Provincial visits

Presidential aspirants have been hell-bent on coming to Cebu while the campaign period has not started yet. They package themselves as friends who are just visiting, but not missing the chance to dole out whatever they have in the form of money or goods. Supporters are seen out in the streets with masks on but forgetting the concept of social distancing in an attempt to grab the opportunity of a selfie with their idol. Those in the running just shrug off the concept of vote buying as they try to circumvent the electoral laws created. Like every rule, it can be bent and loopholes are everywhere.

That explains why until now, both gubernatorial aspirants have not yet indicated which national candidate they want to support. Everyone is waiting for that magical day, November 15, to happen where the Comelec will no longer allow substitutions for the candidates. Up to the last minute, the president's political party, headed by the current energy secretary, is still making last-minute moves to get the man into a seat in whatever position. They are trying to disrespect the sanctity of the elections by going around the rules.

But then again we ask, who made those rules in the first place? Substitution should have been looked into well so it will not become abused. It is as if the certificates were only there to reserve a slot for candidacy and the commission's effort to hold an orderly filing has gone to waste. Now the rest of the country is also waiting for the presidential aspirants. Questions regarding the political climate are being asked almost as if it is already the campaign period.

Cebu sits pretty like a chased-after woman, waiting for the perfect man to charm her. Whoever Cebu chooses may have a good shot at securing the electoral posts. They must not forget that this place has over 3 million voters which is also a big chunk of the voting population. Being at the center of the country with a booming economy gives Cebu a good position of influencing the other provinces as well.

The rounds of the aspirants to different aspirants will continue with no law going after them for what they are doing. They are bound by free speech which basically constitutes democracy. It is up to the people to judge their actions as of this time. What makes it more exciting is that there might not be a need to actually campaign during the designated period. They might have already said their pieces during their different trips.

Next year's elections will not just be colorful, but a new day in our history. We will see how the people will be choosing based on what they know and maybe based on what they receive. Everyone could need a little extra care when they grapple with politics and the money involved, it certainly isn't as great as it seems.