Every election, candidates and campaigns use a variety of strategies to persuade voters, some of which are perfectly legal, and others that aren't. While there's nothing illegal about offering free pizza or concert tickets to get people to vote, giving someone cash or another form of direct payment in exchange for their vote is against the law. It's called "vote buying."
The Philippines is one of the few countries in the world where vote buying is a common occurrence. It occurs most often during the campaign period, when candidates are desperate to be elected into office. Candidates will offer money, goods, or services in exchange for votes. The vote-buying process usually begins with the candidate approaching a voter and offering them some kind of incentive to vote for them. This incentive could be anything from cash, food items, or even alcohol. In addition to this, candidates may also promise voters jobs or other benefits if they win the election.
Vote buying has been around since the beginning of democracy but it has become more widespread in recent years due to lower levels of public awareness about this practice and increased poverty rates among Filipinos. This practice is illegal and morally wrong. However, this happens a lot.
Vote buying is illegal in the Philippines according to Republic Act 9006 which was enacted on February 26th 2008. This law makes it a crime punishable by imprisonment from 2 months to 1 year and/or fines ranging from 500 pesos upwards depending on whether you are found guilty of vote buying.
There's a reason why Filipinos have this reputation for being 'easy to please' when it comes to elections. It's because we get caught up in empty political promises and the fear of change, which are the easiest traps to fall into. It's also a lot easier to play the sympathy game than it is to try and implement a solid plan for the country (and if you think a politician has your best interests at heart, chances are he or she has nothing).
Voters in the Philippines should be empowered to vote based on true beliefs rather than be swayed by illegal elections practices. In this way, we can make sure that people are electing their representatives fairly and with good intentions. Every election is super important. If you remember back to the past elections, it was really scary because some people were getting bribed by votes. So this time, let's be smart and prevent that from happening. Here are some ways to keep yourself from being bought out by votes:
Make sure your vote actually counts! Don't just vote for the candidate who gave you food—vote for the one who will truly represent your interests and help you improve your life.
Don't let anyone pressure you into voting for a particular candidate—you get to decide who you want to support!
If someone offers you money or other items (like food) in exchange for voting a certain way, politely decline. This is illegal and could land them in hot water. It's also not fair if they're trying to buy votes from people who don't have enough resources of their own!
Stay safe by going with friends or family members instead of visiting polling places alone. You'll be less vulnerable with someone else by your side!
Encourage your friends and family to say no as well.
Always remember that you can't be forced to vote for a certain candidate, or someone shouldn't force you to vote for their candidate in order for you to receive something from them. You can't be bribed if you don't want to. Don't let yourselves be bought by votes!
While I understand that this might seem tempting, I really encourage you to resist the urge to take the money. These politicians are trying to buy your vote because they know it's valuable, so don't sell yourself short! The politicians should be fighting for our votes—not bribing us for them.
This is the Philippines' election time, so it's going to be rampant with all kinds of political strategies to get people to vote. This time, have your game face on and stick to what you value most. That way, you can keep yourself from being swayed by fake promises and superficial values that politics in the Philippines offers everyone. Also remember that it's not enough not to fall for them. Spread the word of goodness into others and make this country a better place.
Every vote counts, everyone's voice matters, so understand what you're voting for and aim a little higher this time. Your vote has power! Go out there and use it wisely!
Lead image from Rappler
Copyright, 2022 frdchckn. All rights reserved.
As a Filipino myself, I have been witnessing vote-buying here in my locality. To be honest, people took advantage to it by accepting money from those politicians as an exchange for a vote. The silly thing is, they will also accept the money from a politician who is an opponent of the other politician. Funny, right?
Those politicians who play dirty tactics deserve to be treated such way. Let's use that erroneous way into something useful, beneficial HAHA. I asked my parents once who happened to be a victim of vote buying, and, they said that they're just doing it for the sake of the money. They know who to choose in accordance to qualifications.
See? It's really up to the voter, haha.