Maligning the electoral process

Many individuals are already gearing up for the upcoming elections set to take place in May 2025. Candidates running for both local and national positions are strategizing and looking for the best ways to position themselves at the forefront of voters’ minds. The events leading up to the elections will be crucial for candidates to build their platforms and advocate for their candidacies. However, one particular incident in Talisay City, Cebu, has raised serious concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.

A radio blocktimer in Talisay City was recently arrested on allegations of extorting money from Mayor Samsam Gullas in exchange for his withdrawal from the mayoralty race. This case has shocked both the public and political observers. It is one thing for a politician to make questionable decisions during an election campaign, but it is another when media personalities --who are supposed to act as neutral conveyors of information-- are involved in such unethical dealings. What makes this case even more disturbing is that the individual in question was not just a media figure but also a candidate for mayor himself.

To demand a large sum of money in exchange for stepping aside in a race is a direct attack on the very foundations of the electoral process. It is not only unethical but also deeply disrespectful to the voters and to the democratic system that is supposed to allow every candidate to compete on equal footing. Mayor Gullas himself described the incident as an insult to the electoral process, which, though still in its early stages, should be based on fairness, transparency, and the free will of voters.

Despite the accused radio blocktimer’s denial of the allegations, he is set to face charges. This case serves as a stark reminder of how easily the media --meant to inform, educate, and foster public discourse-- can be manipulated for personal or political gain. In today’s digital age, social media and technology have amplified the power of the media, making it easier for individuals to spread misinformation, mislead voters, and engage in dirty political tricks. What was once a tool for responsible journalism has increasingly become a battleground for political manipulation.

The proliferation of sensationalized content --whether through radio shows, social media posts, or other forms of media-- often has little to do with informing the public and everything to do with gaining an unfair advantage. What was once intended to be a platform for reasoned discussion and information exchange is now, in some cases, a weapon used for personal or political gain. This perversion of democracy undermines the role of the media.

As we look ahead to the 2025 elections, it is crucial that we remind ourselves of the importance of maintaining the integrity of the electoral process. The case of the radio blocktimer in Talisay should serve as a wake-up call to both media practitioners and voters. Journalists, in particular, must remain vigilant about their ethical responsibilities and refrain from engaging in behavior that compromises their credibility or undermines the public's trust.