Wazzup Pilipinas!?
Who really deserves our vote on the 2025 elections. Are we supposed to vote for the traditional politicians coming from political families, which includes those of dynasties, or the new and untested faces but with track records of service as community leaders or advocates of their respective movements and organizations within society aspiring to be among the notable officials of our government? Should we jump into the bandwagon of choosing the highly popular candidates or should we join those willingly investing on the newbies of the political landscape?
As we approach the 2025 elections, the question on every Filipino's mind is: Who really deserves our vote? Should we continue supporting traditional politicians, often from influential political families, or should we take a chance on new faces with a passion for service but little to no experience in national politics?
It’s a question that reflects a deeper concern about the future of our nation. The decision we make will have a lasting impact not only on us but on the generations to come. So, let’s examine the choices we have and what each candidate brings to the table.
The Reign of Traditional Politicians and Political Dynasties
For decades, the political landscape in the Philippines has been dominated by traditional politicians, many of whom hail from political dynasties. These names are often familiar, passed from one election cycle to the next, with families controlling certain regions for generations. Supporters of these seasoned politicians argue that experience, political clout, and influence are critical in navigating the complexities of governance. They claim that those from political dynasties have a long-standing understanding of the system and can ensure continuity in government projects.
But we cannot ignore the dark side of political dynasties. Critics argue that these families have fostered a culture of patronage, corruption, and entitlement. With political power often consolidated within families, competition is stifled, and true public service can become an afterthought, overshadowed by personal and familial interests. Reforms that could dismantle such dynasties are often blocked, leading to stagnation in areas like poverty alleviation, healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
Enter the New Faces: Community Leaders and Advocates
In contrast, we see new faces emerging on the political stage—community leaders, activists, and advocates who have proven themselves within their localities but lack the same name recognition as their traditional counterparts. These individuals often come with fresh ideas and a desire to break away from the established norms. Many have proven track records of service through grassroots work, policy advocacy, or social movements aimed at bettering their communities.
A vote for these "outsiders" is often seen as a vote for change. They tend to campaign on platforms of reform, transparency, and public service. Their promise lies in their passion, idealism, and in many cases, a proven ability to inspire change at the local or grassroots level.
However, the lack of experience in national politics can be both their strength and their weakness. While unburdened by the baggage of traditional politics, they also lack the experience in navigating national government bureaucracy. Some fear they may be ineffective in scaling up their local efforts to a national platform, or that their inexperience could make them susceptible to manipulation by more seasoned political operators.
Popularity or Substance?
Another key issue is the role of popularity in elections. In a media-driven age, candidates with high visibility—often celebrities, influencers, or established figures with widespread media coverage—tend to have an upper hand. Campaigns can be swayed by catchy slogans, sound bites, or charisma rather than the actual qualifications of the candidate.
The danger in voting for popularity lies in overlooking substance. Candidates may be great at delivering speeches or engaging with people on social media, but does that translate into effective leadership and governance? Elections become personality contests, diluting the focus on crucial policies that could address long-standing issues like poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation.
On the other hand, we cannot entirely dismiss popular candidates. Some have used their platforms to raise awareness of social issues and advocate for causes that resonate with the public. It’s important to strike a balance: popularity should never be the sole criterion, but it should also not completely disqualify a candidate if their platform is sound and grounded in public service.
Newbies vs. the Established: Where Should We Stand?
When deciding who deserves our vote in 2025, it’s not just about choosing between experience and novelty, popularity or obscurity. It’s about assessing the kind of leadership we believe the country needs.
Evaluate track records: Whether a candidate is new or from a political dynasty, their track record of service is crucial. Have they demonstrated a real commitment to uplifting their communities? Have they shown integrity, competence, and a willingness to work for the greater good?
Look beyond platforms and promises: Every candidate will present a polished image and make promises. Dig deeper into their policy positions, their past actions, and their capacity to deliver. How realistic are their plans? Are they consistent with their values?
Be wary of populism: Many candidates will try to appeal to your emotions or stoke your anger to gain your vote. Instead of getting swept up in the rhetoric, focus on candidates who offer solutions grounded in reality, not just empty words.
Beware of political opportunism: Some newcomers may appear to be agents of change, but we should remain cautious of those whose sudden political rise may be opportunistic, using movements or advocacy as a platform to further personal ambitions rather than a genuine desire to serve.
Diversify representation: Consider the diversity of voices we want in government. New faces from different sectors—youth leaders, women, indigenous advocates, and leaders from marginalized communities—deserve a place in governance to create a government that truly represents the full spectrum of Filipino society.
The Power of Your Vote
Ultimately, the decision rests with you, the voter. In 2025, it will not be enough to vote based on name recognition, family legacy, or popularity. We need to focus on the future we want for our country. The future leaders of the Philippines must be chosen not for their last name or their ability to draw crowds but for their vision, integrity, and ability to lead us forward.
It is time to break the cycle of settling for the "lesser evil" and start electing the "greater good." By being discerning, informed, and vigilant, we can elect leaders who truly deserve our vote—leaders who will govern with the welfare of every Filipino in mind.
So, in the 2025 elections, let us cast a vote not for the status quo but for progress, inclusivity, and genuine leadership.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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