Beyond the ballot

Next week marks the scheduled filing of certificates of candidacy for the May 12, 2025 national and local elections. While a lawmaker from Manila has proposed extending the deadline from October 8 to December 8, the Comelec has emphasized its need for ample time to print the ballots, since it will be printing precinct-specific ballots for our automated elections.

We are now entering the unofficial start of the election season, a season usually characterized by all sorts of political maneuverings. These include the filing of cases against political opponents by political proxies masquerading as concerned citizens, as well as behind-closed-doors lobbying for the resolution of pending cases that result in the sudden suspensions of local officials.

It is also the season for political posters and politicians suddenly appearing at major functions, including town and barrio fiestas. We cannot avoid congressional inquiries colored by political machinations in relation to the upcoming electoral exercise either.

All this may have started a couple of months ago, yet what is often overlooked in public discourse about our electoral system is how involving ordinary people can make our government function better and more democratically.

The paradox of Philippine democracy is that it has always followed a top-down approach, contrary to the fundamental democratic principle of power originating from the people. It has sadly become quite normal for people during electoral seasons to expect money from politicians and more 'ayuda' distributed from government coffers. Political dynamics are heavily influenced by national figures and parties. Our strong presidential system and the centralized power that accompanies it have led local parties and allies to often rely on directives and funding from the well-entrenched national and local political elites.

This is the reality, even as the Philippines approaches middle-income status, if it has not already achieved it. We are no longer as poor as we used to be, having made significant strides in improving our economic status over the past several decades. However, our top-down political culture perpetuates weak political institutions, limiting the enforcement of accountability and the upholding of the rule of law.

As a result, much like a kite being tugged to soar high yet encountering headwinds that limit its ascent and sometimes cause it to crash, our country struggles to develop because many of our inherent and hard-earned resources are diverted toward corruption and patronage, instead of being invested for the future economic and geopolitical security of our nation.

This also explains the significant inequality in our country, where many of our people still face food insecurity, lack proper shelter, and are without adequate employment and income. Meanwhile, a few current and retired government officials, as well as those appointed to plum posts, swim in opulence, possessing unexplained business interests and properties both here and abroad. The entrenched top-down political culture not only hampers economic growth but also perpetuates an uneven distribution of resources, which affects our poor and marginalized communities.

Electoral season or not, we must focus our efforts on organizing community associations and grassroots-based groups that can significantly impact our political representation at the local level. Neighborhood councils, civic groups, and community organizations play a crucial role in mobilizing our people’s engagement and participation in governance.

These associations would ideally serve as training grounds for future political leaders. We cannot continue the usual practice of choosing the most moneyed and charming political figures, often with familiar surnames, in our candidacy lineups.

Our continued lack of laws addressing the age-old problem of political dynasties continues to limit political talent, brains, and innovation, thereby restricting opportunities for new political talents who may bring fresh ideas and perspectives. Great minds with no established political connections or financial backing often choose to stay away from politics or migrate to other countries, rather than remain here to pursue careers in public service where they risk being underutilized or used as pawns, only to be absorbed by the system later.

Again, apart from ensuring regular and fair elections, we must focus our efforts on empowering our people to form local associations and enhance civic engagement through capacity-building programs and legal frameworks that support such initiatives. This will serve as a foundation for national democratic stability. I believe that much of the problem hindering our country's growth into developed status is our continued overlooking of this critical ingredient of democracy: grassroots empowerment.