The going rate differs depending on the position at stake, the geographic area, and the proximity to actual election day. The currency may be money, goods, or favors. But it’s a reality that vote buying does occur in the Philippines, and those who get away with it are not any less capable than those who are actually caught doing so, even disqualified for it.
It’s been a bane of Philippine politics for ages. Someone (politician) wants something (votes) from another (voters). “Someone” will do anything to please “another” in order to get what “someone” wants. “Another” is in need of things (money, goods, or favors). Thus, “someone” will make sure that “another” does their bidding, so “someone” provides these “things.” It’s easy and transactional, and moreover, fundamental.
No matter how commonplace the practice is, the damage to our democracy and national psyche is untold. In an ideal world, people elect those who they believe have the qualifications that would render them capable of performing the demands of the government post they are applying to. Many factors, however, come into play in making this decision, so that the people end up electing not the best person for the job, but the one who most appeals to them and who affects them in a personal way. “Appeal” and “personal” could be massaged in various ways.
As a result, we keep getting the same group of people who set out to recoup their investments once they get elected into office. They show themselves generous and magnanimous, misleading their constituents that they are helping them out of the goodness of their hearts. In fact, what they are using are government funds, intended for that very purpose.
The practice will never change for so long as politicians are rewarded for their vote-buying activities. It could take generations before those seeking public office actually realize that the job they want is one of public service, not self-glorification.
Voters should not be held hostage by the despicable tradition.
Let them trip over themselves trying to buy votes. It should not follow that votes must be sold. Vote buying shows an utter lack of respect for one’s constituents. It allows for impunity among candidates – gives them an incentive to slack off instead of doing heir jobs.
Times are difficult for people, and many Filipino voters do need many things to survive from day to day. But it does not mean that they should reward the politicians by giving them their precious votes. It might be second nature to many candidates to try to buy their way into office, but an enlightened citizenry does not necessarily need to sell.