This coming October, the period for filing of candidates’ certificates of candidacy for the midterm elections ushers in the political season.
But unofficially, politics has been Filipinos’ all year-round (if not all-time) pastime or preoccupation as observed by political pundits who’ve noticed that after the votes are cast, counted, and the winners proclaimed, the campaign for the next elections unofficially begins.
At the local government level, some winners, as soon as they sit in office, begin to strategize their reelection bids for two more terms. To the more ambitious, their strategies are focused on what higher position they will seek, including how to harness logistics for their future campaigns. They have the advantage of using the resources of their office — to return favors to their campaigners and donors, as well as to enhance and promote themselves especially in barangays where they were weak.
As for the losers, some would lick their own wounds and find solace in the words of their coffee shop buddies and supporters who encourage them to run again, and they have three years to prepare for the next political exercise.
I am inclined to believe some reported medical findings that politics is an addiction. This is because, when a person is involved in discussions and arguments in relation to the choices of candidates, parties, platforms or advocacies, dopamine is released in their body. We will concede respect for healthy discussions on platforms and advocacies but not about the choices of candidates and parties. In a democracy where anyone is virtually allowed to run for office and any group of people is allowed to create a party, elections are just popularity contests.
It is no wonder why movie stars, media and sports celebrities and some good-looking convicts of sensational crimes, run for office knowing that they have the advantage of popularity among the mass of voters. Their fans and admirers, too, egg them to run.
The lesser-known and unknown candidates, who run for the same office as these “luminaries,” have slim chances of winning. They need a miracle to win or must have a lot of logistics to make themselves or their well-meaning platforms or advocacies, be known by the electorate or noticed by the so-called “intelligentsia” among the voters. The “bakya” crowd will need a lot of convincing to vote for them because they are already the diehard captive voters of their “idols.”
As for movie stars, somehow, the characters of the hero roles they’ve played onscreen are their images to their fans, and these cancel out any need for them to speak about platforms of government. The actors only need to blurt out motherhood statements or memorable lines of their heroes, which they are very good at, and that is enough for their thousands or millions of fans to get them into office, what with the volumes of dopamine released in thousands of brains to boost their idols’ election.
So many political parties have sprouted ever since the Constitution adopted the multi-party system in the country. Suddenly, many associations and unions, as well as “cause-oriented” groups, register as political parties. Some dubious parties are formed with the funding of people who would use the party for their own benefits or interests.
The logistical requirements to organize, form and operate a party is huge but, nonetheless, they are formed merely for election purposes. Should they get the needed percentage of votes to get them into power and gain a seat(s), they must first seek the counsel (or is it the dictates?) of their sponsor(s) who funded their creation. The sponsor decides which party to coalesce with and negotiates with the other party or parties for the sharing of power, or obtain concessions for the sponsor’s personal interest.
What is so frustrating is that party interest may no longer tie in with what the party advocates. Its political existence is now the primary interest instead of the advocacy the party represents.
I will never forget the famous words of Dolphy, the greatest Filipino comedian, that characterized Philippine politics.
When millions of his fans asked him to run for Senator, he said “Ayaw kong tumakbo kasi… mananalo ako.”
Fine words from a decent man who knew his place in the sun.
SO, WELCOME OCTOBER, THE CIRCUS IS ON… SEND IN THE CLOWNS!