Who says the practice of “vote-buying” will end? Who says all candidates are honest with their campaign promises? Who says there will be no cheating through voting machines? Who says politics in the Philippines will change? These are some of the questions in minds of voters who dream of the day candidates do not conduct massive vote-buying the night before election day. In the same light, they also imagine a world when Filipinos are unwilling to sell their vote. These are concepts that may remain as dreams for several centuries.

The Philippines has never dreamt of becoming a disciplined nation. Filipinos tend to disobey the rules to their advantage.

Leadership matters most

President Rodrigo Duterte is a no-nonsense leader, a man of the streets who disciplines the public, declares war on illegal drugs, establishes anti-smoking laws in all public placers; yet people still disobey. Can you blame him for failures? It is the Filipino people who insist on violating the law, which makes the world view the country in dismay.

People in local government have also contributed to the mess in the country. Local politicians are literally afraid of barangay officials because they desire their votes every election cycle – it’s plain cowardice.

While there are some elected officials with political will – Duterte, Senator Richard Gordon, Marikina City first district Rep. Bayani Fernando, Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña, Fred Hagedorn – but what about the rest? Some would admit they are only seeking votes – it’s just about winning. Will karma every hit them?

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This column greets Toto Cua Locsin, Art Colmedora, Robert Javellana, Dodong Bascon, Nico Velasquez, Jet Lee Cabarrubias, Bonnie Suico, Neil Concepcion, George Du, Ann Pastrana, Elsie Gonzaga, Troy Camarista, and Tots Vallejo/WDJ