Collegial Statement

Dear Kabayan,

As you may have already noticed, from the gigantic posters you see lining our streets, the campaign caravans traveling through your local thoroughfares, the house-to-house handshaking and disingenuous smiles from certain candidates, never ending political commercials you will be hearing and reading, and numerous public meetings, free entertainment shows and “miting de avance” from candidates seeking your vote, the campaign season has already begun and in full swing.

You most likely have been approached or will be approached by your local barangay and be urged to vote for a particular candidate or slate and with that urging be offered “ayuda” (financial gift or assistance) to buy your vote. If you say no to this offer or decline to follow their favored candidate or slate, then intimidating you and/or your family with future acts of harm and reprisal will be their alternative tactic. Although both these acts are illegal, it is public knowledge that these acts have long been the modus operandi that certain candidates use to insure their victory.

Why is so much money, resources and time being spent by the candidates seeking your vote kabayan?Because in spite of all the wealth and power these candidates have, when it comes to election time, they are only entitled to one vote. Yes kabayan, only one vote – the same as your one vote. You may be poor, an ordinary citizen, little to no education and living in a distant rural area but in this upcoming election the value of your vote is equal to any other’s. And because everyone is entitled to only one vote, to win an election, candidates will need to seek your vote and offer whatever they believe will win your favor. This is one of the most important features of a democracy – one person, one vote.

You might say that candidates can always cheat and manipulate the results and this has happened before. And when this happens will your vote still matter? True, this has happened before but more and more people, nowadays, are becoming more observant and vigilant to these acts of cheating. Cheating has increasingly been more difficult to do amidst a growing and vigilant citizenry. Most of us have cellphones that can capture and expose these illegal acts and report them.

Kabayan, an estimated 68 million Filipino voters will be voting on May 12, 2025. 18,000 officials are going to be elected: 12 senators, 254 district representatives, 63 party-list representatives, and 17,942 governors, provincial board members, mayors, and councilors. There will be candidates who are not rich and corrupt – they will not have the money to offer “ayuda” nor promise you the stars for your vote. The only thing they will offer is their track record of selfless service to the people – seek them and offer your support.

Kabayan, be the hero our country needs to rise up from poverty, indifference and injustice – make your vote count this May. Vote for the candidate who you believe can truly lift up our people from the shackles of poverty and hopelessness.