Live in the Philippines

Live in the Philippines helps expats with visas, moving and other services regarding the Philippines.

Things I love about elections in the Philippines

Philippine Politics / by

The other day, I told you about the Things I hate about elections in the Philippines, and I promised to let you know about the things I like about elections here.  To be honest, this is one of the most difficult articles that I have ever written, because it is very hard to think of anything that I like about the elections here!

I admit that I am enjoying the elections here more this year, though, and for several reasons that I will explain about.

I have lived here in the Philippines for 10 years (almost, my 10 year anniversary here is coming up soon), and this is my 4th election here (National and Local elections, not including Barangay elections).  I have gone from being pretty ambivalent in the past to actually kind of excited about it this time around, for the first time.

So, to be honest, I can’t give you a list of things that I love, or even enjoy about the elections here, although here is a list of some of the things that are making it a bit more enjoyable and holding my interest this time around:

  1. I feel that I have a connection to society here.
    In the past, I have always kind of felt an outsider here.  I lived here, I loved it here, and I enjoyed much about the place, but when it came to things like elected officials and anything official about society, I pretty much felt that I was an outsider.  While I still feel that I don’t have a place, or any standing in order to speak out and give my preferences, I do feel that the elections play a role in my life.  Who gets elected will have an impact on my life, because although I am not a citizen, the fact that I live here means that things like government policies affect the way I live.  I have favorites in all of the races that affect me, although I do not share my opinions or favorites.  It is not my place to campaign for people, or even express my preferences, because I am not a citizen.
  2. I have friends who are involved in some of the races.
    Not any close friends, but there are some people whom I consider friends who are also running for offices.  And, some of them are running for relatively high offices in the Philippines.  I know a number of people in local elections, and even in national elections.  Because of the reasons I mentioned in #1 above, I will not say who they are, and I will never endorse them or even write about them or my friendship with them.  I don’t feel that would be appropriate.  In my talks with people I know who are running, I have not even told them that I hope they will win or anything of the sort, although I am sure they know that I am pulling for them.  Several of the people that I know who are running for office are people whom I believe to be very honest, and have the best of intentions in their political campaigns.  I believe honestly that if they are elected, they have the best of intentions to fulfill their duties honestly and honorably.  So, I certainly am interested and excited to watch as they run, and I hope that they do well.
  3. Watching as Democracy develops.
    Although the Philippines has been an Independent Democracy for nearly 60 years now, it is a young Democracy, and let’s face it, a fledgling Democracy.  Sometimes things here don’t seem very Democratic, and I enjoy watching as Democracy takes a stronger foothold in the Philippines, and I hope to see it as Democracy gains strength and more honestly and goodwill comes to office.  In many ways, I feel like I am watching the Philippines head up the hill toward Democracy that can be held at the peak of the hill, while I watch the USA as it heads downhill after already achieving the summit.  In the past decade or two, Democracy in my home country has become all about hatred, fighting and not much getting done.  It would seem that the USA is in a state of decline, and it is my hope that the Philippines is headed up the hill toward the Democracy that I hope to see it achieve.

So, these are a few of the reasons that I feel like this election cycle in the Philippines is of more interest to me than the past three elections cycles that I have lived through here.  I honestly can’t say that there are any things that I actually love about the elections here, but these are a few of the things that keep them interesting for me.

What do you think?  Are there things that you love or hate about elections in the Philippines.  What about things that just drive you crazy?

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. It’s funny that after 5 days here, (am in Tuguegarao, northern Phil) no one really has talked about the elections among the people I’ve met. Only in one restaurant I overheard a group of 4 discussion who to vote. Other than that, who hum…the feeling is that it’s the incovenience sometimes they create. Oh, my local colleague pointed out a lady senator (Pia Cayetano) just beside me at T3 in Manila. Her group just walked through without paying the terminal fee! Alex

  2. The thing I love about them is I have already collected about 50,000P from various political parties and politicians I can’t even vote LOL. I just keep going to rally’s with my hand out.

      • yes joking of course. But the reality we have heard are many are handing out 600p down to 20p at these rally’s. I don’t see the democratic process here as you do. In my mind there is only one very slim chance for that direction and that is with one of the party’s running. I also believe a parlimentary system would be best. Two houses as they have it now in such a small country is ridiculous. Perhaps in my 2 year old daughters lifetime I can only hope.

        • Hi richard – the Parliamentary system would be a disaster in the Philippines. The Parliamentary system requires strong political parties. They would have to dissolve Parliament on a monthly basis here, because these guys change parties on a whim! It would be a disaster, in my opinion.

          Small country? The population here is nearly 50% more than Great Britain! Seriously.

          • You make a good point about population. Nevertheless except for congressman I really don’t understand the Senatorial system here as being a neccesity as they all represent the entire country rather than a specific region. Am I correct? So perhaps that needs to be disbanded. You are correct about the changing of parties as well which seems so embarrasing as a party should reflect a specific political philosphy and they only understand the politics of money here and how much they can stuff into their own pockets with 200 million pork barrels and therefore which party will ensure that continuing. Sorry as I don’t mean to drag this into a political discussion. I am only glad you are hosted in the states or what we are engaging in would be illegal right.

            • Hi richard – I don’t think they should abolish the Senate, although I would like to see Senators represent a region rather than the entire country, it would make them more accountable, and also spread out the representation.

              As far as I can see, nothing has been discussed here which is illegal. If it were, hosting in the USA would be no protection for me, I could be deported for that.

  3. Bob;
    I’ll admit that except for the noise and litter from campaign signage, the elections mean little to me. It’s their process, and as you said, we should stay out of it. I do like the internet’s effect on younger voters who seem better informed than the older generation. And the youthful desire for change and improvement to their lives. So, I’ll just wish them the best, and I’ll not even ask my wife who she voting for.

    • Hi Paul – This time around, I find myself more interested in the Philippine elections than I was in the US election in 2008. The US election has very little affect on my life now. The Philippine election impacts my daily life more directly. I don’t share opinions or openly cheer for one candidate or another, but I am interested.

      • Bob;
        You’re right, if you have the interest, I’m just a jaded old guy trying not to get killed by speeding politicos in their SUV’s

        BTW: The attractive lady you pictured on the scoot, I hope she’s not the one driving, as those high heeled boots are very dangerous on a bike.

        • Hi Paul – That lady is Inday Sara Duterte. She is the Vice Mayor of Davao (her father is the Mayor). She is currently running for Mayor of Davao City against House Speaker Prospero Nograles. Both Sara and her father, Rody, own and ride Harley’s and are avid bikers. I am not sure she rode in those shoes, though, that was probably just for the photo shoot! 😆

  4. Hi Bob – Seems as though we’ve somehow become slightly entangled in the election up here, but in a good way. Our house has been used as a “neutral site” for government (different levels) employee functions and others who either feel uncomfortable or unwanted at venues associated with candidates.

    Even have candidates here – no politicking allowed – at some of the events just to allow them a time and place to let their hair down a little. (No paparazzi, either.)

    Only downside: Can’t charge for use of our house as a venue. If we did, one side would make claims of no license, no tax paid, etc. while others would treat all as campaign expense. It’s enough just to convince them that our hospitality is in no way a campaign contribution! 😆

    PS – Ran into Imee Marcos at the new Pizza Hut in the new mall, but didn’t have anything to which we could invite her. 😆

  5. I’m leaning more like Paul T, although I wouldn’t say it’s any noisier than usual here.

    The young are always the most passionate, their parents were marching on Edsa in the ’80s.

    Like the article, and how you took a neutral stance, although with a picture of a candidate =P

    It would be interesting to discuss why you think there was less hatred in American in the past – but it’s not really fitting for this article.

      • I posted after editing without proofing.

        Really I’m just saying it differently – why you think there used to be LESS hatred than now.

        • Hi Gary – To be honest, I’m shocked that you would ask me that! I mean, I think it is a pretty widely held truth that there is a lot of hatred these days between the different sides in the political debate. There used to be more civility, a willingness to compromise to some extent, and work things out. What was good for the country could be agreed upon. These days, there is hatred, threats of violence depending on political views, etc. The climate in Washington DC has changed drastically in the last 20 years or so.

          • I think the media were less incessant, but I don’t think politics were necessarily more civil. There’s always been name calling, arm twisting, back room deals.

            If you go back far enough there was a civil war. Some may construe that as hatred. A few decades later there was certainly discord over FDRs policies. Jump to the sixties and the battles over the war and civil rights, e.g., ordering the National Guard to Arkansas Central High.

            There was a bit of hatred during Watergate.

            I remember attacks of Carter’s weakness regarding the Iranian hostage crisis, and the Willie Horton ad…

            • Hi Gary – Even the politicians who have been in office for decades say that there is no civility now compared to a few decades ago. Senators, in particular say this often, that back in the 80’s and before they could fight it out, but at the end of the day they could go have a beer together, and they say that simply is not the case anymore. There is a story that is often told of Ronald Reagan and Tip O’Neill. It is said that during a business day they could take off the gloves and fight with the best of them. After the days work was done they would enjoy a drink together. They would come together with a deal more often than not. Today, everything is passed with only one party support. Bipartisanship is a think of the past.

              That’s how I see it, and it would seem that most of the politicians that I hear of tell a similar story. Perhaps you see it differently. Maybe you are right, perhaps I am. I can’t say for sure, but it looks pretty clear to me.

              • That’s because drinking is now politically incorrect (lol). There are certainly times which are more contetious than others, this may be one of those times.

                Sorry to hijack the comments, would be an interesting discussion for another time / place.

    • BTW, Yes, I have a picture of a candidate, but that doesn’t mean I endorse her, or even support her. The other day I had pictures of some candidate’s signs, but I made no endorsement. Last week, I had an article showing pictures of 4 different candidates, but I did not endorse any. Just to be clear, I do not endorse Sara Duterte. I may or may not support her, but I said nothing and will say nothing regarding who I support in any political race in the Philippines.

      Just wanted to be clear on that. 😉

  6. Hi Bob
    I wasn’t going to comment on this one at first because as you say it isnt for us to really comment. it was interesting though what you said about the USA here in the UK our elections are taking place 4days before those of the Phils and much like in america we are on a downward trend with no real obvious choice between all the main parties it is almost like they have decided to take turns at controling the nation with no real differences in their policies, when you look at places like the phils you seem to see a different picture and there seems to be more interest around the voting it really does make me wonder if we are starting to see a changing of the world leader gaurds, if that is the case which i suspect it is then I also believe that the phils will be a part of that top table in the non too distant future. All that said I keep on about it and I hope one day the phils will address it but I do think guys like you who have lived in the phils 10 plus years should have some kind of oppertunity to have a say there especially as you are married and new policies will affect you and your family. though in saying that I also look at it on the other side of the coin too you should lose your right to a vote in your home country hehehe

    dave

    • Hi Dave – I don’t feel I should have any say, as far as voting goes. I am not a citizen. No different if I were to move to the UK, I am not a citizen and could not vote there. If you moved to the USA you could not vote. If I want a say, I have an option, to become a citizen of the Philippines. In my opinion, that is how it should be.

      BTW, I have not lost my right to vote in the USA. I can vote in the USA in every election, all I have to do is use an absentee ballot.

      • hi bob
        My apologies I thought you had become a citizen in that case yes i would agree with you and as for losing your vote in the USA i was meaning that in the same context eg i you was a citizen of the Phils you should lose your right to vote in the USA. Why i say that is I remember here once in the thatcher era that they wanted to try and make it that emmigrant’s from the country had a right to a vote which seemed a bit farcical as it meant you could vote for a party even though you wasnt living in the country. But I do take your point about not being a citizen so not havong a say.

        • Hi Dave – No problem. Becoming a citizen here is something I may do someday, but as of now, no. If I do that, then I could vote as a Filipino would, and could more freely discuss politics here and such.

  7. Well, Bob, first & foremost, I am thrilled that this will be the first civic election that my brother-in-law isn’t running in, as he has for many years. I have not had to shell out for campaigning and do not have to expect large phone bills, this time. I hope that the elections are peaceful & that, whoever wins a position, they stick to their promises. What more could one hope for?

    Very interesting comparison you drew between U.S. & Philippine levels of democracy. In the early 1990s, when pushed by my wife & others in Davao to compare corruption in Canada & The RP, I used to say that, though entrenched corruption is very difficult to eradicate, I believed that The RP was making major advancements in lessening the challenges, while countries like my own seemed to be becoming more corrupt with each passing year. Well, with the dishonesty I’ve seen in politics in Canada over the last decade, I’m feeling pretty smug, almost prophetic, if you will.
    Mike2

  8. Hi Bob,
    I am new to the Philippines and have been following yours and your editors/subscribers posts and comments on your website for a couple of weeks now and have enjoyed them immensley.
    That being said, I have to correct you on what you said on this post. Like America, the Philippines is a NOT a democracy; it is a constitutional republic, thus the name Republic of the Philippines. Presumably this is so because that’s what America gave them when we granted independence to Philippinos on July 4, 1946 (notice the similarities to us… we have a history of doing this, i.e., Philippines, Panama and now Iraq. No wonder everyone loves us wherever we go!) 😉
    I haven’t gotten around to reading the Philippine Constitution yet, but if it looks anything like ours the word democracy is never mentioned. It remains to be seen if we will still be a republic a couple of years from now with the “change we can believe in” regime in charge now. When Ben Franklin was ask at the conclusion of the Constitutional Convention in Philiadelphia on September 18, 1787 by an anxious woman “Well doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?” Franklin replied “A republic if you can keep it.”
    Anyway, I’m still doing the typical tourist stuff and getting the lay of the land here… I went to Boracay last week and I’m looking forward to going to Palawan soon. I’d love to get together and toss down a couple of San Miguelito’s with you someday when I eventually get down your way. Until then, all my best to your and yours!
    Mac the Agitator Dog

    • Hi AgitatorDog – The Republic of the Philippines is a Representative Democracy. What the US handed them in 1946 is of no consequence, because the Philippine Constitution was re-written in 1986.

      Anyway, if you make it to Davao, give me a shout.

  10. Hi Bob,

    I was sure you were going to mention the Wowowee Girls that adorn some of the election campaign events as one of the things you like best about Philippine elections?!

  11. This one goes under “Only in the Philippines” Bob it is things like the following that make me laugh when I see them as they can only happen in the Philippines. In this case a very common nickname with a very negative connotation.

    Just todsay i saw a campaign poster for a candidate for Governor in Negros, Oriental. His name is Emilio “Dodo” Macias. Now I know the Philippines is fond of using nicknames but what could possibly endear someone to accept the nickname Dodo with such positive enthusiasm LOL

    DODO

    1.A large, clumsy, flightless bird (Raphus cucullatus), formerly of the island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean, that has been extinct since the late 17th century.
    2.Informal. One who is out-of-date, as in dress or ideas.
    3.Informal. A stupid person; an idiot.

    might be an interesting future topic the various nicknames people use here like no other place on earth.

    • Hi richard – Ha ha… yeah, I have actually written about this topic in the past, but I think it was quite some time ago. Some of the nicknames that you hear here are incredible!