The search continues

Citizens of the Philippines continue to search for the most qualified candidate who will be president for the next six years. Media outlets, who became true to its pledge to help make informed decisions, have continued to invite the candidates to get their sentiments on the pressing issues of the country. Whether or not the outlet is independent, that is another topic to talk about.

Last night's forum was quite a limbo as issues from the pandemic up to diplomatic relations were asked. It was a rather lengthy yet fruitful set of discussions. One thing I kept in mind though, was that Bongbong Marcos skipped out on another opportunity to explain his clear platforms and plans. It must be a red flag for those seeking genuine change in the way governance will be laid out.

As of today, it is still very fluid as to who be president. Leni Robredo, Panfilo Lacson, Manny Pacquiao, and Leody de Guzman got great points as they presented themselves to the people. Other answers are cyclical and robotic, but we can see their determination to win. I mean, who doesn't want to win?

Yet it makes me wonder if these efforts, such as public fora and debate, become a basis for the ordinary Filipino to vote? Come to think of it, we have done these things in the past and have seen which candidate is more eloquent than others. That person did not win. What makes a candidate reach the presidency is a steady machinery.

That holds true for Philippine politics. At times it is not the stellar track record or the length of experience in the government but money that would fuel more than 90 days of campaigning. It is used to spend for the candidate's sorties across the archipelago, paraphernalia such as t-shirts, posters and the like, on top of the money they have to give to voters.

The Philippine National Police and other counterparts have exerted efforts to keep the election clean yet vote buying has become a culture deeply embedded in our system. A politician may claim to be innocent in paying people for their votes but they seem to get away with it pretty fine.

We are down to the last few months and the criteria for the perfect president seems to have diminished in value. Despite the general feeling, I still hope that in the end Filipinos will be able to see through the merriment of the campaign. We need real leaders who have more than experience, track record, and the promise of unity but those with the heart to sacrifice for the Philippines.