Ramblings

By the look of things, most of the candidates who would be declared winners by the end of next week's elections would surprisingly still be, uhm, politicians - people engaged in politics. Now, is it that bad to be called as such?

Let us just consult the web for definitions of politics and maybe you'll find one that best applies to Filipinos.

My favorite? It is this one. (Read it and laugh - then weep because it's true)

(Does this have anything to do with Zaki, yes and no? Yes, because Zaki has become familiar with the names and even the gestures of the candidates based on the multitude of TV ads they have. And No. Because she is still to young to endorse a candidate, unless it is Peter Parker and with a bit of arm-twisting, she might get to do an ad for Kapatiran!)

Another one.

The issue of Corruption. Where does it start?

I know it starts with people who enter politics brimming with ideals but somehow end up addicted to the power and its trappings. It is a good time to examine it now especially with the inexplicably, horrible waste of money being put into TV ads. Just how much do these people want the position could only be answered by the amount of wealth poured into the TV ads. No wonder almost all would be filling their own coffers upon getting elected since campaigns are really costly. A TV ad costs approximately 40 million pesos as one candidate admitted. Imagine if this money just went directly to services.

Another sad fact is that those who are deserving yet have no money are just wasting their time. Better yet, rig a poll or a survey, and it might just do the trick even without the ads. I do believe it somehow affects voting strategies but it is a different matter altogether.

TV stations are part of the problem. Why? They are party to the 'prelude to corruption'. Unless, they give equal share to all (except the nuisance, but who isn't), they are unknowingly biased given the amount of air time they allot (and earn) for these ads. Are they being fair? Or is it just about business? Is it really service to to the electorate or the wealthy candidate?

Whereto? Web. And even in our own little way, we hope to contribute to genuine progress and selfless regard to Filipino welfare.

Nuff said.