DRIVING along EDSA, watching UAAP basketball on television, choosing storage boxes in a shop, the last thing on my mind, on anyone’s mind, would be a political candidate. In the past months though, these spaces have been occupied by personalities with political ambitions: Wilbert Lee and his billboards, Abby Binay and her tv commercials, Camille Villar and their family department store broadcasting her jingle. These not only destroy the rhythm of the moment — even traffic has a certain beat that attracts the senses, no — and rob one of precious resources. The rhythm turns into irritation, then frustration, and sometimes hopelessness at the state of the nation.
Anyone who longs to be a public servant should aim at winning. I know that. You know that. Manong knows that. Political strategists work on raising awareness about their candidates and converting the undecided to their side. They tell their clients that the game is to get them elected first; there won’t be space for integrity, platform, or performance, sa susunod na ‘yun.
The words of Bloc Party — neither a political party nor a party-list — come to mind. If that’s the way it is, then that’s the way it is. In that sense, I should be willing to see my manok operate like an epal. Let’s be clear though: it shouldn’t be about turning one’s back on principles. I’m still a Banal. I still have a dream like most of you. Those who are good for the country should rule the country.
I read an article in Our Brew and the proposition is to push for a government initiative that will change the face of Philippine elections. Instead of obsessing over statutory limitations on campaign spending and campaign paraphernalia, our government should educate us about the impact of good governance, the benefits of a professional civil service, and how citizens can prepare to become public servants and profit — in terms of purpose and achievements and the appropriate compensation — from a life of public service. The writer makes a plea to society: applaud the desire to serve and encourage individuals to “promote themselves without having to deny their plans.” The writer makes a plea to potential public servants: “pumapel ka, pakilala ka, ligawan mo kami.”
Does this mean that we should welcome the trapo moves along EDSA, during televised games, and through the blaring sound system of department stores? No. Ang bagong Pilipino, hindi trapo. There should be no space for political dynasties, opportunists, and fence-sitters. The irresponsible, the unreliable, the men and women who change the color of public structures and plaster their initials on lampposts as if everything is theirs, they should have no place in governance.
Does this mean that we should not have campaign finance regulations? No. The Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism shows the staggering amounts spent even before the October 2024 filing of candidacy. In a country where, based on the Global Risks Report 2025 from the World Economic Forum, poverty and inequality is the second top risk confronting the present and the future, paying unimaginable amounts for a chance at a government office comes off as cruel, unethical, even criminal. Tayo ang liniligawan, the bosses of these political aspirants. We do not want them messing with our purses and spaces.
Hindi bawal umepal. Interesting. For sure, the idea will take some getting used to. Any such government campaign cannot be lip service. It has to be a real movement, comprehensive and strategic, willing to brew over time. Potential public servants need guidance and resources and then some space to move and share their voices. If wannabe singers are given a television platform to exhibit their skills (and get paid for it), why not our future Senators and Mayors?/PN
