April 30, 2025
by James Leonard M. Bautista
Have you already piled up the names of the people you are going to consider for the upcoming 2025 Philippine National and Local Election? Have you considered making your kodigo? If yes, how did you project your respective lists? Was it solely based on influence? Or was it rooted from that deep-rooted fanaticism? Was it to save a persona away from being grilled by accountability and justice? WHO should be WHO?
Elections are not just about choosing a leader—they are about shaping the future of your community – everyone is affected, especially those on the sectors carrying the entire weight of our stumped economy. For those first-time voting, one should bring out fresh eyes and a passionate heart to the process. This guide is here to serve as your roadmap, built on principles of factual discernment, accountability, and transparency. It will help you evaluate candidates based on their track records, policy commitments, and overall credibility. Let’s embark on this journey of empowerment and thoughtful voting. Ready ka na ba?
Factual Discernment to Gravitate Verified Claims and History is a FIRST.
Before you cast your vote, it’s crucial to separate promises from measurable outcomes. And how will you gauge those candidates based on such measures?
Research the Candidate’s Background!
Verify their education, professional experience, and prior political positions using reputable sources and official records. Look for fact-checking reports or independent reviews regarding their public statements and campaign promises. There are several and dedicated fact-checking platforms which do the entire work for us to make our choices balanced and be completely based on facts. Visit trusted media outlets and pages which display unbiased and no-nonsense exhibits of our candidates’ respective backgrounds in all frames and angles.
Here, Media Coverage and Interviews take a big leap in improving our fact-based weighing of candidates. Cross-check what the candidate states in interviews and debates with independent news reports. Compare monthly or quarterly performance reports if they have ever held public office.
Speak with Community Leaders. Get involved to know the reality at the grassroots level. Engage in discussions with teachers, local experts, or community leaders who can provide insight into the candidate’s ability to deliver on promises. Understanding who the candidate truly is—beyond campaign rhetoric—is the first step toward a thoughtful vote.
Once we have considered this path, we can now slowly plot a list that is rooted from an impartial lens.
Accountability and Transparency: The Value of Open Governance
An effective leader is unafraid of scrutiny and consistently demonstrates transparency in their actions. Those who chose to run away from such is considered a major red flag as we are talking about “public representation” and not for their own interest. Let’s carefully dismantle the how’s to which we see how impactful this path is to our selection process.
Examine Financial Records and Campaign Funding. Ensure that the candidate has a clear record of campaign contributions and expenditures. Look for publicly accessible financial disclosures to check for potential conflicts of interest. Check for Open Communication. Does the candidate have a reputation for addressing public concerns, even when the news isn’t favorable? Candidates who provide detailed responses and explanations in forums, press conferences, and debates show a commitment to accountability.
Transparency in Decision-Making. At Least they are open to show their receipts to the public as they are our representatives, right?
Review any available documents that detail how the candidate makes decisions. Reliable leaders often share the process behind policy choices, inviting public participation. Transparency is not just a buzzword—it is the bedrock of good governance, ensuring that power remains in the hands of those who serve the public interest.
Track Record? TRACK RECORD! Past Performance as a Predictor of Future Success is somehow the “OG” Rule of Thumb when it comes to putting strong and competent candidates to the position – no clownery, pure professionalism
When evaluating candidates, past performance is a strong indicator of future action. Take a close look at Governance and Leadership Achievements and History of Implementation.
For incumbents, note their contributions to previous projects, proposals, or reforms. For newcomers, review any community or professional leadership roles they have fulfilled. Identify instances where the candidate successfully initiated and saw through policies, projects, or programs that benefited the community. Check for evidence of efficient project management and follow-up on how their initiatives impacted public well-being.
A leader’s track record should ideally mirror their promises. Look for consistency between words and deeds. Or if you wanted to retain prototypes of pure circus madness, then maybe scratch this and move on.
Non-Involvement in Anomalous Cases as an Ironing Mechanism of Maintaining Integrity
Integrity is central to trustworthy leadership. To gauge a candidate’s ethical standing: Research Legal and Ethical Histories and Community Reputation. Where is their drive coming from? Assess and reassess how they convey their very path with the mass.
Investigate whether the candidate has been linked to any corruption scandals, legal disputes, or irregularities in office. Check independent databases or government records for any inquiries or litigations that might raise ethical concerns. Beyond formal records, consider local opinions. Has the candidate been the subject of credible allegations? Transparency in addressing any past issues can also be a sign that the candidate values integrity over reputation.
A clean record doesn’t automatically guarantee perfection, but it does speak volumes about a candidate’s commitment to ethical governance.
Voting is more than a civic duty—it’s your opportunity to influence change and hold leaders accountable. For the first-time voters of the Asian International School of Aeronautics and Technology and seasoned citizens alike, this checklist is a reminder: your vote is a powerful expression of your values and your hopes for the future.
The journey toward an enlightened vote begins with asking the right questions, scrutinizing public records, and holding leaders to rigorous standards of transparency and accountability. As you evaluate the candidates in the coming May 12 national and local elections, let this guide inspire you to look beyond slogans and promises. Embrace the power of informed decision-making to help build a government that truly reflects your aspirations.
Take your time to digest this checklist, engage in thoughtful conversations, and research each candidate diligently. Your decision shapes not just the political landscape but the community and future you want to be part of. Stand tall, vote wisely, and be the change you wish to see.
Para kanino ang boto ko? It’s for the candidates who have the principles who have aligned with the checklists above. Ikaw? Para kanino ang boto mo? Make a choice!