Election Day is drawing close. Campaigning efforts, or rather name promotion efforts, are at a peak. Observing the pre-election activities in the Philippines I think I have identified the local audio-visual campaigning strategy: be loud and smile.
All you need to promote yourself is a pickup truck, huge speakers, an amplifier, some music (not even necessarily Filipino music, any mainstream star will do) and a poster with your face and name on it. Turn to volume to max and snail your car through the clogged streets of the neighborhood, preferably during rush hour for maximum visibility. I believe the strategy is that if the noise level reaches a numbing effect, people are most receptive. So far to the audible side of the promotion.
The visual side of the promotion equally convinces in simplicity. The posters of candidates decorating every inch of wall, lamppost, tricycle, Jeepney, private house or drive-way gate promote a big head, a name, a comic heart (I'm not kidding) and a 'vote me!' message. KISS - keep it short and simple.
Unfortunately, it seems to disclose little information about campaign goals and programs for the Filipinos to make an educated choice when casting their votes on May 10.
So far I haven't seen any tack lines such as: “We'll reduce unemployment and fight poverty!” Or: “We'll make the Philippines attractive for investors!” Or: “We'll focus on education!” Well, at least no one will be blamed for not having achieved his or her election promises that way...
The only conclusion promoted on one of the presidential candidate’s poster is, in rough translation from Tagalog, that “Without the corrupt, there won’t be poverty!” While corruption surely is not the only factor fostering poverty, it is honorable that the connection has been acknowledged.
Corruption seems to be a default setting in the Philippine power structure, from top to bottom. Untangling this web of loyalties, friendships and dependencies will be a tough call.
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