Glorifying politicians just because they represent some of our values benefits no one but the politicians themselves.
In today’s Filipino society, the people are divided by political colors. While this may be deemed as normal now, the belief that a particular politician or party ‘saving’ the Philippines should be eradicated.
There is a reason why politicians are also called public servants. Their responsibilities include being sympathetic towards the public and making sure their needs are met. However, due to the normalcy of self-serving individuals within the government, the people become too ecstatic every time someone they granted power to, is finally doing their job or is doing something that aligns with their interests and values.
This causes the people to put a certain leader on a pedestal as if they can do no wrong—resulting in selfish upholding of beliefs and discriminatory behavior.
For example, a politician executes a program that discriminates against certain people in exchange for safety and security for some. Now that half of the public has believed the illusion, they would disregard the harm this project has caused to their fellow citizens as it did not affect them. The feelings of those who did not get the better end of the stick are often invalidated and alienated.
Politician idolatry is an illness among Filipinos and is a threat to their rights, as well as the progress they keep on advocating and hoping for. While the Filipinos sacrifice just to provide for their families, the leaders they see as their ‘savior’ lives a life they can only imagine.
This tendency did not emerge without reason. The Philippines has been plagued with corruption and self-serving politicians. The idea of someone finally representing their values is refreshing for most. Hence, people are eager to believe that a leader who reflects their values can bring meaningful change. It is like discovering light amidst the darkness—only the light is a pretentious object. Hence, regardless of the impact of their preferred politician’s actions on the others—as long as their supporters feel protected—there will never be a bad side in their perspective.
This is exactly what self-interested leaders want—division among the public, which weakens the collective power in order to elect competent leaders. And they are doing a good job in weaponizing it.
