Boto Mo, Kinabukasan Natin

Last March 8, 2022, I attended a webinar organized by Shareholders’ Association of the Philippines, Inc. (SharePHIL), entitled “Boto Mo, Kinabukasan Natin”. This online event, under the 2022 Summit Series, was attended mostly by students from St. Paul School of Professional Studies in Palo, Leyte, as well as those from Miriam College, Centro Escolar University, and University of the Philippines. It was hosted by TV Anchor Salve Duplito, and opened by Maynilad President and CEO Ramoncito Fernandez, SharePhil Chairperson.

The objective of this session was to promote and assist a non-partisan voter’s education and engagement. The right to vote for our country’s leaders is sacred and important; hence, it was crucial for voters to learn how to use their minds rather than be clouded by their emotions when voting. We are about to elect the top officials of our country, so we must be critical in scrutinizing the people running for office.

The keynote speech was delivered by Prof. Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit, known as one of Manila’s most well-connected advisors on developments in government and business in the Philippines, specializing in strategic public management, legislative research, political intelligence, and governance reforms. He is the managing director of Bower Group Asia in the Philippines, founder and managing director of the Stratbase Group, and served as deputy secretary of the Philippine Senate from 1996 to 1998.

Prof. Manhit started his talk by giving importance to voters instead of candidates and political parties. He emphasized that in a democracy and during elections, the voters are more important because they have the most crucial and vital role to play. So, who are these voters? Who are they in our society and how do they pick their candidates?

Geographically, Luzon has the biggest voting population at 56%, Visayas has 20%, and Mindanao has 24% (as of December 14, 2021 Comelec Election Data). He cited that if a candidate is strong in Luzon, then he is a shoo-in to win the election because of the numbers shown above. Moving forward to the socioeconomic status, majority of the voters are in Class D at 75%. Classes ABC make up for a mere 11%, while Class E is at 14%. Class D is described as those belonging to low-income families, who were not able to finish their education, and who are financially challenged.

Moreover, people from Class D are usually regarded as “naipit” or stuck in between generational inequality, usually brought about by their lack of educational attainment. Most of the time, their points of view or opinions differ from those who completed their education or what we usually call professionals. Only 11% of voters completed college, 21% have no formal education or only finished elementary, while other educational backgrounds make up for the majority at 68%.

He also highlighted that majority of voters for the 2022 election come from the age group of 18 to 44 years old and majority of them are not fully aware of what our country experienced during the time of dictatorship; thus, it is very evident that they have a very different point of view.

With these factors in consideration, what issues should be addressed by candidates running for national positions? According to a January 2022 survey, with 2,400 respondents nationwide, controlling inflation is the top priority. Other top responses were eradicating poverty and providing more jobs, especially that sources of income were greatly affected during the pandemic. This survey was also previously done in October and December 2021, and the results were basically the same. By this, you will see that the economic impact of the pandemic seems to be the greatest concern and, of course, the never-ending issue of graft and corruption.

And what is the most important consideration in choosing a presidential candidate? The top three are the following: untarnished character/not corrupt, has a clear program or platform of action, and has extensive experience in governance. Prof. Manhit emphasized that elections is different from governance. If your candidate is good at dancing and singing during elections, will he/she also be good at governing the country?

Prof. Manhit then discussed the role of social media as a source of news and information. It’s alarming that voters see the Internet, specifically social media channels like Facebook, as the second-best source of news and information. We all know that, often, social media is being used to spread disinformation or what we call fake news. In fact, during the pandemic, the Philippines ranked second in the whole world in time spent using the internet and majority of the users were between the ages of 18 to 44. The question is, were you victimized by fake news?

After Prof. Manhit’s talk, four panelists from different backgrounds, environments, and age groups joined in and the discussion was very interesting and enlightening. Below is a summary of their respective talking points.

Gang Badoy Capat

She is best-known for founding RockEd Philippines, an advocacy and alternative education group that continues to showcase social issues through music events. In November 2010, she was presented with an award by Pres. Benigno Aquino III as one of “The Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service” (TOWNS).

• When voting, you start with what is important to you. So, what is important to her? DepEd; continuity in the Department of Health, regardless who the president is.
• The president, the vice president, or whoever is in politics is not a source of inspiration or patriotism, their role is to provide services to the people of this country.
• PhilHealth, SSS, and Pag-IBIG funds should remain intact and not something to be stolen by people in the government.
• We must remember that we should elect someone who will give and provide service to the Filipino people.
• Let’s not give power and a chance to those who bullied us.
• Her truth is, she is electing someone who does not steal from the Filipinos’ money.
• Vote because there are people in dire need of the services government officials must provide. You are lucky if you have a job, benefits, a house, a car, etc., but what about those who are not as lucky as you are?

Fr. Anton Pascual

He is the executive director of Caritas Manila, the social services and development arm of the Archdiocese of Manila. He is also the president of Radio Veritas, the leading faith-based AM station in Mega Manila.

• The youth is looking for role models because they are searching for meaning and purpose—this is where public servants come in.
• We are not looking for a saint, but he/she must have an essence of inspiration. Leaders should inspire. Walk your talk.
• Character is very important—and this can be seen with your track record, starting with your family background. How can you be trusted with big things if you cannot be trusted with small things?
• When you get elected, power is very intoxicating. Right now, the power is with the voters, but once elections are done, we have given the power to the elected officials. According to Pope John Paul II, the only purpose of power is service for the common good, especially for those at the bottom of the pyramid.

Bo Sanchez

Known as the “Preacher in Blue Jeans”, he is the founder of the Light of Jesus Family (The Feast) and a recipient of many recognitions and awards in the Philippines.

• The youth is still trying to find their way. They are trying to find a bigger purpose to live for.
• Encourage people to vote and to vote wisely through conversations, sharing, and educating.
• You have one vote, but you have friends, colleagues, family members; and that one vote can lead to five or ten votes more through conversations.

Kiefer Ravena

He is a professional basketball player for Shiga Lakestars of the Japanese B.League. He previously played for the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the UAAP during his college days

• It’s important to know yourself. If you know yourself, you know your values and the values that you are looking for in a leader.
• Your vote matters. The power to vote the right candidate starts with one vote, your vote.

It’s helpful to attend webinars like this to broaden our perspective, especially that we are electing the top leaders of our country. The Philippines is a very strong country, with strong and bright citizens—promising Filipinos. Our country and its people have the potential to be stronger and better, but it starts with us doing the right thing—by electing servant leaders, who will put the people’s welfare above anything else. We need leaders who are trustworthy, who have integrity, who love the country and its people. With the May elections drawing near, let’s take a step back, organize our thoughts, evaluate our decisions, and prepare to elect leaders who will provide service to the Philippines and the Filipino people.

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