Navigating the

Elections
Ronald M. Castillo (NCCU-IDAS / UST-MAPS)
Accountability
The Philippine Government is the result of a social contract. We are neither a monarchy, nor an aristocracy.

We vote to choose on whose hands to place the duty to serve the people.

Not to choose whom to be a fan of.

And of course, not to make lords and kings of provinces and the country.
 Numbers games

• Whoever has the votes wins.

How is the
Game of
It’s a game of intrigue.
Thrones
played? • Filipinos often get lost in this maze.

A game on the people.

• Politicians need your votes.

Your compass
• What is the election for?

• What are you as a member of the electorate?

• Power is in the hands of the people, what is your source of power?

For what purpose is it that
we hold elections?
Malacañan is a palace but the
Philipines has no King.
Hindi po minamana ang Pilipinas!
Who is more qualified to govern?

A professor A farmer A lawyer A carpenter

 Candidacy qualifications were created
to open the field without bias.
Why is the
political
dynasty Those in power are members of
system dynasties.
difficult to
remove?
It’s you, the voter, who has the power
to maintain or change this system.
What manner of person are you
as a member of the electorate?
Do we have thinking
netizens?

• The masses tend to gravitate

towards the popular.

• Social media is full of trolls and

fake news along with people who
believe in them.
Michel’s Iron Law of Oligarchy

Elite

In any organization, there will

always be a small group of
elites at the top.

Masses
Which elite do you plan to
elect this coming elections?
Political Information

Structure from Laws

Facts from historical and contemporary events

Propaganda and campaign materials of politicians

Analyses of statesmen

News from broadsheets

Scandals from tabloids

Intrigue from mainstream media

Trolls on the net

Who should be the ones using surveys and why for?
Surveys were meant for political candidates to gauge their standing on the race.

Not for you voters to gauge on who to support.

Daes Dae Mar (Robert Jordan)

Trans. “The Game of Houses” also known as The Great Game.

“Political and social maneuverings employed by the noble houses to gain status, power or
wealth, or to cause the downfall of others. “ - Robert Jordan, The Wheel of Time

Players of the game usually hide their actions and veil their words.
The Game of
Houses is a
game of
information
Are you informed?
Are you helping inform the community or
just playing the game?
Who benefits from
your vote?
Maraming salamat po!