“Kinabukasan ng Pilipinas, presyong divisoria".

We may point fingers all we want, but we are all very well-aware that the fault ultimately lies in the hands of the sly politicians taking advantage of the people's vulnerabilities. Is a bag of rice really the price of this country? Is little Juan's future only worth this week's grocery? Is that how little one pays for a nation's democracy? Do we have to surrender the power of democracy and sense of our freedom?

Even at this moment, vote buying still hasn't come to an end. Old. Young. Rich. Poor. No matter what status each individual has in life, politicians always find their way to get into citizens' hearts - or might I say pockets - even though all those sweet words are fake. They're just using them as a stepping stone in reaching their selfish goal of getting a position in the government. In a nation where poverty is widespread, many people who are struggling to make ends meet fall for the trap, not because they don't know better, but because survival frequently outweighs morality.

A study conducted in 2013 in Sorsogon revealed that widespread vote-buying typically occurs during pre-election periods. According to the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL), politicians offered money to 30 percent of Filipinos in 2013. Sorsogon is just one of many places where campaign violations occur. Additionally, a study from Ateneo stated that poor families are likely the target of vote-selling. Poverty persistently affects people in the Philippines, which leads government aspirants to seize unethical opportunities that allow them to feed themselves, let alone their families. And this is where buying comes into action — an action that seems to be unstoppable. Politicians are grabbing every opportunity to lure people with a small amount of cash. And we, as a naive human being who thinks that is all we are worth — we deserve— are easily swayed by this kind of gesture. In a nation where poverty is widespread, many people struggling to make ends meet fall into the trap, not because they don't know better, but because survival frequently outweighs morality.

However, vote buying is not just an issue that arises during elections; its consequences extend far beyond. While it is most visible in election periods, its true impact is only felt once these individuals assume power, often leading to governance that prioritizes personal and political gain over public welfare. The severity of the issue cannot be denied, but it is equally important to recognize the struggles that force people into selling their votes. Many do so out of desperation, simply trying to put food on the table and ensure their families do not go hungry for another day.

Yet, while vote buying may provide short-term relief, it comes at the cost of long-term suffering under corrupt leaders who continue to uphold systems of inequality. Instead of blaming or punishing those in difficult circumstances, we should work toward solutions that prevent them from being placed in such a desperate position in the first place. The government must do more than just pass laws against vote buying, it must ensure they are strictly enforced while addressing the deeper issues of poverty and inequality. A truly fair election is not just about stopping corruption; it is about creating a society where no one feels compelled to sell their future just to survive.

Purpose:

The primary purpose of this societal advocacy movement is to raise an awareness on the illicit activities occurring in politics and its consequences including vote buying. This serves as an opening move to gradually alter the prevalence of this electoral campaign violation that eventually became a norm in the Philippines. It aims to inform our fellow man living in a democratic country to protect their freedom and not to be allured with a piece of money bill. By understanding, grasping and internalizing the central theme, this concept paper intends to be an eye-opener that eventually brings into action for citizens to be a wiser voter. Voters have the power to choose real leaders who will bring real change. If we want a better country, we have to start by rejecting vote buying.

Description:

Vote buying is an illegal practice that is usually experienced in a democratic country. It is typically offered to people in need and easily lured by money. In exchange for these, their freedom to choose the right candidate to govern the society has to be surrendered or, at the very least, influenced. This campaign violation takes advantage of manipulating people, which leads to an unfair election. 

The plan includes the following: 

1. Online Seminar

The online seminar will be conducted in a public Zoom meeting which is capable of holding a huge number of participants. The seminar will consist of trivia games and talks from guest speakers. The following are the topics involved in the seminar:

• Roles of voters in elections
• Ethical considerations for voters and politicians
• Forms of vote buying
• Laws and penalties for vote buying crimes
• Combating vote buying

     2. Video campaign, advocacy posters, and petition website 

The project will also produce a video campaign and advocacy posters that will be shared on social media. Furthermore, a petition website will be launched to maximize the use of online platforms.