Stop Calling Them ‘Father’ or ‘Mother’—The Dirty Trick Politicians Use to Control You

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

They Are Not Your Mother. They Are Not Your Father.

Every election season, politicians try to win votes by pretending to be the "father" or "mother" of the people. From the barangay level to Malacañang, this rhetoric is used repeatedly—almost as if they were following the same script. But let’s not be fooled. They are not your relatives. You are not their child. And most importantly, they should not be treated as parental figures.

This campaign strategy is not just about showing concern. It has a name in Latin—“parens patriae.” Under this concept, the government is seen as the "parent" of its citizens. This means that while the state supposedly protects its people, in return, the people are expected to give their unquestioning loyalty—just like children obeying their parents.

It may sound noble at first, but if you look closely, it is a manipulative tactic designed to suppress critical thinking and turn citizens into blind followers.

Are You a Bad "Child" for Thinking Critically?

In Filipino culture, a child who disobeys their parents is often seen as “bad.” But what happens when this mindset is applied to politics? That’s dangerous.

If you question the government about its failures—you’re a bad child.

If you criticize policies that only benefit the elite—you’re a bad child.

If you demand justice and accountability—you’re a bad child.

Why? Because to politicians who use the "father-mother" narrative, citizens should never question their authority. We are expected to simply obey, never doubt, and never complain. But believing in this kind of deception is a serious mistake.

In a true democracy, decisions should not rest solely in the hands of the government. Democracy requires transparency, accountability, and responsible leadership. And if a politician needs to use sentimental drama to avoid real issues—that’s an immediate red flag.

You Don’t Need a Parental Government—You Need Good Governance

Remember where public funds come from—from the taxes we pay. From barangay staff salaries to the president’s paycheck, it is the people’s money that funds the government. That means we owe them nothing. We are their bosses, not helpless children relying on their mercy.

And if you are a voter and taxpayer, you don’t need a government that pretends to be your parent. What you need is competent, responsible, and genuinely caring leadership—not mere theatrics on a campaign stage.

So in this election, if a candidate tries to win votes by calling themselves the "father" or "mother" of the people—IMMEDIATE REJECTION.

They are not your parents.

And you are not a child they can deceive with sweet words.

*Cover image: from Manila Standard

Mocha Uson and the Myth of "RIP Freedom of Speech"

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Mocha Uson has once again taken to social media, wailing about the supposed "death" of free speech as if she were some valiant warrior for truth. But let’s be real—she’s not a truth-teller, she’s a serial misinformation machine. There’s a massive difference between being censored and being held accountable for spreading fake news. And no, Mocha, getting called out for your falsehoods is not oppression—it’s just people demanding the bare minimum: facts.

Freedom of Speech Isn’t a License to Deceive

Freedom of speech is a fundamental right, but it doesn’t mean freedom from facts or freedom from consequences. It’s not a "get out of jail free" card for those who deliberately peddle disinformation. The moment you step into the arena of public discourse, you open yourself up to scrutiny. And if your idea of "truth" is 99.9% chismis and 0.1% poorly-researched Google searches, then expect people to call you out. That’s not an attack on free speech—that’s society refusing to let misinformation slide.

Mocha loves to paint herself as a misunderstood patriot, bravely speaking out while being "silenced" by the so-called "elite." But let’s not kid ourselves—this isn’t about silencing her. It’s about making sure that people with influence don’t poison public discourse with outright lies.

The Difference Between Censorship and Consequences

Censorship happens when the government or powerful institutions actively suppress dissenting voices. What Mocha Uson experiences isn’t censorship—it’s the natural consequence of spreading falsehoods. When journalists, fact-checkers, and the general public push back against her, it’s not an authoritarian crackdown. It’s society collectively saying, "Enough with the lies."

Let’s put it simply:

If a government bans you from speaking, that’s censorship.

If a platform removes your content because it violates community standards, that’s moderation.

If people call you out for misinformation, that’s accountability.

Mocha isn’t a victim. She’s just facing the backlash that comes when people finally get tired of the nonsense.

The Dangerous Impact of Fake News

The problem with people like Mocha Uson isn’t just that they’re loud—it’s that they’re loud and wrong, and their words have real-world consequences. Misinformation erodes trust in institutions, fuels division, and can even endanger lives. We’ve seen this in elections, public health crises, and even national security issues. A single viral lie can spread faster than the truth, and people like Mocha thrive on that chaos.

In a world where misinformation spreads like wildfire, accountability is crucial. If we don’t push back against falsehoods, we allow them to shape public perception and policy. And that’s dangerous.

Try Accountability, It’s Cute

Instead of crying "RIP freedom of speech" every time she’s caught misleading the public, maybe Mocha Uson should try something different—like accountability. It might not be as dramatic as playing the victim, but it’s a lot more respectable. Imagine a world where public figures admit their mistakes, learn from them, and strive to do better. Revolutionary, right?

But until then, the least we can do is call out misinformation when we see it. Not because we’re against free speech, but because we believe in responsible speech. And that, Mocha, is the real truth.

Exposed: China Secretly Funding Pro-Duterte Vloggers – What Are They Hiding?

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

​Former Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles confirmed that the Chinese government sponsored seminars for pro-Duterte vloggers, covering all expenses including travel, accommodation, and seminar costs. ​

During a House tri-committee hearing on fake news and disinformation held on March 21, 2025, Cruz-Angeles admitted her participation in one such seminar organized by China's National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) from May 23 to June 5, 2023. She revealed that the invitation came directly from the Chinese Embassy, which regularly selects participants for these programs. The seminar focused on emerging trends in social media, including techniques for creating short-form videos and provided a background on China. ​

This disclosure has raised concerns about foreign influence in the Philippines, especially considering recent events involving Chinese nationals. On March 3, 2025, the Philippine government announced an investigation into donations made by groups affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). These groups, led by four Chinese nationals accused of espionage, had donated cash and equipment to local Philippine officials and police forces. The donations included 500,000 pesos to the mayor of Tarlac City, 10 motorcycles to Manila's police, and 10 patrol vehicles to Tarlac's police. The investigation aims to determine whether these donations were made in good faith or with ulterior motives. ​

The intertwining of media training programs and alleged espionage activities has sparked a broader debate about the extent of China's influence in the Philippines. Senator Raffy Tulfo has called for an immediate halt to government programs that send high-ranking Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) officers to China for studies and training, with expenses paid by the Chinese government. Tulfo described such programs as a significant insult, especially in light of ongoing harassment and bullying of AFP members by Chinese military forces in the West Philippine Sea. ​

These developments come amid efforts to strengthen bilateral ties between the Philippines and China. On January 4, 2023, both countries signed 14 bilateral agreements covering various sectors, including agriculture, infrastructure, maritime security, and tourism. One notable agreement was the Implementation Program on Tourism Cooperation, aiming to enhance tourism collaboration between the two nations. ​

While such agreements aim to bolster economic and cultural ties, the recent revelations have led to increased scrutiny of China's involvement in the Philippines' internal affairs. The sponsorship of seminars for pro-Duterte vloggers and the alleged espionage activities have raised questions about the potential for foreign influence operations. As the Philippines navigates its relationship with China, balancing cooperation with vigilance remains a critical challenge.​