#Halalan2022 will not save us

Opinion by Alab Mirasol Ayroso

Graphics by Jeri Latorre & Christian Robic Hermosa

The current political situation has pushed the limit of many of those previously apolitical. With the recent legislative actions that infringe on public interest amidst a pandemic, such as the passing of the Terror Law and the ABS-CBN franchise non-renewal, outrage is seen both on the streets and online. As the Twitter hashtag #Halalan2022 trended, Filipinos were quick to promote politicians who were deemed worthy to be voted into position, in hopes of freeing us from the failures and wrongdoers of the current administration.

While it may seem empowering as democracy is ideally held in the palms of the people, the failure to recognize that the system is what needs changing (not the people in charge) dooms us to the unending cycle of oppression we have been facing for a long time.

Elections are not the end-all and be-all of change. It is a choice between the major political parties predominated by landlords and compradors with business interests. Elections maintain the illusion of a democratic leadership brought by a new face where in fact, regardless of the winning party, the power remains in the same hands.

The issues plaguing the Duterte regime—tyranny, treason, and plunder—are all deeply rooted in our history of colonization, and the imperial control over the rule of corrupt officials. The lack of integrity of government positions dates back to the Spanish era, where offices were awarded based on patronage or were auctioned off to the highest bidders. Those who even had the slightest chance of being elected consisted purely of hacienderos or allies of the Spaniards.

Even now, as an independent state, positions are still kept to those who can afford it. The financial influence of the landlord and comprador class has over the campaigns of those who are running for positions dictates the outcomes of elections. These elite-serving candidates transform into monkeys parading their wealth with loud catchy jingles and pretty faces on advertisements meanwhile, the genuine leaders with no financial advantage have no chance in competing with them. Expenses for these campaigns are costly, and are paid for by those in the ruling class, and in turn the elected officials are under the influence of those who funded them as seen with Duterte's cabinet with seats appointed to businessmen who also happen to be in his list of contributors to his campaign.

This unjust system doesn't end with elections, nor does it end when they lose their position. This is exemplified with former president Joseph Estrada who despite being charged guilty with plunder and perjury in 2001, was able to run and take the position of Mayor of Manila in 2013. He was granted executive clemency by former president Gloria Arroyo in 2007 who, guess what, was also tried for plunder! In the same manner, the former president was able to resume in power as she was put into position as the house speaker representative in 2018. The same goes for the Marcoses, even with all the proof and records, still hold positions in the congress plus a guilty Imelda with no arrests in sight. Literally none of them had to face the consequences and all got to walk away scot-free.

As long as this kind of structure is kept to the current ruling classes, no genuine change to the character of the government in its entirety will happen. Elections don't work because the ones who win are the rich and powerful. They have the means to manipulate the electoral process and once they are in office they can form even more nefarious networks to keep them in power.

The two years we have to 2022 is not for us to wait for the elections; it is the time for us to immerse and amplify the concerns of the masses; to listen and advocate for that change with the people who are most affected by exploitation. We need to organize the broadest possible united front, to mobilize to the streets (safely) and act on these calls. Our collective action is more powerful than a hashtag could ever be.