Halalan 2022: What can we do for our families?

With the election season creating a buzz, political issues and various electoral candidates seem to be hot topics in every Filipino household as well as in social media. Along with this, it is perceived that the proliferation of fake news and misinformation on election and political topics could potentially jeopardize the ability of an individual to vote for worthy candidates. Thus, the main concern lies on the primary motivation of the voters in electing their candidates. The Filipino family is directly involved in these affairs. Every Filipino is part of the vote as they are also the decision-makers of the society that will choose the Philippines ’ next leaders. Many people have even proudly advocated for their chosen candidates, encouraged people to vote, and shared facts about each one as a way of convincing those who are unsure to vote for that candidate as well. Some of them have even volunteered to do house-to-house campaigning and gave out campaign materials out of their own will. Furthermore, there is an inner aspiration among all of them to experience good governance and to be led by worthy and qualified leaders in order for them to secure a better future for their children and their families.

But at the same time, there are also other people who have shared misinformation and fake news by spreading hate and lies towards those who disagree with them like black propaganda and false negativity. There has been a rise in the number of paid trolls which have exacerbated the spread of false information to the advantage of unworthy candidates. According to Rappler (2022), the Meta platform has already taken down 400 facebook accounts, pages, and groups that were involved in disinformation and hate speech ahead of the Philippine elections. Along with this, although some politicians vehemently deny cases of vote buying, actual videos and some witnesses certify that this act is still prevalent with the giving of envelopes and bags full of goodies.

"... there is an inner aspiration among all of them to experience good governance..."

One of the reasons why some people accept the small amount of money from their involvement in these unscrupulous deeds is for their family—to provide for their basic needs even for a very short while.

Furthermore, this makes the voting scene quite complicated and tainted with anomalies which has been a constant issue in Philippine politics and elections for many years. One thing to recognize when voting is that a single vote has a long-lasting impact for the years to come. The future of the Philippines is in the hands of those in power, and voting the right candidate dictates the future of every Filipino. The person who is seated in power will lead our country for the next six years. You do not vote just for yourself, but for your children, and the future of your nation. If it is the desire of everyone for the youth to grow up in an inclusive, safe, and supportive environment, choosing the right leaders, especially the presidential candidate, is part of that.

A general look at the various motives of people in voting stems down to the main motivation of aiming for the betterment and attainment of a promising future for every family. Whether Filipinos engage in a clean, honest, and peaceful election through positive campaigning or others being involved in unprincipled deeds like fake news and negative campaigning, the primary drive will always be for the benefit of the family. ’t it be better to have a leader that values integrity and love which are also the core principles in a family instead of being a peddler of misinformation? May it be engraved into everyone ’ s heart and minds that every vote has a huge value as this dictates the future of every Filipino family based on the leaders ’ capacities and principles in leading the country. We need a leader that will put the Filipino family ’ s needs at the forefront of his or her agenda.

We need a leader that will put the Filipino family’s needs at the forefront of his or her agenda.

It is important to stress that whether it may be the election season or not, families should be encouraged to have open discussions about politics with their children and with other people. It is necessary not to dictate what others think, but truths and facts should be constantly provided. Encourage an open mind with them, and everyone must be free to critique their potential future leaders all throughout their term. It is vital to have a leader that is in line with the principles of everyone as moral human beings. Many families are hesitant in bringing up these discussions with each other, and they say that politics does not matter. But sadly, everything in life is political. Everyone has responsibilities as citizens to vote wisely, and to educate people on making the right decision. It is important to remember that a single vote is powerful since the future of various families relies on electing a trustworthy leader.

Rappler. (2022, April 7). Meta removes Facebook accounts to tackle disinformation ahead of PH polls. Retrieved from Rappler: https://www.rappler.com/nation/elections/meta-removes-facebookaccounts-tackle-disinformation-philippine-elections/

The Filipino family has always been resilient,so may that resiliency be used to bounce back with a great set of leaders.