What a twenty peso bill is worth

It came as a shock to me when I did a little research on vote buying in the Philippines - It started in the 1950s. This was the time when Ramon Magsaysay ran for the presidency and reports were received that money has been distributed to lure the citizens into voting for the candidates. Then and there, concerned citizens created the National Movement for Free Elections or NAMFREL. The job of the NAMFREL was to act as poll watchers during the election. But it never really did much.

"Blessings of Goodness" is the term referred to the money given out during election time. It is as if to say that the politicians are kind enough to share what they have to the people. But we all know the story - Take my money and vote for me.

According to the COMELEC, there are two types of vote buying: positive and negative. The former asks the citizens to vote for them and the latter asks the citizens not to vote for a specific candidate both in exchange for money. The NAMFREL also conducted a study as to those who receive money in exchange for votes. The number one receivers of money are those aged 25 to 29. Yet, first time voters also do not say no to a couple of bucks.

This culture of buying votes from people is a phase, says Political Science professor Richard Fernandez. Fernandez says that in time this will go away just like how Malaysia, Japan and even the United States got over theirs. But what is this vicious cycle that has been going on more than 50 years ago?

We could look at the angle that Filipinos are very respectful. We accept whatever is given to us out of courtesy. That is why there is a gut feeling battling with our ethics every time something is offered. However, we can also look at the side of poverty. We cannot deny that a few twenty peso bills could help feed a hungry mouth even if it is just for a day. But yet, our dignity has been sold.

Still, I'd like to believe there is hope unto changing this culture of the Filipinos. It is backward and implies that we are very cheap, only worth a few peso bills. I know that this year's election is different. As compared to the 2010 and 2007 elections, this one is the most talked about on radio, television and even on the internet. Netizens are on the lookout and are discussing issues concerning the candidates. Even social media sites are used to campaign where feedback is easy.

On the side of the COMELEC, they have done their part in preparing for a safe and clean election. I've been a firsthand witness at their lectures, training, forums and testing. Simultaneously, non-government organizations and youth groups are committing themselves to be on the lookout for politicians who try to sabotage this year's elections.

In a news report, there have been 56 politically motivated deaths already. Let us be alarmed.

How could we let money, time and energy go to waste? A twenty peso bill is not worth a shade. Nothing is worth of your vote. Not even a soul.