Once again, it is election season. In our city, political camps are publicly declaring their alliances. What’s particularly interesting is the revelation of the administration and the senators they are fielding. Some have called this a rather amusing spectacle, while those who remain loyal are hopeful that the next set of legislators will bring light to the Senate. With that said, we are indeed in for a long ride as this election season kicks into high gear.
The Commission on Elections, for its part, is also seeking ways to address law violators in the digital landscape. However, it is constrained by election laws that have not been updated. The en banc's memoranda and other recommendations are currently under consideration, and vigilance will be implemented on the Internet. Although the execution of these measures is somewhat uncertain and experimental, we remain hopeful that they will deliver what is expected of them.
It will undoubtedly be trickier, given the type of candidates the administration is fielding for the senatorial bid. The most striking candidates for me are the former presidential aspirants who seem to have conceded to the current leadership. They are once again trying their hand at clinching a national position by vying for the Senate. Both Ping Lacson and Manny Pacquiao were notable figures during the 2022 elections; at one point, they aimed to eliminate each other from the presidential race to ensure their own victories. Today, they are forging alliances with the very person who was once their opponent.
There are also some newcomers on this slate. For instance, Representative Camille Villar and Mayor Abby Binay of Makati are notable additions. Villar is recognized for her decision to deny a television network a fresh franchise. Her face is familiar to many, as she has repeatedly urged us to stay safe on the road. The Binays, on the other hand, are no strangers to the political arena. Abby takes after her sister Nancy, who has chaired several notable committees in the past. This could represent a classic case of the need to maintain the family name in power, a common denominator for both.
Meanwhile, the opposition bloc is also selecting individuals who will effectively represent their ideals in the Senate. This will be particularly challenging, as it is traditional for voters to choose candidates endorsed by the President. His endorsement can set the tone for whose names will appear on the ballot. Village leaders who have tried to oppose this trend may have faced difficulties in implementing their projects in the past.
We cannot say for certain if this trend still holds true today. Participating in elections is an exercise of one’s democratic rights. Those observing us from the outside often claim that we are fortunate to live in a democracy. Little do they know that we remain vigilant and on our toes once officials are elected to their positions. I wonder when that will ever change. All the candidates and those involved in the polls would need more than an ounce of luck.