WITH positions up for grabs in the 2025 Philippine elections, what's at stake isn't just seats of power but the nation's course for the upcoming years. From economic recovery to social reform, our choices will shape the trajectory of our communities and our nation as a whole—so the quality of the people we elect can set the course for our country, for better or worse.

     What's notable with the election cycle this time is the sheer number of candidates who gained fame not from civic service but from showbiz and social platforms. Actors, TV hosts, and online personalities with millions of followers are just some who seek to take up government positions. Social media, a prime tool in this trend, democratizes visibility but raises concerns about implications for public governance.

     Celebrity candidates, as much as they might intend to mean well, have no grounding in the qualifications required for leadership. Leadership needs competencies, a correct grasp of the legislation, and attention to the subtle details of public service. These qualifications are not endowed with fame on social media. Candidate influencers come to politics with some level of exposure but minus proven knowledge; leadership would be a product to market rather than the commitment needed for actual change.

     As a prominent comedian, Vice Ganda remarked in a 2022 interview, "Not because you can win, you will run." Ironically, her spouse, Ion Perez, a showbiz personality, is now running as a councilor in Tarlac with no formal background in governance.

     But while fame draws votes, voter education could tip the scales toward qualified leadership. Witnessing a new surge of celebrity candidates, we cannot forget that the electoral process is less of a popularity contest and more of a careful selection of who holds the future of communities in their hands—given in the age of the proliferation of fake news and disinformation among voters in different media platforms and with a quite number of social media influencers and celebrities running. Reporters and journalists can contribute to voter education through fact-based reporting, simplifying complex policies, and raising civic engagement. Their reporting can ensure that the voters are better informed on the candidates, their policy issues, social problems within society, and what they are voting for when heading to the polls.

     What is the future of Philippine politics? Does it even have a future left? Public office is not merely a stage but a space requiring leaders equipped with a clear understanding of legislative and executive responsibilities and committed to meeting the citizenry's needs. Fame can be powerful, but that will not supplant the needed expertise and knowledge that requires much to deal with such complexity in public service. A deep understanding of policy, as well as nuances on both national and local issues, requires severe and genuine commitment towards service.

     In shaping the future of Philippine politics, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), civil society, and voter literacy programs hold crucial roles in fostering an informed electorate. Being the country's electoral body, the COMELEC has to follow the guiding principles of having free, fair, and transparent elections through disqualifying inept candidates, anti-disinformation, and strict campaign rules to make quality leaders for the nation. Through debate and public forums with outreach even into remote areas, several civil society groups can heighten consciousness that a competent official will be elected, which counters mis/disinformation at the bare level. Voter literacy is essentially the grassroots of a well-functioning democracy—equipping citizens with sufficient information and power to vote responsibly. It helps keep the leaders accountable, transparent, and improving.

     The call for active voter education should be highly encouraged among voters, and it is needed more than ever as the campaign season for the 2025 Midterm Elections is fast approaching. The importance of voter education would allow prospective voters for the upcoming elections to make informed choices and scrutinize and question their track records. Promoting a better voter's education may not be as easy as it seems. Each individual has a role to play in promoting better voter education and being highly involved in electing leaders. 

     Ultimately, the choice is in our hands: will we drive this country for better or worse?