Argosy S. Nazareno
WHAT NOW?
If money badly corrupts Philippine politics, should new politicians try to beat the system (which seems impossible at the moment) or join others to do the same?
The preferences of ordinary citizens matter much less in policymaking than the desires of wealthy individuals and business groups. The past election showed the ability of money to decisively shape public opinion and decision on whom to vote. On the other hand, social media has been the avenue for candidates to communicate with voters, aside from the traditional ways of “house-to-house visits”.
The crime of vote-buying is committed most often than any other election offense. In the long list of election offenses under the Omnibus Election Code, vote-buying and vote-selling are the first on the list of prohibited acts. Knowing the true scope of our law on vote-buying tells us how much of it is actually disregarded and taken for granted.
It is unthinkable that despite being illegal, this practice is so prevalent that it has evolved into a culture of expectations, both on the part of the candidates (to give) and for the people (to receive). This got to be the most violated election rule of all time that whenever I share my ideas about it, I’m always met raised eyebrows.
Sadly, even President Duterte once said that vote buying is an “integral part” of elections in the country. He even claimed that everyone has engaged in vote buying which “comes in many forms”. He was quoted, saying, “If they are caught, they will be prosecuted to the fullest of the law. Now, the practice of buying votes has been an integral part of an election in the Philippines. ’Yang pagboto lahat ’yan. Walang hindi nagbibili ng boto rito… Ituro mo kung sino ang hindi nagbili ng boto as he told reporters after casting his vote at the Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High School in Davao City.
He added that “Kaya mahirap ’yang vote buying, It can take many forms… for as long as the Philippines remains to be a poor country, for as long as the feudal system exists lalo na sa rural areas aggravated by the communists… We are becoming poorer and poorer”.
The election code prohibits the giving, offering or promising of money or anything of value, any office or employment, franchise or grant, or making or offering to make an expenditure or causing an expenditure to be made to any person, association, corporation, entity or community to induce anyone to vote for or against any candidate or withhold his vote in the election. An offense is also committed if a person or group solicits or receives any expenditure or promise of any office or employment. Vote buying is as destructive as the effects of illegal drugs in our country. It is a massive practice that is tolerated all over the country. It is anticipated by the majority whenever an election is looming. There’s a proverb that goes: “If you cant beat them, join them?” So, what now?