Cartoon by: Clarisse Fernandez
Published by: Aprilyn Sado
Date Published: December 6, 2024
Time Published: 6:15 PM
Just because you can doesn't mean you should. This is a note to all social media influencers eyeing political leadership in the upcoming election. While influencers frequently help underprivileged individuals on their platforms, this doesn't imply they're capable of leading. Kindness, though a virtue in political leaders, isn't enough to qualify someone for the role. A true leader takes more than just empathy and sympathy; they must also have the skills to lead and manage a declining nation. Furthermore, Filipinos deserve someone who can win because of their capabilities and not because of their popularity—a leader who prioritizes their people above their own image and someone who can make decisions for the sake of our country and not for their content.
It is concerning how the number of influencers running for public office increased dramatically during this year's candidacy filing season. Influencers such as Rosmar Tan, Deo Balbuena "Diwata," Ion Perez, and Marco Gumabao have submitted certificates of candidacy for the 2025 election. [1] If we let these influencers gain access to government positions, the Philippines' future will surely be jeopardized. Furthermore, Dennis Coronacion, a political expert, stated that some of the influencers who submitted their certificates of candidacy are members of a political dynasty. If we let a dynasty be built again inside the government of the Philippines, it is a big threat to our country’s future. Corruption, misuse of power, and poverty will surely be more severe than they already are. We will also be preventing our own country from having economic development if we let influencers and those who are part of a political family reign in this country.
Speaking of dynasties, another statement from Dennis Coronacion said that one family who went viral on social media held a photo opportunity while applying for candidacy. The entire family was present during that photo opportunity. [2] And this is precisely why those who went big on social media do not deserve to hold any public position because they will just simply use this opportunity to gain more attention from their public viewers. Filing for candidacy is neither a photo shoot nor a place where a family should take a lovely family photo. It is rather a place where the possible change and hope for a better future of this country should start.
Moreover, Marc Gamboa and Eli San Fernando, both political vloggers, have also filed their certificates of candidacy for the 2025 election. [3] They are the exact example of why Filipinos should be knowledgeable about who they should vote for and support in the upcoming election. Filipinos should take note that just because an influencer is creating videos online that showcase their own political views doesn’t mean that they are also a competent political leader. Other than that, just because an influencer like Rosmar helps someone in need in front of a camera does not imply that they are qualified for a position in government. Remember that not all images and videos on the internet are trustworthy, and that goes the same way for the online influencers. With that being said, we should not trust the future of this country to the hands of the people who are more focused on their images and content online.
We should also remember that the positions in the government are not a playground for the influencers to dwell in. It is also not a new tourist spot or a new clout-chasing platform for them to use. On top of that, positions in the public offices should be held by those professionals who have worked hard in their universities just to gain a credential that can prove their capabilities. Individuals that exert a lot of effort just to learn the needs and wants of Filipino citizens—those who only have the intention of making this country a better place and have the qualities of a great leader—are the only ones who are qualified to lead a nation.
While influencers may have good intentions, they should stick to their area of expertise and avoid entering politics. They should leave the government to the real policymakers and leaders because the country's challenges require thoughtful, experienced leadership and comprehensive solutions, rather than simply celebrity involvement. In addition, the Philippines needs someone that can change the system and improve its economy, not someone who will use their office to take shots of their “get ready with me” vlogs and “my everyday life as a politician” reels. We should also keep in mind that if we let ourselves be deceived by the image of someone on social media, we will be the cause of the downfall of our beloved Philippines. Choosing popularity over knowledge and credibility will be a complete loss for this country, so make mindful decisions and vote for someone who can bring changes to this nation.
REFERENCES:
[1] Pasajol, A. (2024, October 5). Ion Perez, Marco Gumabao, Rosmar Tan, Diwata run for public office. https://entertainment.inquirer.net/.../ion-perez.../amp
[2] Coloma, A. (2024, October 5). Can influencers translate clicks, views to votes?. | ABS-CBN news. https://news.abs-cbn.com/.../can-influencers-translate...
[3] Anoc, A. (2024, October 2). Online personalities na tatakbo sa Eleksyon 2025. https://www.gmanetwork.com/.../online.../photo...
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