Shame on Candidates Who Don’t Show Up: The 2025 Philippine Midterm Elections and the Fight for Transparency

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The 2025 Philippine midterm elections are shaping up to be one of the most consequential political battles in recent history. With over 18,000 positions up for grabs—including 12 Senate seats, 254 district representatives, and numerous local government posts—the choices voters make on May 12 will determine the future of governance in the country.

Yet, a disturbing trend is emerging: many leading candidates are refusing to engage with the public in electoral debates and forums, robbing voters of the opportunity to scrutinize their platforms and leadership qualities. If we wouldn’t date someone without getting to know them first, why should we entrust the future of our country to candidates who refuse to show up?

When Candidates Ghost Voters

The absence of major candidates from debates is nothing new, but its normalization is a dangerous precedent. At a recent senatorial debate hosted by GMA Network, only one “winnable” candidate—Senator Ronald dela Rosa—bothered to attend. The rest? No-shows. At Rappler’s Manila and Marikina election fora, key mayoral candidates like Isko Moreno, Honey Lacuna, and Maan Teodoro also declined invitations.

This behavior follows the example set by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who in 2022 infamously skipped all presidential debates. Now, many of his anointed senatorial candidates appear to be following suit, preferring to attend controlled events that shield them from scrutiny and difficult questions.

COMELEC Takes Action

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) is considering making debate participation mandatory, a move that underscores how bad the situation has become. Public debates provide voters with a crucial platform to assess candidates beyond vague campaign promises and carefully curated social media posts. If candidates truly believe in their platforms, they should have no problem defending them on national television.

Why This Election Matters More Than Ever

This election is not just about filling seats—it’s about shaping the political future of the Philippines. Vice President Sara Duterte’s recent impeachment has raised the stakes, as newly elected senators will play a key role in determining the outcome of her trial. Furthermore, the fractured Marcos-Duterte alliance adds another layer of intrigue, with rumors that former President Rodrigo Duterte and his sons might run for the Senate to challenge Marcos’ hold on power.

Meanwhile, the party-list system—meant to give marginalized sectors a voice in Congress—is facing credibility issues. Election watchdog Kontra Daya has flagged 86 party-list groups for allegedly being linked to political dynasties, businesses, and the military. If voters don’t scrutinize their choices, these groups could end up serving elite interests rather than the communities they claim to represent.

The Battle Against Disinformation

Adding to the chaos, the rise of deepfakes and AI-generated misinformation is making it harder than ever for voters to discern fact from fiction. Social media is already flooded with misleading narratives designed to manipulate public perception. Now more than ever, Filipinos must be vigilant in verifying sources and questioning the information they consume.

What Can Voters Do?

We, the voters, hold the power to change the status quo—but only if we demand accountability. Here’s what we can do:

Call out candidates who refuse to engage. Post on social media, write letters, and demand transparency.

Base your vote on substance, not spectacle. Don’t be swayed by empty slogans and celebrity endorsements.

Attend debates and forums whenever possible. Engage in meaningful discussions with fellow voters.

Educate yourself about party-list groups. Research their backgrounds to ensure they genuinely represent their causes.

Be critical of information online. Misinformation is rampant; verify sources before sharing content.

Conclusion: Reject the No-Shows

If we wouldn’t go out on a date with someone who ghosts us, why would we vote for a candidate who refuses to engage with the public? Democracy thrives when leaders are held accountable, but it suffers when we allow them to hide behind scripted rallies and controlled environments.

It’s time we make it clear: those who don’t show up don’t deserve our vote. On May 12, let’s reject the no-shows and choose leaders who respect and engage with the people they seek to serve.

*From Rappler's Be the Good newsletter 

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