BY HERMAN M. LAGON
IN PHILIPPINE traditional politics, the early bird does not just catch the worm; it builds a nest on every street corner, billboard space, and social media newsfeed available.
Yes, it is election season again — or rather, the pre-pre-election season, where politicians start their subtle yet blatant courtship of voters more than a year before the voting day. It is a “silent loudspeaker”, these tarps and social media posts scream concern (“Ingat sa Biyahe” Lenten Season tarps), piety (featuring self “passionately” carrying the cross on Instagram), righteousness (posting Bible verses on Facebook), generosity (dole-outs everywhere), presence (public omnipresence in baptisms, birthdays, graduations, weddings, and funeral services), and service (sudden advocacy for world peace, social justice, or the marginalized) without saying and doing anything of substance.
It is a delightful paradox of being everywhere yet nowhere, touching on what matters to the electorate. Amidst this traditional political fanfare, it is crucial to acknowledge the rare gems — candidates emerging from political dynasties or, better yet, otherwise — who genuinely aspire to serve with sincerity, competence, and unselfishness. Their presence offers hope in a landscape often marred by self-serving agendas.
Then, the grand tradition of political dynasties offers the paradox of choice without choice. It is like being hungry and offering a menu listing the same dish under different names. The promise of “fresh leadership” from the same old bloodlines is as refreshing as reheated coffee, promising a new flavor with the same bitter aftertaste. It is the “same difference”, yet the electorate is expected to swallow it, hoping it will taste different this time.
However, it is worth noting that not all political dynasties wear the same cloak; a few defy the odds, choosing to tread a path marked by genuine service and visionary leadership, setting themselves apart in a sea of sameness.
As candidates prepare, we witness the “loud silence” on actual policy or change. Slowly, the air is filled with the noise of campaigning—jingles, banners, and the ever-constant stream of social media updates—yet, when it comes to substantial discussions on addressing the local, national, and international issues, crickets could be heard in the background. It is a masterclass in saying much without saying anything, a performance art piece entitled “The Sound of Silence.” In this cacophony, the sincere voices of a few candidates, earnest in their desire to address real issues, often get drowned out, yet they persist, hoping to connect with those voters yearning for substantive change.
Amidst this, subtle pre-election campaign promises of “honest lies” bloom like sunflowers. Slowly, we now see and hear presumptive candidates, with the help of expensive branding and marketing experts and companies, promising the moon with plans as concrete as a cloud. They pledge to fight corruption, poverty, and injustices with the enthusiasm of a televangelist who claims he is the Messiah, yet their track records often tell a different story. It is a paradoxical promise of change that constantly maintains the status quo. Yet, amid these grandstanding gestures exist candidates whose promises are rooted in actionable plans and past achievements, shining beacons of hope in a landscape often characterized by empty rhetoric.
The “budots” of the uncommitted candidates is a spectacle to behold. They flirt with the idea of running, coyly saying they are considering the people’s calls for their leadership. It is a “definite maybe” that stretches on, a commitment to non-commitment that keeps everyone guessing. This dance is as intricate and bewildering as a telenovela plot, leaving the unlisted audience both frustrated and hooked. However, amidst this indecisiveness, a few stand firm in their convictions, committed to their platforms from the get-go, not as a strategic maneuver but as a testament to their steadfast commitment to serve for and with others. (To be continued)/PN
