Surveys, Elections, and the Numbers Game: Are We All Playing a Real-Life “Squid Game”?

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Surveys and elections often resemble a high-stakes game, much like the hit TV series Squid Game, where the outcomes seem to be driven by the numbers but hide deeper layers of manipulation, power struggles, and individual vulnerabilities. In both cases, the players—whether citizens responding to surveys or voters in elections—are thrust into a system where their decisions impact the final outcome, but not always with full knowledge or understanding of the rules.

The recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey on Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment underscores this dynamic. According to the results, 41% of respondents supported her removal from office, 35% opposed it, and 19% remained undecided. The impeachment complaints stem from allegations of anomalous spending of confidential funds, prompting calls for transparency and accountability from public officials.

For Pampanga Representative Dong Gonzales, the survey reflects public clamor for government transparency. “Ipinapakita ng survey na ang karamihan sa ating mga kababayan ay naghahangad ng pananagutan mula sa ating mga lider. Dapat nang ipaliwanag at linawin ni VP Duterte kung saan napunta at paano ginamit ang daang milyong confidential funds ng kanyang tanggapan,” Gonzales said.

But just like the Squid Game, where the players' survival depends not only on skill but also on their awareness of hidden traps, the accuracy of surveys depends on how informed and educated the public is. Are the numbers truly reflective of public sentiment, or are they shaped by the circumstances surrounding the respondents?

Numbers as the Game Master

Surveys, like the challenges in Squid Game, are driven by numbers. In the show, every step taken by the players is calculated to whittle down the competition. Similarly, surveys are designed to gauge public opinion but are influenced by various factors, including methodology, sample size, and public awareness.

Surveys in Past Elections: The Bandwagon Effect

The 2016 Philippine presidential elections mirror the first Squid Game challenge—the Red Light, Green Light game. Pre-election surveys consistently showed Rodrigo Duterte as the frontrunner, creating a bandwagon effect where undecided voters were swayed to support the perceived "winner." The final election results aligned with the surveys, but the process highlighted how public perception could be manipulated by projecting inevitability.

In contrast, the 2004 elections resembled the chaos of the Squid Game’s Glass Bridge challenge. Surveys predicted a close fight between Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Fernando Poe Jr., but the final results, marred by allegations of electoral fraud, showed how fragile and uncertain the numbers game can be when trust in the system is compromised.

Beyond Elections: The Misinformation Maze

Surveys on public issues also reveal how easily respondents can be misled, much like the deceptive games in Squid Game. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, polls on the government’s response painted a favorable picture, even as many citizens struggled with inadequate healthcare services. The framing of questions and the respondents’ limited access to reliable information contributed to skewed results, akin to players in the series being forced to make life-altering decisions based on incomplete knowledge.

The Role of Awareness and Education: The Knowledge Divide

One of the most striking parallels between Squid Game and real-life surveys is the divide between the informed and the uninformed. In the SWS survey on Duterte’s impeachment, 19% of respondents were undecided—akin to Squid Game players hesitating before their next move. This highlights the role of public awareness in shaping survey results.

In societies with unequal access to education and credible information, public opinion can be swayed by misinformation, propaganda, or emotional appeals. This lack of awareness mirrors the desperation and manipulation faced by Squid Game players, who often find themselves at the mercy of external forces they can’t control or fully understand.

Transparency and Accountability: The People’s Demand

The Squid Game players eventually realize that the key to survival lies in collective action and transparency. Similarly, the survey on Vice President Duterte reflects a growing public demand for accountability. From the Pork Barrel Scam to the misuse of confidential funds, Filipinos have consistently called for their leaders to explain how public resources are used.

Surveys can amplify these calls for transparency, but only if they are conducted with integrity and responded to meaningfully by leaders. Otherwise, they risk becoming another rigged game in which the public are mere pawns.

Fixing the Numbers Game: Leveling the Playing Field

To ensure that surveys and elections truly reflect the will of the people—rather than mimic the chaos of Squid Game—several changes are necessary:

Promote Civic Education: Equip citizens with the knowledge to critically evaluate issues and participate meaningfully in democratic processes.

Combat Misinformation: Strengthen media literacy programs to help people discern credible sources of information.

Ensure Methodological Integrity: Polling agencies must adopt rigorous standards to avoid bias and ensure fair representation.

Foster Transparency: Leaders must communicate openly and address public concerns to rebuild trust in governance.

Surveys, Elections, and the Real-Life “Game”

Much like the Squid Game, surveys and elections are about survival—not of individuals but of democracy itself. They reveal public sentiment but also expose vulnerabilities in the system.

The challenge lies in transforming these numbers games into meaningful exercises in empowerment. For this to happen, the rules must be fair, the players well-informed, and the outcomes transparent.

In the end, the numbers tell a story, but the people behind those numbers hold the real power. It’s up to everyone—citizens, leaders, and institutions—to ensure that democracy is not a zero-sum game but a collective journey toward progress and justice.

Faith in Action: The Global Impact of Religious Rallies on Politics, Society, and Pop Culture

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Religious movements across the globe have demonstrated the power to mobilize followers, influence governments, and demand social reforms. From the political power of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) in the Philippines to the evangelical movements in the U.S. and Muslim reform protests in Bangladesh, religious rallies have reshaped societies. Interestingly, the plots of popular movies and TV shows often mirror these real-life events, exploring themes of faith, politics, and the transformative power of collective action. This article examines how religious rallies and movements have influenced the world, comparing these real-world scenarios to their portrayals in media and entertainment.

The Iglesia ni Cristo: Political Power and the Call for Change

In the Philippines, the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) is known for its bloc voting system, where members vote as a unified group based on the church leadership’s endorsement. This political influence has made INC rallies a powerful force in elections and national discourse. The 2016 presidential election saw INC-endorsed candidates receiving overwhelming support, showing how religious unity can sway political outcomes.

In The Hunger Games, the character of Katniss Everdeen becomes the face of a rebellion against the oppressive Capitol. Much like INC’s ability to rally thousands for political causes, Katniss’s image as the “Mockingjay” symbolizes hope and collective action. The film shows how a single, charismatic figure can unite people from diverse backgrounds to challenge authoritarian rule—echoing how religious organizations can use their influence to shift political tides. However, while Katniss’s revolution is about overthrowing a tyrannical regime, INC’s rallies typically aim to support or defend political structures, highlighting a key difference in their goals.

Roman Catholic Church: Mobilizing for Change, with a Legacy of Protest

The Roman Catholic Church has a long history of influencing social and political change, notably during the 1986 People Power Revolution in the Philippines. The Church, led by Cardinal Jaime Sin, mobilized millions to peacefully demand the ousting of President Ferdinand Marcos, resulting in the restoration of democracy.

This narrative of peaceful resistance can be compared to the 2006 film The Constant Gardener, where an international conspiracy is uncovered by a couple’s pursuit of truth. Although not directly related to religion, the film highlights the power of a single individual's dedication to uncovering injustices and rallying others to their cause—much like how the Catholic Church used its moral authority to guide Filipinos toward a peaceful revolution. While the outcome in The Constant Gardener is the revelation of a tragic corporate conspiracy, the People Power Revolution succeeded in restoring democracy, underscoring how religious movements often advocate for ethical causes and collective liberation.

Evangelical Movements in the U.S.: Faith, Politics, and the Battle for Power

In the United States, evangelical groups have increasingly intertwined religious fervor with political activism. Movements like the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) organize massive rallies, urging followers to engage in "spiritual warfare" for political change. These movements have influenced conservative politics, particularly during elections.

In The Handmaid's Tale, based on Margaret Atwood’s novel, the fictional regime of Gilead is a theocratic society where religion is manipulated to justify authoritarian rule. Like the evangelical movements in the U.S., the religious elite in Gilead uses faith to control the masses, highlighting how religious influence can shape political outcomes. However, in The Handmaid's Tale, the religious leaders' manipulation of faith leads to the oppression of women and the loss of freedom, serving as a cautionary tale. In contrast, evangelical rallies in real life often advocate for political change, but with the goal of reinforcing certain values rather than imposing a totalitarian system.

Muslim Reform Movements: Advocating for Change in the Name of Justice

The Muslim Reform Movement seeks to challenge extremist ideologies and promote secular governance, human rights, and gender equality. These values have been a rallying cry for Muslims around the world, as seen in protests in Bangladesh in 2024, where calls for political reform led to mass mobilization and the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

This theme of reform and the fight for justice is central to Les Misérables, where the character Jean Valjean is motivated by a desire for redemption and societal change. Similarly, in the Vikings TV series, characters like Lagertha and Ragnar Lothbrok fight for their beliefs, often challenging authority and advocating for the rights of their people. The comparison here lies in the internal and external struggles faced by those seeking reform—whether it’s the Muslim reformers advocating for peace and secularism or the characters in these stories fighting for justice and change. While Les Misérables and Vikings are historical narratives, the real-life struggles of Muslim reformers show how rallies and protests can lead to social change, even when the path is fraught with resistance.

Global Impact: Faith’s Role in Political and Social Change

Religious rallies are not just confined to one faith or region; they resonate globally, influencing political, social, and moral landscapes. Whether it’s the Catholic Church’s role in the People Power Revolution, the INC’s electoral influence, evangelical movements in the U.S., or Muslim reform movements advocating for secular governance, these rallies often share a common theme: the power of collective faith to enact change.

These movements’ similarities with popular media plots, like The Hunger Games and Les Misérables, emphasize how collective action can unite people for a common cause. Yet, the outcomes are often shaped by the leaders and the methods employed. In real life, rallies may succeed in achieving their goals, like the People Power Revolution, or fall short, like some of the evangelical rallies which sometimes face backlash or limited success.

Challenges and Criticism: The Cost of Mobilization

While religious rallies can be powerful agents of change, they are not without controversy. Critics often point out the dangers of religious movements overstepping their bounds, particularly when faith is used to justify political power or suppress dissent. Theocratic control, as seen in The Handmaid's Tale, is a stark warning against the dangers of religious extremism. On the other hand, movements advocating for justice, like those seen in Les Misérables, reveal how faith-based rallies can also fight for equity and freedom.

In real life, religious rallies that endorse political candidates or causes often face backlash from those who see them as a threat to secularism or political neutrality. The rise of "faith-based" politics in both the U.S. and the Philippines raises concerns about the potential for religion to dominate political discourse at the expense of democratic values.

Conclusion: Faith, Politics, and the Power of Collective Action

Religious rallies have proven time and again that faith, when mobilized, is a powerful force for change. Whether it's the peaceful resistance of the Roman Catholic Church, the political power of INC, or the fight for justice by Muslim reformers, these movements show that collective action rooted in faith can shape the future. These stories resonate with the plots of popular films and TV series, where characters rally for justice, fight against oppression, or seek redemption. While the outcomes differ—sometimes achieving victory, other times facing resistance—the message remains clear: collective faith, whether in real life or in fiction, has the power to transform the world.

Ross Flores Del Rosario: A Leader Who Truly Understands the Filipino Spirit

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When we talk about leadership, we often envision someone who doesn’t just hold a position of power, but someone who embodies the values, aspirations, and dreams of the people they serve. Ross Flores Del Rosario, founder of Wazzup Pilipinas, is exactly the kind of leader the Philippines needs today—an individual who not only speaks of change, but has lived it. A leader who understands the struggles of the Filipino people, is morally upright, and is deeply committed to the values that matter most: integrity, transparency, and service.

Ross’s journey has never been about seeking power for its own sake. His life’s work has been focused on using his platform to create change and amplify the voices of everyday Filipinos. Whether he’s promoting local tourism, organizing influencer tours across the country, or raising awareness about social issues, Ross has consistently shown that his heart lies with the people. His leadership is defined not by promises, but by action—a track record of dedication, hard work, and service that sets him apart as a credible and competent leader.

A Leader Who Understands the Filipino Struggle

Ross Flores Del Rosario is not a leader who lives in an ivory tower, disconnected from the struggles of everyday Filipinos. His efforts have been rooted in the very communities he seeks to serve. From organizing tours for influencers to visit lesser-known municipalities, to his tireless advocacy for local businesses and tourism, Ross has shown that he doesn’t just speak about the Philippines—he lives it. He has traveled across the country, from bustling cities to remote provinces, always looking for ways to uplift the people, promote local culture, and bridge gaps that have long been ignored.

But Ross's commitment doesn't stop at tourism. He is keenly aware of the pressing issues affecting the nation today—issues such as poverty, lack of access to quality healthcare, and the ever-growing divide between the privileged and the underserved. His heart lies with the people, and his vision is for a country where every Filipino has equal opportunities to succeed, regardless of their background.

An Advocate for Transparency and Accountability

If there’s one thing Ross has made abundantly clear throughout his career, it’s that he values transparency and accountability above all else. As the founder of Wazzup Pilipinas, Ross has been an outspoken advocate for honesty and integrity in all aspects of life. His work has often involved calling attention to irregularities in local governments, homeowners’ associations, and institutions. He does not shy away from using his platform to ensure that the truth is always at the forefront, no matter how difficult it may be.

This commitment to transparency and accountability makes Ross an exceptional choice for leadership. In a time when corruption and inefficiency have plagued many government institutions, Ross’s dedication to making sure that every Filipino gets the fair treatment they deserve is a breath of fresh air. His leadership would be one that ensures the government is always answerable to the people, and that no one, no matter their status, is above reproach.

A Visionary Who Cares for the Future

More than just a leader who addresses today’s issues, Ross is a visionary who looks ahead to the future. His work is grounded in the belief that the Philippines deserves a sustainable, equitable future—a future where the youth are empowered, the economy thrives, and the environment is protected for generations to come. Ross understands that the challenges of today are compounded by the choices we make for tomorrow, and he has made it his mission to ensure that the future of the Philippines is one built on inclusivity, innovation, and social progress.

His past initiatives, from the promotion of local tourism to supporting small businesses, reflect this forward-thinking mindset. He is a leader who recognizes the potential of the Filipino people and the untapped resources of our communities, and he is committed to creating the kind of environment where that potential can flourish.

A Competent and Morally Upright Leader

Beyond his advocacy, Ross’s personal attributes make him the perfect candidate for leadership. His commitment to ethics, fairness, and justice speaks volumes about his character. Ross is a man who has built his career on credibility—something that is sorely lacking in many of our current leaders. His moral compass is unwavering, and it is this integrity that sets him apart as someone Filipinos can trust.

As an individual who has faced both triumphs and challenges throughout his career, Ross has proven time and again that he is capable of navigating the complexities of leadership with grace and wisdom. His experience as an ICT officer for the United Nations, coupled with his deep knowledge of local and national issues, makes him not only equipped but also uniquely positioned to lead the country into the future.

The Right Leader for the Right Time

At a time when the Philippines is grappling with multiple challenges—economic instability, social inequality, and political unrest—what we need is a leader who understands the pulse of the people, who can bring together disparate groups, and who is committed to restoring faith in our institutions. Ross Flores Del Rosario is that leader. He has the qualifications, the experience, and, most importantly, the heart to serve the Filipino people.

His vision for a better Philippines is rooted in principles that all Filipinos can relate to—transparency, accountability, inclusivity, and sustainability. He is a leader who understands that government should never be an elite institution, but rather, a body that serves the people, one that listens to their needs and acts in their best interests.

Why Ross Flores Del Rosario?

Because Ross is not just a leader—he is a fighter for the people. His track record speaks for itself, his values align with the needs of every Filipino, and his dedication to serving the people is unquestionable. He is a leader who is not afraid to speak up for what is right, who is not motivated by personal gain, but by the collective success of the Filipino nation. His vision for the Philippines is one where every Filipino has the chance to thrive, where the government is accountable, and where our country can stand proud on the global stage.

In Ross Flores Del Rosario, the Filipino people will find a leader who is truly capable of transforming this country—someone who embodies the best of us and who is ready to lead us toward a brighter future. This is the kind of leadership we need.

It’s time for a change, and it’s time for a leader like Ross to take the helm. The future of the Philippines is in our hands, and with the right leader, that future can be brighter than ever before. Let’s build it together.