A Nation at a Crossroads: Will Filipinos Fall for the Same Political Playbook?

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Our country stands at the edge of a political dilemma, one that presents two unappealing choices: embracing the return of a political family we once rejected or allowing another round of political manipulation to dictate our future. It’s a troubling scenario where neither option seems truly acceptable, yet here we are—once again caught in the cycle of deception and false promises.

History Repeats Itself?

Isinuka na pero kinain ulit—this perfectly describes the political narrative unfolding before us. If the surveys are to be believed, many Filipinos are once again poised to place their trust in the Duterte family and their senatorial lineup, despite the controversies, failures, and issues that marred their previous tenure.

Let’s not forget: it was former President Rodrigo Duterte who paved the way for the return of the Marcos family to the highest seat of power. By allowing the burial of Ferdinand Marcos Sr. at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, he effectively rewrote history, legitimizing a regime that was once condemned for its human rights abuses and plunder.

But now, with President Bongbong Marcos distancing himself from the Dutertes, the once-allied families seem to be at odds. The question is: should Filipinos continue supporting political figures who, at the end of the day, are merely playing a game of power and influence at our expense?

Team Suka vs. Team Toyo—Or a Better Alternative?

We are once again faced with the choice of aligning with either of these two powerful camps—or rejecting them altogether. Should we let them fight among themselves while we seek a new and genuinely capable leadership? It’s time to seriously consider the alternative: electing leaders outside these entrenched political dynasties.

Filipinos have a tendency to favor celebrities and household names over competent policymakers, and history has shown that this approach has led to underwhelming governance. We now have senators like Robin Padilla, Lito Lapid, and Bong Revilla—figures better known for their film and television careers than their legislative track record. And with new aspirants like Willie Revillame and Philip Salvador eyeing public office, the risk of further diluting the quality of governance remains high.

It’s not about educational attainment alone; it’s about proven leadership and ability. If a candidate lacks both the experience and the commitment to real reform, then they deserve zero votes from the electorate.

The Vicious Cycle of Traditional Politics

Political dynasties and the prevalence of trapos (traditional politicians) continue to plague our country. Governance in the Philippines has long been controlled by political syndicates, treating public service as a family business rather than a responsibility to the people. This is the real problem we need to confront: how do we break free from this cycle?

As Filipinos, we must ask ourselves:

Do we really want to be fooled again by the same political figures who have failed us before?

Are we ready to take a stand against political dynasties and celebrity candidates with no clear vision?

Will we allow ourselves to be mere spectators in this political circus, or will we actively shape the nation’s future?

A Call for a Smarter Electorate

The frustration is real, and so is the urgency. We cannot afford to keep making the same mistakes. The time for critical thinking and informed voting is now. Let’s break the cycle and demand genuine leaders who can bring real change.

The Philippines deserves better. The question is: are we ready to make it happen?

‘Mga Mukhang Adik’: The Impact of Criticizing Physical Appearance in Philippine Politics

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

"Nowadays, many Filipino voters choose candidates mostly based on how they look, without looking into their backgrounds or qualifications. This often leads to bullying of candidates who may not be conventionally attractive, even though they could be great leaders. This shows a problem where people focus on appearances instead of important qualities like skills and honesty."

"But it's the lowest level of campaigning if you focus on the physical appearances and not on the capabilities and integrity of the candidates."

"Very irrelevant remarks! This is what happens when politics becomes circus..Some good people seemingly lose integrity when joining the politics."

"Mudslinging, an old tactic. However, did he state anything regarding his plans and platform for his constituents? That is the one that should be highlighted in order to know if they have any plans for their territory. Dapat dun tayo sa may matinong plano! Dapat masabi nila kung anong problema ng kanilang kinasasakupan! Kung may thesis defense bago maka-graduate, dapat ganun din tayo sa kanila."

"This is his level of discourse? What is your platform of government? What have you done so far? Puro pamimintas lang ang alam ninyo. So ikaw, guwapo? Kaya dapat kang iboto? The more I will not vote for you. You are an empty shell."

"Politics change people or is it the people who change politics. Remarks like these may it be hyperbole or just a joke to make people laugh is not funny. If you want to be funny, work in a comedy bar not in government service."

"Cheap kind of campaigning, talk about your achievements/ plan and programs."

"This is not a good example of a leader.. pang display lang pala siya, walang laman ang ulo? Meron pala kundi hangin..if we cannot speak nicely to a person, we have a problem."

"Bonus na lang po sir if maganda physical attributes, mas mahalaga po character, integrity at past performance."

Recently, a viral video on social media showed actor-turned-politician Alfred Vargas allegedly mocking the physical appearance of his political rivals in the upcoming elections. The incident sparked various reactions from the public and entertainment industry figures.

Public and Celebrity Reactions

A well-known showbiz insider and talent manager expressed his shock over the video. In a Facebook post, he shared the footage of Vargas standing on stage with his supporters and fellow candidates. According to a report, the showbiz writer seemed surprised at Vargas’ behavior during the campaign. 

The Culture of Criticizing Physical Appearance in Politics

This incident sheds light on a deeper issue in Philippine politics—where a candidate’s physical looks often become a topic of discussion rather than their platforms and qualifications. A study conducted by the Institute for Political and Electoral Reform in 1995 found that Filipino voters tend to be influenced by personal traits rather than concrete plans and policies. 

The Impact on Voter Decisions

Such a campaign strategy can mislead voters into focusing on trivial aspects of a candidate rather than assessing their competence, integrity, and accomplishments. When attention is diverted to appearance rather than leadership skills, it increases the chances of electing officials based solely on popularity instead of capability.

A Call for More Meaningful Discourse

Many citizens are calling for a more substantial and issue-based discussion during election campaigns. Instead of attacking their rivals’ physical features, candidates should focus on presenting concrete plans and solutions for their constituents. This approach not only respects voters but also helps them make informed decisions based on a candidate’s actual qualifications and leadership potential.

Conclusion

The controversy surrounding Alfred Vargas serves as a reminder that politics should not be a platform for mockery and personal attacks. Instead, it should encourage meaningful discussions about national and local issues and how candidates plan to address them. Voters are urged to be more discerning and prioritize policies and competence over superficial qualities, ensuring that elected leaders are truly capable of serving the people.

The Impact of "Takaw-Mata" on Food Waste

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In the Philippines, food waste is a pressing issue. A 2024 report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) revealed that Filipino households generate approximately 2.95 million tonnes of food waste annually, equating to about 26 kilograms per person. This figure, while a decrease from previous years, still underscores the substantial amount of food being discarded.​

Rice, the nation's staple food, exemplifies the consequences of "takaw-mata." The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) reported that Filipinos waste around P7.2 billion worth of rice each year. This wastage is often due to individuals serving more rice than they can consume, especially during events where an abundance of food is available. Such practices not only lead to economic losses but also exacerbate food insecurity, as the wasted rice could have fed approximately 2.5 million people annually. ​

Personal Reflection: A "Takaw-Mata" Experience

Consider a scenario where you visit a popular supermarket and are enticed by the sight of a large New York-style bacon and mushroom pizza. Despite knowing your appetite, you purchase the entire pizza, consuming only two slices and storing the rest. Alongside, you buy roasted chicken and a pack of six sizable blueberry muffins, anticipating future meals. The following day, still satiated from the previous night's indulgence, you find yourself uninterested in the leftovers. This situation exemplifies "takaw-mata," where the allure of food leads to over-purchasing and potential waste.

Strategies to Combat "Takaw-Mata" and Reduce Food Waste

Addressing the "takaw-mata" mentality requires conscious efforts and practical measures:

Mindful Portioning: Serve food in modest amounts, allowing for additional servings if still hungry. This practice helps prevent plate waste and encourages mindful eating.

Proper Food Storage: 

Store leftovers correctly to maintain freshness and extend shelf life, making it more likely they will be consumed later.

Creative Use of Leftovers: 

Transform surplus food into new dishes. For instance, leftover roasted chicken can be repurposed into sandwiches, salads, or soups.

Educational Campaigns: 

Support initiatives that raise awareness about the implications of food waste and promote responsible consumption. PhilRice, for example, advocates for serving half-cup portions of rice to minimize waste.

Policy Support: 

Encourage policies that address food wastage, such as legislation promoting smaller serving sizes in restaurants or programs facilitating the donation of excess food to those in need.

Conclusion

The "takaw-mata" phenomenon highlights the broader issue of food waste in the Philippines. By adopting mindful consumption habits, proper food management, and supporting educational and policy initiatives, individuals can play a pivotal role in reducing food waste. This collective effort not only conserves resources and saves money but also addresses food insecurity, ensuring that the food on our tables fulfills its ultimate purpose—nourishing people.