AS PEOPLE troop to polling precincts for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) issues a reminder that has relevance far beyond just the elections. The message is clear: voters must not be beguiled by politicians wielding the promise of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) as a bargaining chip.
In a democracy as vibrant as the Philippines, every vote carries weight. But the lure of promises – especially those involving crucial assistance programs – can sometimes obscure the essence of what voters should be searching for: genuine public service. The recent revelation that some political candidates are dangling the allure of 4Ps, Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program, and other government aids in exchange for votes is not just concerning but outright alarming.
DSWD’s candid admission and its reminder serve not just as a cautionary note to the electorate but also as a call to action for politicians. While promises are a staple in political campaigns, using government aid programs that are meant to alleviate the conditions of the country’s most impoverished as bait is crossing a line. It’s an act that reduces these essential programs to mere tools in a political playbook.
The true purpose of programs like 4Ps is not to be a carrot on a stick for politicians during election seasons. The 4Ps, at its heart, is a human capital development initiative. By investing in the health, nutrition, and education of poor households, it aims to disrupt the persistent, intergenerational cycle of poverty that has plagued many Filipino families. Misusing this noble intention for electoral gains not only distorts the purpose of such programs but also risks eroding public trust.
As the DSWD Assistant Secretary Romel Lopez aptly said, promises of inclusion in the 4Ps program made by anyone other than DSWD personnel are most likely empty. This statement further reinforces the idea that promises in the political arena should be founded on reality and feasibility, not just the allure of getting votes.
As voters prepare to cast their ballots, it’s crucial to discern the authenticity of the promises they hear. Democracy, after all, thrives best when decisions are made with both integrity and information. Politicians, on the other hand, must remember that genuine public service is not about promising the moon and the stars, but about consistent, honest, and impactful action.
The elections are not just about who gets to sit in power, but about ensuring that those who do hold office prioritize the needs and aspirations of the people above personal or political gains.
