LESSON from the recent election: Money is the most powerful campaign collateral, more than the tarpaulins.
After spending so much for banners, flyers, posters, media ads, at the end of the day what ruled the polls was vote-buying.
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“It is a given reality. Majority of voters are the masses and they believe that no matter how honest or corrupt the winning candidates are, they won’t benefit much from them. The poor remain poor, so they allow themselves to be corrupted during elections even for measly sums of money; it’s better than not getting anything at all,” a brilliant contractor said.
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“That is correct. After politicos are voted and get seated in their powerful swivel chairs in government, it is so difficult to ask them for favors already,” a businessman quipped.
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“In the local election alone, name a mayoralty candidate or a candidate for councilor who did not buy votes,” a hardware storeowner butted in. “My workers said they received money from mayoralty candidates, and they went for the one who gave them more.”
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“It is not only the raising of the hands or the endorsement of the President that will make one win; money remains a crucial factor. Take the case of Tatay Digong’s former Cabinet secretary Jun Evasco who lost when he ran for governor of Bohol,” a Cebuano engineer shared.
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“Conclusion: voters go for Mister Money. Vote-buying has become a part of Philippine elections. No national leader can stop this, certainly not the Commission on Elections,” the storeowner declared.
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At this point the Church should now focus on its religious duties and on its flock.
On social media, a priest sought for the suspension of the proclamation of the winning senators. Netizens laughed. How about suspended priests who sexually abused church members?
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This column greets Joeboy Agriam, Ben Yapjoco, Mary Ann Pastrana, Brenda Tenk, Arman Agdon, Tibong Jardeleza, Tim Ticar, Ed Estandarte, Toto Cua Locsin, Rizza Otayde, Dondon Luz, Manu Gidwani, Nelson Polido, Natalie Lim, Rolando Dabao, and Christina Roquero./PN
