Stop Calling Them ‘Father’ or ‘Mother’—The Dirty Trick Politicians Use to Control You

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

They Are Not Your Mother. They Are Not Your Father.

Every election season, politicians try to win votes by pretending to be the "father" or "mother" of the people. From the barangay level to Malacañang, this rhetoric is used repeatedly—almost as if they were following the same script. But let’s not be fooled. They are not your relatives. You are not their child. And most importantly, they should not be treated as parental figures.

This campaign strategy is not just about showing concern. It has a name in Latin—“parens patriae.” Under this concept, the government is seen as the "parent" of its citizens. This means that while the state supposedly protects its people, in return, the people are expected to give their unquestioning loyalty—just like children obeying their parents.

It may sound noble at first, but if you look closely, it is a manipulative tactic designed to suppress critical thinking and turn citizens into blind followers.

Are You a Bad "Child" for Thinking Critically?

In Filipino culture, a child who disobeys their parents is often seen as “bad.” But what happens when this mindset is applied to politics? That’s dangerous.

If you question the government about its failures—you’re a bad child.

If you criticize policies that only benefit the elite—you’re a bad child.

If you demand justice and accountability—you’re a bad child.

Why? Because to politicians who use the "father-mother" narrative, citizens should never question their authority. We are expected to simply obey, never doubt, and never complain. But believing in this kind of deception is a serious mistake.

In a true democracy, decisions should not rest solely in the hands of the government. Democracy requires transparency, accountability, and responsible leadership. And if a politician needs to use sentimental drama to avoid real issues—that’s an immediate red flag.

You Don’t Need a Parental Government—You Need Good Governance

Remember where public funds come from—from the taxes we pay. From barangay staff salaries to the president’s paycheck, it is the people’s money that funds the government. That means we owe them nothing. We are their bosses, not helpless children relying on their mercy.

And if you are a voter and taxpayer, you don’t need a government that pretends to be your parent. What you need is competent, responsible, and genuinely caring leadership—not mere theatrics on a campaign stage.

So in this election, if a candidate tries to win votes by calling themselves the "father" or "mother" of the people—IMMEDIATE REJECTION.

They are not your parents.

And you are not a child they can deceive with sweet words.

*Cover image: from Manila Standard

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