrate plainly, the encomienda system was a Spanish colonial labor system wherein conquistadors were granted control over indigenous populations—meaning the inhabitants of the islands before we became Las Islas Filipinas, and their lands (indicating that the inhabitants owned the lands) in exchange for protection and Christian conversion. In practice, however, it often led to forced labor, tribute collection, and exploitation of indigenous peoples. I inquired whether this mindset is so deeply entrenched in the Filipino psyche that those in the hinterlands, coastal areas, depressed parts, and poor Filipinos—even if they own their parcels of land—believe that the politicians—the “new” conquistadors—can protect them and improve their lot, thus making them exploitable and easy to manipulate. The priest sadly agreed.
Another friend shared her frustration with me. She said, “Filipinos have no genuine identity, so they do not love their country. That’s why we are in this pathetic state: Politicians mocking us; Political dynasties smirking at us.”
Maybe so.
Well, I have developed a disinterested view about it. When I say disinterested view, I mean an unbiased and impartial perspective, no judgment. It saves me from frustration and disillusionment, which I always feel as an advocate for good governance (both in the government and the private sector), the environment, gender equity and equality, responsiveness to public service, and the values of true public servants.
Maybe Manuel L. Quezon was prophetic when he said, “I prefer a government run like hell by Filipinos to a government run like heaven by Americans.” I believe he spoke out of patriotism, and yet, the statement had become a curse. Aren’t we governed like hell by Filipinos for decades now? From one hellish administration to another? I leave that to you to digest.
Baluarte: Barangay Manga: A “vote-buying and vote-selling-free zone”
Manga in Tagbilaran City has secured key candidates’ commitment to declare the barangay a “Vote-buying and Vote-selling-Free Zone.” Father Jingboy Saco, convenor of the Manga movement on “No to Vote-buying and Vote-selling,” stated, “We all know that the root cause of corrupt practices by our government officials starts with vote-buying and vote-selling (Inangayan) during the election period, particularly the days leading up to election day. Corruption results in hardship and poverty experienced by most Filipinos.”
Barangay Manga initiated the “No Vote-buying and Vote-Selling” movement during the previous 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections. Father Saco remarked, “Our candidates united to stop this evil practice, and with the residents’ cooperation, we accomplished the goal. Thus, we are known throughout Bohol and the Philippines as one of the Barangays that successfully implemented this campaign.”
This advocacy has become a model for other barangays, and Manga has been recognized for its residents’ moral fiber and principles. “We have a vision for changing the crooked ways of governing. Isn’t this a major source of pride for us?” asked Father Saco.
Since February 2025, the Manga movement has met with the candidates four times, and the latter have agreed not to release Inangayan to Barangay Manga. They have formulated the Candidates’ Guidelines for Manga, facilitated by the convenor and volunteers.
The individuals invited to the four meetings included candidates for the congressional representative of the first district of Bohol: Atty. Edgar Chatto, Atty. Jordan Pizarras, former mayor Baba Yap; mayoralty candidates Jane Yap and Atoy Torralba; candidates for vice mayor: Atty. Adam Jala, Toto Veloso, and Geneson Balbin.
Interestingly, Father Saco mentioned that some of the candidates expressed fear that one among themselves might betray and violate their agreement, so Manga has established the Gagmay’ng Simbahanong Katilingban or GSK Monitoring Group and Purok Intelligence Group in the barangay to enforce the candidates’ agreement. “We have a command center in our Most Holy Trinity Parish function hall to monitor the progress of the election. The COMELEC Kontra Bigay, Philippine Army Special Forces, and our volunteers will manage the command center. We will enforce the law against those who violate the candidates’ agreement. Moreover, letters were sent to all candidates—from the governor, vice governor, first district boardmember, and city councilors—urging them to respect the agreement of Manga.
Saco appealed to all residents of Manga, the city of Tagbilaran, and the first district of Bohol, along with all candidates, to join and support the advocacy. “Let’s strive to make the change in the electoral process begin in our barangay. The Most Holy Trinity always protects the people who desire peace and justice. Let us pray and ask for His blessing in our struggle against evil,” concludes Saco.
For any violation, you can reach the following numbers or contact information:
1. 0917-564-1016 – Command Center
2. 0918-951-1466 – Command Center
3. Father Jingboy Saco – Messenger
4. Most Holy Trinity Parish-Manga – Messenger
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The writer hosts Woman Talk with Belinda Sales every Saturday, 10 a.m., at 91.1 Balita FM Tagbilaran City. Email at belindabelsales@gmail.com. X @ShilohRuthie./PN
