Exercising your civic responsibility to vote: choosing the right leaders
Critical Questions:
1. The article lists three types of electoral candidates: leaders, public servants, and servant-leaders.
Which among the three would describe your ideal candidate in the upcoming elections? Why?
Among the three, servant-leaders are my ideal electoral candidate. I believe that striking a balance
between those in power and the people of the country is the best way to achieve a just political
system. Servant-leaders value their people's perspectives, listen to their voices and encourage mass
participation and involvement. As citizens of the Philippines, I believe we have the right to
participate in public affairs for the betterment of our country. Moreover, servant-leaders allow us
to express our opinions and ideas while utilizing their managerial and leadership skills. It is a
perfect balance between leaders and public servants because servant-leaders are neither negligent
nor indifferent. Dalai Lama once said, "a lack of transparency results in distrust and a deep sense
of insecurity." Hence, I believe that servant-leaders are the leaders that will cease corruption in our
country because they show transparency, accountability, and genuine empathy. They will gain the
citizen's trust and establish a sense of unity among the Filipinos.
2. Why do many legal-age Filipinos fail to exercise their right and responsibility to vote?
“Why should I vote? Nothing will change anyway.” My friend replied when I asked her why does
she not vote despite being of legal age. That mentality is why many legal-age Filipinos do not
exercise their right to vote. Most people are unaware of how influential and powerful they are; a
simple vote can change everything. We frequently underestimate our capabilities as citizens of the
Philippines. People in power would not be in power if it were not for us. Some often neglect their
voting responsibilities because they think the corrupt political system will never change. However,
we will not know unless we try. I believe that we should all be more educated about the significance
of voting and how to choose the right person to vote. We must carefully consider, analyze, research,
and evaluate the electoral candidate we intend to vote for. People have lost sight of the fact that it
is their responsibility to vote for the betterment of our country. Hence, it is time to speak up and
spread awareness about the power of our votes, for if we do nothing, nothing will surely change.
3. Why is vote buying rampant in poor communities?
Vote buying is rampant in poor communities for obvious reasons: they are desperate for money.
Those struggling to put food on the table, meet the needs of their families, and provide quality
education for their children are frequently targeted for vote-buying. It is a psychological
manipulation used by avaricious politicians. They know that those who are unprivileged and living
in impoverished areas will be unable to refuse their offer. To survive in this cruel world, they
needed to be practical, even if it meant sacrificing their morality and responsibility. It is inevitable
because here in our country, poverty prevails. However, just because they have their reasons does
not mean it is acceptable, nor should it be tolerated. Allowing politicians to buy your vote is the
same as letting them buy your rights as a Filipino citizen. We will never be able to escape poverty
if we continue to elect corrupt and greedy politicians. Remember, the money you get from
votebuying will only benefit you at first, but it will not eradicate the main problem that is poverty.