Barangay election colors and slogans
BARANGAY election festival is one colorful event in the Philippines. It is not true that the “patron saints” are Jose Abad Santos, Vicente Lim, Josefa Llanes Escoda (whose faces appear in “sanlibong piso”), Corazon Aquino, and Benigno Aquino Jr. (with faces in “limandaang piso).
It has been made clear that to ensure free, honest and credible elections on May 14, vote buying (among others) is a prohibited act. Our Commission on Elections (Comelec) has a firm stand on this (as always said). To many voters, the colors having nearness to “lemon peel” and “aqua blue” are very attractive and tempting. These two colors can possibly change the direction of barangay elections.
No one wants to believe that there is vote buying. It is only presumed that some candidates are more “generous” than other candidates. Generosity begets votes. Votes make the politicians servants of the people. They become barangay officials and look forward to 2019 election while “serving” their constituents.
My friend, Fr. Jonas Sumagaysay, believes that candidates who are not going to win in barangay elections have two reasons. First, they are not known yet. They are neophytes and have not done remarkable deeds in their barangay as residents. Second, they have been known very well already. As incumbent officials, they belong to the “silent and no action” committees. Some are experts in financial magic.
Barangay politicians play with colors (not necessarily following the colors of their local political sponsors). Just like one paint company advertises, “color brings color to your life. Color breathes life, adds sparkle, expresses emotions, gives meaning, and creates variety.”
Each color has an explanation that goes with it. Blue is soothing and fresh, giving peace and serenity. Red is a color of passion, courage, and intensity. (That could be the reason why women wear lipstick.) Green stands for security and comfort. Brown is about patience and humility. Yellow symbolizes generosity and nobility.
There could be other colors in t-shirts worn by the candidates. These are the colors that are hard to explain but could be found on top of the roof Pacific blue, Baguio green, Spanish red, Orient gold, Samar beige, Laguna white, Terracotta, and Chocolate Brown. Some of these colors speak of the brains of the candidates and their desire to serve the barangay. Service means honorarium also.
To be fair, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) candidates (SK and Barangay) have also their favorite colors lovely blush, warm orange, potpourri peach, merry mint, aqua paradise, blue wish, sea sprinkle, lime lily, flicker flame, among others. Don’t ignore them. Many of them are talented and very qualified. They can run a barangay and council meeting with choreography and style.
Not to be outdone are the “bright minds” of some candidates and planners in coming out with believable slogans. Women have their loud voices too.
Some have activist instincts. “Election changes nothing. Vote for me and I will turn nothing to something.” Others are overpromising. “What our mayor cannot do. I can do. Let me win first!” There are those who are hard-hitting.
Many of these slogans have been sent to me by my gazetteers from other towns and cities. We have cloak-and-dagger channel not known by politicians. In many places, trees and walls are flowering with campaign materials. We know that Comelec does not have the means to detach them.
We would like to give our condolences to Comelec for not doing the things it cannot really do. This work belongs to the street cleaners but that could happen... probably days (if not weeks) after the May 14 elections. Congratulations to all candidates. No one expects to lose before the election.