Vote buying has become an unfortunate norm in the context of Filipino elections. In nearly every election cycle, political candidates use to directly distribute money and goods to voters in an attempt to win their support. While the practice is illegal, enforcement is lax, and the sums involved have only increased over time. Many voters are swayed by the allure of financial incentives rather than candidates who genuinely want to serve the people and their communities. This prevalent practice raises a crucial question: Can we truly expect progress if our mindset is centered on personal gain rather than societal improvement? 

This heinous practice has far-reaching negative consequences. When votes are literally up for grabs, it allows self-serving politicians to gain power without having to provide meaningful solutions to the public’s problems. Candidates who want to help communities and make positive changes have a hard time competing when voters feel pressure to support those giving out money right away. People are satisfied now but don’t think about the future. The same political families stay in power generation after generation. Corruption grows stronger over time too.

People are satisfied now but don’t think about the future.

The worst part is how this teaches people, especially the young. If they grow up only seeing vote buying as normal, then voting becomes just about what’s in it for them personally, not about picking the best leader. Why make an informed choice when cash is a more direct reward? This damages any hope of developing voters who care most about what’s good for the country in the long run, not their short-term gains. As long as buying votes continues, political discussion will stay shallow and leadership will not improve much. It is easy to blame politicians for the lack of progress in the Philippines. However, it is essential to acknowledge that the responsibility ultimately lies with the voters. The freedom to choose leaders who genuinely care about the people’s welfare rests in the hands of the electorate.

To break this cycle and make democracy achieve its true goals, as voters we must change our thinking. We must always select a true leader who can help our country succeed. Stricter laws against vote buying with rules to properly enforce them need to happen. This will discourage the practice. Education starting from a young age about democratic values like having a say, leaders being responsible, and communities working together is important. This could help create a long-lasting understanding of the principles of voting. 

It will take combined efforts in both tough rules and changed mindsets to finally break free from the norm of vote buying. Leadership, education, and community support working together are critically needed to fully realise democracy’s goals in how elections function.

Can we truly expect progress if our mindset is centered on personal gain rather than societal improvement?

With dedicated effort from all sectors of society, the deep-rooted issue of vote-buying may gradually loosen its grip. But real progress depends on internalising democracy’s true spirit of prioritising society’s well-being through informed votes rather than momentary financial gain. The future of good governance in the Philippines rests on making that vital shift in public consciousness.