Courting sectors

It is no secret that some of the presidential aspirants have been going back and forth to Cebu to get that sweet yes. A yes that will propel their campaign to even greater heights, because Cebu is one of the provinces in the country with the most number of voters. They come here looking so dashing with good intentions; they dole out cash, give out goods to fire victims, and sit down with different sectors to talk about the problems that they would want to be addressed once they sit in office. It seems all so cunning, so full of hope, so full of promise for the future.

However, the purpose might be the other way around. Instead of gathering information to help Cebu, it might be because they need Cebu's help. That is why some political experts term their visits as a form of courtship to the governor and her party that currently holds the fort for all of the mayors in the province, and maybe a little influence over the major cities. Getting a sure vote for Cebu would mean greater chances of getting into office --a position that they have worked hard for even before the actual start of the campaign.

Funny, because even the Comelec said that premature campaigning does not exist anymore because these aspirants know how to circumvent the law that binds it. They cannot do anything about the visits and the ads that they make because it is included in their right to free speech and expression. The human mind now has been conditioned about their aspirations and come the time when it is actually the campaign period, only little effort is needed. Or should I say, little money is spent.

Let's face it. The political climate in our country is not even upholding the genuine democracy that we have been taught about. It is a pseudo front that we all believe is true. The controls on how to vote have been in place; who has the most influence, who has helped the most and least, who has the most money. True enough, all the sectors look into this because it is important that they back up someone who can also help their agenda.

While Christmas looms, we are doomed to see faces of these politicians giving out gifts to the homeless and the needy. Their names will be plastered across every lighted post because they too want to celebrate Christmas while making sure their identity is already on every mind's speed dial. Whatever happened to track record and experience? It seems like these considerations are now down the drain. Then again, are we really that poor when it comes to choices like this?

So far, nobody has said yes to the presidential aspirants who are also in limbo. Even the administration's party did not decide yet whom to support. If you ask me, the courtship question is pretty simple: Show me what you have done. A little hope that everyone will follow suit.