✍︎ Mickaila Arcala
“No more poverty under my leadership.” “₱20 per kilo of rice under my term!” “I will make the Philippines great again!” “I will end corruption!”
Leaders often present many promises to gain the trust of voters during elections. They speak with strong conviction, sometimes hiding the true nature of their intentions. They talk about lowering prices, improving living conditions, and solving economic problems. They even go to rural areas during campaigns just to spread their message of making the Philippines great again. But after the elections end, where do these promises go? Why do they fade so quickly once power is secured? Is winning elections really about personal gain rather than serving the citizens? And how long will the public continue to hear the same promises without real change?
The Philippines continues to face rising inflation. Prices of basic goods, such as rice, have increased significantly. The promise of rice at ₱20 per kilo has not been achieved in the long term, with current prices reaching ₱50 to ₱60 in many areas. This raises concern among consumers who are directly affected by the cost of food. Filipinos are now expressing their frustration through social media, calling on those in power to hear the pleas of the common people.
Similarly, fuel price increases have become a major burden. Jeepney drivers, who depend on daily income, spend most of their earnings on fuel. After covering these costs, many are left with very little for their personal and family needs. In times of crisis, ordinary people suffer the most from the consequences of decisions made by those in power. People are now calling for clear and achievable solutions—but who is truly listening?
Do the leaders who once promised to stand with the people in these difficult times become deaf?
Have they become so blinded that they have forgotten the true essence of leadership they once upheld?
Leadership should not only be about gaining votes. It should be about delivering real results that improve people’s lives. The true essence of leadership lies in serving the public with empathy, listening to their silent pleas, and recognizing those who are often overlooked by the government.
Everyone deserves a leader who is not only good at making promises, but one who understands their purpose in serving.
Without accountability, promises remain words without action.
The public is left to decide whether leaders are truly addressing rising prices and economic hardship or simply repeating the same commitments every election season. Words are powerful enough to persuade the uninformed, but as citizens eager to see real change, we must be careful. Real change begins with us—by educating ourselves and refusing to be easily misled by false promises.
“Kabalo kong mang-corrupt, pero dako bitaw og hatag.” “Silang tanan mang-corrupt ra na, adto ta sa dako mohatag!” These may sound like jokes, but such remarks have serious consequences. The people we choose to vote for carry the hopes of our nation. We must not become individuals who simply accept things because we have grown used to them. We must do in-depth research on who we vote for and not rely on those with sweet words during elections, because the future of our nation lies in our hands.
Don’t be fooled by promises.
Start voting wisely by choosing leaders who act in times of crisis—not just those who appear righteous in front of the camera but are absent during real challenges.
Illustration: Chara Maine Cejudo
