What millennials really think about the 2016 national elections

IN LESS than two months, we are about to elect a new president.

The candidates started campaigning early, reaching out to the youth through social media platforms. But it seems that millennials are tired of all the politicking and shameful popularity contest that has characterized Philippine elections. Instead of choosing qualified leaders, Filipinos tend to vote based on a candidate’s image or famous last name.

In this article, students share their sentiments on the presidential candidates and what they really think about the May 9 elections.

“I like how these candidates try to make the youth interested enough to care about the elections. What scares me, though, is that our choice would make or break the country in the next six years. Given the number of youth voters, it would be ridiculous to take this generation for granted.” —Jeremy Pichay, Mapua Institute of Technology

“After watching the debates, I have yet to be impressed by any of the presidential candidates. My primary choice was Miriam Defensor-Santiago, until she picked Bongbong Marcos as her running mate. It said a lot about her—picking a dictator’s son who doesn’t even acknowledge his father’s sins and who blatantly lies about his educational background. I’m also disappointed at how the candidates would point out the shortcomings of their opponents rather than tell us why they deserve our votes as public servants and individuals.” —Luz Wendy Noble, University of the Philippines Diliman

“I am impressed by the candidates’ views on the different issues our country is facing and how they plan to deal with them if they get elected. These may just be simple promises and empty statements, but at least we get to see how knowledgeable they are about sensitive topics.

“I don’t like the idea of voting in a mall as this makes our elections look cheap. If some people do not like to vote in designated polling precincts, then so be it. Elections aren’t new to us so why do we have to experiment with mall voting? Another thing I dislike is how some candidates like to take potshots at each other, like the Roxas-Duterte sampalan threats. It cheapens the presidential race.” —Aaron Cayabyab, De La Salle University

“Presidential candidates always have a niche that they try to ‘exploit’ or maximize. It’s interesting to see now how these candidates use social media to reach out to the public, especially the youth. Candidates are already using social media for their campaign gains. But where are their platforms and specific plans of action? They still need to disseminate relevant information.” —Ysabelle Cascante, University of the Philippines Diliman

Debates and forums

“The road to the 2016 national elections is a chance for us to closely scrutinize the presidential candidates through public debates and forums organized around the country. These debates test the credibility and intention of the candidates. They are a welcome development at a time when the right answer could spare the country from electing someone who should not have run in the first place.

“But politics is politics. Candidates continue to resort to mudslinging in the hopes of garnering more votes. This period before the actual elections is very crucial. It is the courting stage in which candidates woo voters into picking them. Hopefully, a deserving candidate and an informed voting population will find each other in a country drowning in corruption and scandal.”

Popularity contest

“My impression of the coming elections is that none of the candidates has a clear-cut advantage. Voters are burdened with the responsibility of choosing the right leader. What I don’t like about the elections is that it is still a popularity contest after all.” —Alain Fusana, Colegio de San Juan de Letran

“I am impressed by Grace Poe’s views and principles, and her exposing of the status quo’s failure to address the issue of basic social services and mass transportation. She doesn’t come out as a messiah who will alleviate the people’s plight with her efforts and skills alone, but as an all-inclusive leader who requires the collective action of Filipinos to reach lofty goals —to be an industrialized country with an efficient justice system. Other candidates tend to divert from important issues to talk about things that are to their benefit.

“Through the years, presidential candidates have never taken a firm and clear stand on genuine agrarian reform, industrialization, lasting peace among rebel groups and other pressing issues.” —Al Omaga, University of the Philippines Manila

“I’m impressed only by Miriam Defensor-Santiago and Mar Roxas because of their credentials and previous experience in government. They’re my bets to become the next president. I have a hostile attitude toward politicians in general; I’m pretty much cynical over politics. So it bothers me how most of the candidates seem so shallow, never really focusing on policies and their stand on social issues. One of the most annoying news I’ve heard so far is how the Commission on Elections had to reprint all of the ballots because of a typo error.” —Paul Xavier Bernardo, University of Santo Tomas

“What impresses me about the candidates are their guts to run for the highest office and the courage to govern the entire nation. Also, it appears that the coming elections is still personality- and popularity-based. And that’s what I do not like. Enough with the politicking; elections should always be platform-centered.”

—Josh Constantino, San Beda College Manila