Wazzup Pilipinas!?
A question that often arises during elections is: Why do people vote for politicians like Bong Revilla? While many may find this perplexing, there’s a deeper understanding to be uncovered when we look at the patterns of voters who support traditional politicians or "trapos." With their celebrity status or promises of quick solutions, these candidates manage to win the votes of many, but this raises a critical question: Who really decides their victory, and why do voters continue to support them?
The Characteristics of Voters Who Support Traditional Politicians
To answer why figures like Bong Revilla (and other similar traditional politicians) win elections, we need to examine the regions where they get the most votes. Typically, these regions are places with high levels of poverty and low access to education. When we consider the voters in these areas, it’s clear that many lack the resources to critically assess candidates. These are often the people who struggle with unemployment, poor healthcare, and limited opportunities, making them more susceptible to politicians who offer immediate relief or promises of “help.”
According to the Commission on Audit (COA), here are some of the poorest provinces in the Philippines as of 2016:
Lanao del Sur
Sulu
Sarangani Province
Northern Samar
Maguindanao
Bukidnon
Sultan Kudarat
Zamboanga del Norte
Siquijor
Agusan del Sur
In these areas, the high levels of poverty and low literacy rates can heavily influence voting patterns. People in these provinces often have limited access to information, which affects their ability to make informed choices during elections.
Traditional Politicians' Stronghold in Poor Provinces
Let’s look at how traditional politicians like Bong Revilla perform in these provinces. In 2016, Revilla placed as follows in the top 12 in the poorest regions:
Lanao del Sur – 10th
Sulu – 3rd
Sarangani Province – 4th
Northern Samar – 3rd
Maguindanao – 4th
Bukidnon – 9th
Sultan Kudarat – 3rd
Zamboanga del Norte – 6th
Siquijor – 13th
Agusan del Sur – 9th
Except for Siquijor, Revilla secured a spot in the Magic 12 in these provinces. This shows that he (and similar politicians) are overwhelmingly popular in areas where poverty is widespread. These are places where people often feel disconnected from the promises of progress and have fewer opportunities to critically assess their choices.
The Performance of Traditional Politicians in Wealthier Areas
On the other hand, let’s examine the performance of traditional politicians like Bong Revilla in wealthier regions with higher literacy rates, better educational access, and more economic opportunities. These are areas where voters are more likely to evaluate candidates based on their qualifications, track record, and overall capability to govern. Some of the wealthiest cities in the Philippines include:
Quezon City
Manila
Cebu City
Pasig City
Taguig City
Caloocan City
Pasay City
Davao City
Calamba City
In these cities, Revilla’s rankings were as follows:
Quezon City – 18th
Manila – Did not make it to the Magic 12
Cebu City – 17th
Pasig City – 19th
Taguig City – 17th
Caloocan City – 17th
Pasay City – 19th
Davao City – 11th
Calamba City – 16th
In these wealthier cities, Revilla (like many other traditional politicians) did not make it to the Magic 12, with Davao City being the only exception. This suggests that voters in more affluent areas are less likely to support candidates with celebrity status or those with less substantial political records.
What Does This Tell Us?
The contrast between how traditional politicians perform in poor vs. wealthy areas tells us a lot about the faulty nature of voting decisions in certain parts of the country. It’s evident that politicians like Bong Revilla win in impoverished areas where people lack access to education and critical thinking skills. In these regions, people are more likely to vote based on immediate needs or familiar faces, rather than on a candidate’s qualifications, character, or ability to govern.
While we can’t entirely blame these voters, it’s clear that there is a disconnect in the political system. People in poorer regions often face daily struggles and might prioritize short-term relief over long-term solutions. Moreover, without access to quality education and unbiased information, it becomes difficult for them to assess the true capabilities of the candidates running for office.
The Bigger Picture
The election of traditional politicians is not just an advantage for Bong Revilla or other specific individuals. It highlights a larger systemic issue in Philippine politics—voter education. The fact that traditional politicians thrive in regions with limited educational resources underscores the urgent need for greater civic education and awareness. Voters need to understand that choosing the right leader involves more than just familiarity or empty promises. It requires a critical evaluation of a candidate’s qualifications, integrity, and long-term vision for the country.
Ultimately, the continued success of these "trapos" is a reflection of a deeper issue in the political landscape. It’s not enough to merely point fingers at voters or candidates. The focus should be on improving education, promoting critical thinking, and ensuring that all Filipinos have the resources to make informed decisions during elections.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
