Election: Right of suffrage or a right to sell

I agree,however, this is a sweepy generalization. I assure you that there are still hundreds of thousands Filipinos who don't sell their votes, or candidates who don't buy votes. What is pathetic is that vote-buying has become to widespread, it has become the rule rather than the exception. But hope is not lost. We can still campaign for clean, honest and credible elections. As citizens, it is our duty to safeguard our votes, and guard the ballots. I am glad that the PPCRV has been conducting voters education, and are posting volunteers nationwide to ensure a peaceful and credible elections. Let us not be swallowed by the widespread cheating. Let us stand up and be counted. Thank you!

You are correct. Indeed in the Philippines, election time is a fiesta with so many foods to partook, a good entertainment to watch with of course, wallet fattener as the crowning glory. In my locality, both candidates for Mayor got to have millions to have a chance to win in the race. Amount ranging from P1000 - P1500 per voter is a common budget the candidate has to find for him to be considered a viable candidate. A spreading romour that the new candidate could bid up to P2000/voter. Looking at 15,000 votes to win, that is indeed a very big amount of money for a local position. We have no other choice as only two are running and both are using the same tactics. Usually they both have barangay-based leaders who are approaching voters to side with them and be listed so that the budget could be prepared beforehand. Money will be distributed this May 13 a day before the election day. I don't know if this is also very common with other municipality.