AS of March 28, the official campaign period for candidates running in the upcoming elections has begun. From congressmen to governors, and down to city and municipal mayors and councilors, hopefuls are now making their final push for the votes of the Filipino people. Every election cycle, candidates sign a covenant — a pledge, supposedly, to uphold the integrity and sanctity of the democratic process. But too often, this pledge ends up as just another piece of paper, with little to no impact on the actions of those who sign it.
One of the most glaring issues this covenant fails to address is the rampant practice of vote-buying. Each election, we are inundated with reports of candidates offering bribes to secure votes. Why is it that, in this so-called “covenant,” we don’t see a simple, unequivocal statement that says, “We will not engage in vote buying”? If these candidates are truly committed to fairness and the democratic process, shouldn’t this be a non-negotiable part of their campaign promises?
But let’s go beyond the candidates for a moment. What about us — the voters? We, too, must take a stand against this shameful practice. It’s time to send a clear, united message: Our vote is not for sale. Every household, every business establishment, and every institution must display a tarpaulin that says, “No to vote buying.” These tarpaulins will be distributed by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), the Diocesan Electoral Board, PPCRV, and NAMFREL, reminding us all of our responsibility in safeguarding our electoral integrity.
Soon, candidates will gather for the much-anticipated Covenant Signing, an event designed to unite government agencies, civil society groups, and media organizations in their commitment to ensuring free, fair, and peaceful elections. This partnership aims to enhance transparency, promote accurate voter education, and combat spreading fake news and misinformation. However, one thing must be crystal clear during this signing: We are saying “No to Vote Buying, No to Fake News, No to Misinformation.”
The integrity of our elections depends on more than just the promises made on paper — it depends on the actions that follow. Candidates who refuse to attend the covenant signing are sending a message that they may be complicit in vote buying or other unethical activities. History has shown that many candidates, when faced with the covenant, shy away from attending, possibly fearing they will be questioned about their ties to vote-buying practices. If they are not willing to stand before us and commit to a clean and fair election, why should we trust them with our vote?
Now is the time for each one of us to demand more. We must hold our candidates accountable and reject any form of corruption, manipulation, or misinformation that undermines our democratic rights. Let us not allow our vote to be commodified, nor our nation’s future to be sold.
Our vote is our power. Let’s keep it sacred. Say NO to vote buying. Say NO to fake news. Say NO to corruption. The change begins with us — the voters — and it starts now.
