What People Say: How much is your vote?

Was vote-buying rampant during the recent barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections?

I heard some politicians gave money to people. Vote-buying is not new. An election is like an exam and vote-buying is equivalent to cheating. Why would people sell their votes? Change has indeed come!

What else money can buy? Your dignity? Your life? Your freedom?” – MATT BIYO, 19, student

Yes, money was involved in the recently-concluded elections. But I always believe that at the end of the day, it is always the voters’ choice that counts. If one wants change, it must start from one’s self.”—ALEZA ESCARPE, 21, Dueñas, Iloilo

Vote-buying seems to have become an election tradition. I am not sure of the “public service” candidates promise during the campaign period. Elections offer us a chance for change. Do we want change? For better or for worse?”– RAFFY PALMARES, 18, student, Dueñas, Iloilo

Candidates want to win so they buy votes. Vote-buying is an enemy jeopardizing truth, integrity and the voters’ dignity. Some people are blinded with money and jeopardize their right to freely vote. Vote-buyers are robbing people of their dignity. – JOHN PAUL FLORA, student, BS in Development Communication

Some barangay and SK candidates bought votes. I can’t imagine what kind of leaders they would become. People are asking for change. But I think it has to be them. – TWEEKY OBLIGAR, 22, hospital employee

Sen. Tito Sotto as new Senate President? What’s your take?

I DO not agree. He joked about single mothers as “na ano lang.” He blamed a woman for getting sexually assaulted. He plagiarized. He is homophobic and a misogynist. Overall he is an incompetent senator.  The Senate of the Philippines is now at its lowest. My country has become a joke. – FROLENE PEARL ARNAEZ, Political Science student

It’s not a bad idea. He has the qualifications. As long as he is capable of fulfilling his duties and is fair, there is no problem. – MA. LEONORA ESTANQUE, fresh graduate

Yes. While many think Senator Sotto is not fit to become Senate President, I say let us give him time to prove himself. He has enough experience and is quick to acknowledge his wrongdoing so I guess that kind of man is suitable for the position. – BRYAN CASAIG, student

Absolutely not. I don’t really know what Senator Sotto does besides being a noontime show host. Someone more qualified in the Senate should take that position. – JADE PAROCHELIN, student

Okay lang. Damo naman si Senator Sotto nabuligan kag damo man siya projects nga na obra. – QUINNIE SEQUITO, student

(Compiled by April Grace R. Padilla and Christine Lorraine Gallo, Interns, West Visayas State University – College of Communication)