JUST WEEKS BEFORE the much-anticipated 2025 midterm elections, many of us remain uncertain about what lies ahead for our nation—a country with a long-standing legacy of resilience and struggle for democracy.
At the heart of any true democracy is the voice of the people—more powerful than wealth, fame, or the so-called powers that be.
We do not need a bloody revolution to make a difference. What we need is to express ourselves within the bounds of the law—most especially through our vote. The 18,215 candidates vying for both national and local positions pale in comparison to the 68.6 million registered voters. The power rests in our hands.
Yet, many view the upcoming elections less as a democratic exercise and more as a proxy war between the country’s two most dominant political figures.
On one side, Junior, the incumbent President, has fielded certain candidates perceived to have been linked to scandals and offenses, among others.
Opposing them are the so-called gladiators of Rowdy Rody, with allegations of misdeeds ranging from protection of drug lords, money laundering, and even extrajudicial killings.
Beyond these two camps are a few lesser-known but highly qualified candidates—individuals with integrity and impressive public service records.
Unfortunately, commissioned surveys still show a disturbing trend: the electorate seems to favor familiar names, even if those tainted by past failures and controversies.
How did we get here? Have we lost our collective discernment?
In a landscape shaped by poverty, evolving political culture, and modern technology, many Filipinos are drawn to candidates who offer immediate, tangible benefits.
Social media has become a critical player in shaping public perception—often irresponsibly.
As in past elections, we continue to grapple with systemic issues: rampant vote buying, the misuse of public funds, and widespread disinformation. Campaigns have become more polarized and confrontational, amplified by social media platforms where truth and accountability are increasingly hard to find.
Deepfakes and AI-driven propaganda are now more prevalent than ever, while major tech platforms lack sufficient motivation to regulate content or verify facts.
Despite all this, we must not let these manipulations dictate our decisions.
Your vote is sacred. Use it with wisdom. Choose leaders guided by integrity, competence, and compassion—not just name recall or empty promises.
Now more than ever, we are called to discern.
