Note on Infomercials of Cabinet Members

In Philippine elections, around 17,000 candidates vie for a spot in 3,600 political positions, for both national and local posts.  The competition is really tough and candidates are but expected to spend a lot to win a spot.

As early as 2008, reported presidential frontrunners began to invade television, radio, and print media, calling attention to themselves through product endorsements and/or public-service messages.  To name a few:
•    Senate President Manuel Villar called on people to report illegal recruiters, victimizing Filipinos wanting to work abroad, to him.
•    Senator Loren Legarda endorsed Lucida-DS with a remark ‘Thank your for making us No. 1!!!’.  She has also paid tribute to batch of graduates, which most local government officials have also done in their own town or cities.
•    Senator Mar Roxas II and Senator Richard Gordon both endorsed a leading laundry soap and a brand of an anti-bacterial soap, respectively.
•    Vice President Noli de Castro does a public official courtesy on regular TV spots and even print ads of Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-ibig)
•    MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando flooded EDSA and other major highways with his poster for MMDA

These activities impact the voters’ perception for the coming election and a silent form of corruption or embezzlement.  Public-service messages should particularly concern citizens in that these gimmickries, although claimed to be purely for public service, are publicly funded.  Public funds are being used for personal gain, where it should have been used for the general benefit of the Filipinos.

Add comment September 18th, 2009