The game of thrones

THE heat intensifies in the political arena as the filing of candidacy is within reach. Come October things will be confirmed as to who will run for what, from the president down to the barangay councilors.

But the game of thrones has already begun. These few months have been the perfect time for our seasoned politicians and our new players both in the national and local scene to test how much chance they have of winning a public office. Strategic moves of eliminating the opponents’ advantage are in operation. Positioning of resources are also gaining momentum.

And while politicians magnify their public value, the business sector is also organizing themselves into teams and then study from among the prospects whom they can best invest on.

I have known for a fact that a certain group of funders are still to decide who to support and back up in the coming 2016 presidential elections. When asked about their criteria, I was told that they always bet on the winning horse.

I was further told that loyalty is never a good value in politics. Why? Because they have interests to protect. As for the rest of us, we become the weather, the indicator, the reactors. Well at least, we are the deciding factor. They may play on us, manipulate what information to feed us, and lure us but still, at the end of this all we are the voice of this land.

And while we have no control as to who should run, we have the power to choose who should win. Unlike in the series, we, the people, have a crucial role. Do here are three tips I can share to make us win in this game:
1. Know your candidates. Knowing goes beyond just knowing their names and who they are affiliated to. Try to know their platforms if they ever have one. Inquire about their track records to size up whether they have what it takes to be the leaders we want them to be. Read, listen, study them.
2. Express your thoughts in public. Make known your criticisms may they be good or bad. Use the social media to air out your concerns. When you voice out your thoughts, other people can resonate with it or disagree. It gives the politicians the chance to make public their positions on certain issues. It initiates a dialog.
3. Exercise your right to vote. Into your vote lies the future of your place and the country in general. However good your candidate is if you do not vote for him or her, nothing good happens. Democracy cannot materialize. So vote! Not only it is your right, it is your obligation to. And that starts by registering yourself with the Comelec.

Indeed the game of thrones has started. And while politicians throw filth against each other, it only signifies that democracy is indeed very much alive, and that it’s always the people who decides who sits in the throne.