ILOILO City – Independent congressional candidate Carmelo “Mel” Carreon has accepted defeat in the city’s congressional race, but not without criticizing what he described as a long-standing culture of vote buying and selling that continues to plague Philippine elections.
“Well, it’s already public knowledge. It cannot be disputed or denied that vote buying and vote selling are rampant,” Carreon said in his post-election statement. “Everywhere I went, I saw it.”
Carreon, a perennial candidate known for his grassroots campaign style, traversed Iloilo City on his motorcycle with the campaign slogan “Pera o kahon?” — a provocative rhetorical question he used to challenge voters.
According to Carreon, “pera” is the money handed out by other candidates, while “kahon” represents himself — someone who has no money to give but is committed to public service.
“That is the question for the people: will they choose money or Mel Carreon, who has nothing material to offer but is ready to serve?” he said. “Even in Las Piñas, a wealthy candidate like Cynthia Villar didn’t win. How much more me? It’s really up to the Ilonggos if they allow themselves to be swayed by money.”
Despite not winning, Carreon managed to secure 44,657 votes in the May 2025 elections — his highest vote count in years. He noted that this figure comprises over 19% of the total votes cast in the city’s congressional race.
“I concede — not to any individual or politician — but to God and the people,” he said. “That’s where I stand. That is Mel Carreon.”
Carreon’s name has been a fixture in local and national elections for over 30 years. Since 2009, he has filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) for various positions, including a bid for the Senate. He has also run for mayor 12 times and for congressman twice.
Despite his persistent candidacies, Carreon has never held public office. Still, he remains unfazed by repeated losses, often presenting himself as a candidate driven not by ambition, but by his desire to serve.
Carreon also expressed disappointment over what he perceives as the ineffectiveness of media exposure in improving his chances at winning. He recalled appearing on major media platforms, including a feature on October 12, 2018, but said the coverage did not translate to votes.
“If I run again, I will no longer grant interviews — not on radio, not on social media, not anywhere,” he said. “What’s the point? Since I began running in 2009, it hasn’t helped. The interviews have no impact. I might as well remain silent.”
Carreon’s latest campaign and post-election remarks reflect the frustrations of many grassroots candidates who struggle against better-funded opponents in a political system often criticized for tolerating patronage and vote buying.
Whether or not he runs again remains uncertain — but if he does, Carreon said the public should not expect to see him on air or online. He will simply show up, as he always has, on the ballot./PN
