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Ascending Philippines: Choose Wisely for a Brighter Future.

The media are essential to democracy, and a democratic election is impossible without media. A free and fair election is not only about the freedom to vote and the knowledge of how to cast a vote, but also about a participatory process where voters engage in public debate and have adequate information about parties, policies, candidates and the election process itself in order to make informed choices. 

While they have names that describe them as “nationalist”, “democratic”, and “liberal”, the various Philippine political parties are far from being ideological organisations. Instead they are viewed as “catch-all” parties that seek to generate support from all sectors of society. 

As a DevCom student and a catalyst for change, It is one of our job to educate people about choosing the right candidates to lead our nation without any biases. WHO DO YOU CHOOSE TO BE THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES? 

RUNNING CANDIDATES AND THEIR PLATFORMS:

1. ABELLA, ERNIE

Ernie Abella, 72, is a businessman, writer, and pastor who is a long-time supporter of President Rodrigo Duterte. He also briefly served as the president’s spokesperson.

- Governance

- Access to services.

2. DE GUZMAN, LEODY

Leody de Guzman, 61, is an activist and labor leader who has pushed for policies to secure the rights and welfare of workers since 1984. 

- Health; Pandemic Response

- Worker’s rights and welfare

- Climate

- Security

- Economy; Income Inequality

3. DOMAGOSO, ISKO MORENO

Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso is the incumbent mayor of the City of Manila.

- Public Infrastructure for basic needs, social services and health.

- COVID-19 response: Vaccine hesitancy

- Countryside development and construction of tourism circuit.

- Education in far-flung areas.

- Peace and order

4. GONZALES, NORBERTO

Norberto B. Gonzales, 74, is an avowed democratic-socialist, whose long career spans activism and union organizing, peace talks negotiation and national security adviser, defense secretary and presidential chief of staff appointments under the Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo administration.

- Agriculture

- Health; COVID-19

- Administrative Priorities

- National Security

5. LACSON, PINGINDEPENDENT

Ping Lacson, 73, has served in the legislative and executive branches of the government for over 40 years. He is currently serving his third term in the Senate.

- Anti-corruption; Budget reform

- Anti-Insurgency

- Economic recovery; support for industries

- Digitization

- Health; COVID-19 pandemic

6. MANGONDATO, FAISAL

Faisal Mangondato is a businessman who is running as the standard-bearer of the Katipunan ng Kamalayang Kayumanggi party.

- Improve Political system

- Economy; labor

- Crime; Justice

- Family; Social issues

- Environment

7. MARCOS, BONGBONG

Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., 64, son and namesake of the late ousted dictator, was elected unopposed into vice gubernatorial seats in Ilocos Norte at the height of his father’s regime in 1980, and eventually into congressional seats representing the same province after his family’s return to the Philippines in 1991.

- Health and COVID-19 pandemic

- Anti-Insurgency

- Law and Order

- Environment and Climate Change

- Disaster Risk Reduction Management

8. MONTEMAYOR JOSE JR

Jose Montemayor Jr. works primarily as a cardiologist at major hospitals. He claims to bring a medical, legal and economics background to the presidential race and his first campaign for public office.

- Anti-Crime

- COVID-19 response

- Effecient governance

- West Philippine Sea

- Sectoral Reforms

9. PACQUIAO, MANNY PACMAN

Manny Pacquiao is a Philippine legislator who has served in both chambers of Congress since 2010.

- COVID-19 PANDEMIC

-Anti-Corruption

10. ROBREDO, LENI

Leni Robredo, 56, is currently serving as the 14th vice president of the Philippines.

- Restore trust in government

- Boost strength of Philippine industries

- Support small business

- End workplace discrimination

- Support the unemployed and out-of-work

With this year’s polls, the Philippines can anticipate another political reset through a new clutch of leaders. Hopefully the next administration will work to address the adverse features of Philippine politics and push for institutional reforms that will make democracy work for its people.

In order to fulfill and create a better country, CHOOSE WISELY! DO NOT LET YOURSELF SUPPORT VOTE BUYING.

SOURCES:

- Vote Pilipinas (2020), Presidential Candidates Profiles https://votepilipinas.com/candidates-president.html

- Lowly Institute (2022), Philippine elections and the politics behind it https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/philippine-elections-and-politics-behind-it

-Ace project (2022), Media and Election https://aceproject.org/ace-en/topics/me/onePage