WHY WISELY NEVER WINS

Have you ever wondered why despite the constant reminders to Vote Wisely during election time, we seemingly end up with corrupt leaders? The way things are going, it looks like the culture of commercialism, entertainment and gossip are catching up on us.

Commercial television networks prioritize showbiz gossip and tele-novelas in their primetime grid and place the “intelligent” programs that could teach the public to think in their late night slots when almost everyone is dozing off to dreamland. They send a very clear message that minding other people’s business and gawking on the glitz and glamour of the actors and actresses sporting perfect smiles and bods should be everybody’s priority over pondering about the realities of society and the issues that affect our future. But most of us are so clueless.

It is no wonder a majority of our people go for the candidates presented in the bombardment of glossy ads infused with a heavy dose of emotional appeal to blur our sensibilities. Some would rather seek salvation from the former businessman who claims to grow up in the slums and dared to dream big. They turn a blind eye to the fact that the so-called ex-pauper studied in a private Catholic School and graduated college from a premiere university. Worse, he uses his influence to manipulate stocks to his advantage.

Some would rather believe in the son of two fallen heroes on the pretext that he would protect the honor of his parents and would not dare take the crooked road. Never mind if he wasted people’s taxes by spending most of his time in Congress playing video games and riding off with his colleagues efforts by co-authoring bills just so he could claim he did something. But when the time came to prove his faithfulness to the causes that his parents died for, his courage and sense of justice failed as poor farmers fighting for a decent life were murdered in his very own yard. He did not have the guts to stand up for the truth and defend the helpless on the excuse that he only holds a small share in the family business. Since when did stocks had to do anything with moral responsibility?

Some would rather vote for the intelligent option who happens to be a first cousin of the other candidate and co-owns the infamous hacienda that shed farmers’ blood. Never mind if his sense of loyalty wavered when his political aspirations were jeopardized. He jumped ship to the administration side for the presidential bid even if his own uncle helped groom his career. The tra-pos hailed the bold move only to be disillusioned after he quit the chairmanship of the leading party in answer to the screaming headlines that the anointment of the current president was a curse to his popularity ratings.

Some would rather settle for the gambler and womanizer who had no second thoughts in legalizing massive gambling as an answer to the poor’s lack of livelihood and empty stomachs. Never mind if he was imprisoned for accepting jueteng money, did not take responsibility of the crime and instead, claimed innocence as a victim of political maneuvers.

It does not help at all that the surveys affirm the public’s popular choices downplaying the fact that they merely reflect a very small percentage of the electorate. And of course, were unwilling to reveal who finances the very expensive research procedures and studies. Any businessman in his right mind would not shell out millions of pesos for months on end in the name of public service. Hello!

We, Filipinos have this saying, “Ang taong nakikinig sa sabi-sabi ay walang bait sa sarili.” Translated loosely, it means “a man who believes in hearsay is insane.” We might not be told straight face that we are choosing illusion over reality and voting poorly not Wisely but the great conspiracy of crass commercialism and the culture of gossip are messing with our minds again. The media, advertisers and survey companies are subconsciously dictating on us that the candidates who make their coffers fat are the right choices for us.

It is two days before D-day and majority of us are all set on our presidential choices. It is pretty obvious that Wisely won’t make the charts, leaving our fate to the hands of illusion again… not if Vote Wisely is given a chance in the final stretch. Then and only then are we set to travel the real straight and narrow road to progress and ensure the bright future of our children.