A woman sold her vote for P500 and a pack of instant noodles. That same afternoon, she was rushing home, carrying two kilos of rice wrapped in a campaign shirt. “At least, may pamugas-bugas,” she muttered. And that, right there, is the sore truth: money—not merit, not morals—still decides who sits in power. I cannot accept this as normal.

Every election season, the circus comes to town. You see them—candidates suddenly oozing with charm, their smiles wide enough to rival a full moon, their hands extended not to serve but to give: envelopes, groceries, coins like communion. And the people, hardened by hunger and habit, receive these like pilgrims who’ve long stopped believing in saints but still kneel at the altar of survival. It’s easy to cast blame, but it’s not that simple. This isn’t just about greed—it’s about desperation. But while poverty explains the problem, it should never justify it.

What troubles me deeply is that this culture of “kwarta-kumbati” has endured like a stubborn weed that no amount of good weather or Sunday mass can kill. The clever ones say, “Kuhaa an kwarta, pero ayaw iboto,” but we all know that rarely happens. The transaction, though unspoken, is complete the moment the hand receives the bill.

Democracy is not a market, and yet our ballots are bartered like fish in a public talipapa—some go for P300, others P1,000, depending on how tight the race is. The more they pay, the more they prove they’ve got something to hide. But voters still dance to the tune of the highest bidder, as if leadership were a cockfight and they’re just betting on who struts better.

This isn’t new. From barangay chairs to senators, the unwritten rule remains: those who have the gold, rule. Our elections have become a game of logistics, not leadership. It’s about who has more motorcades, who prints more tarps, who hires more coordinators to whisper sweet promises into every purok. Platforms? Principles? Those are optional. We’ve raised a generation of politicians who campaign not with vision but with vouchers, and a generation of voters who’ve mistaken short-term gain for long-term governance. This isn’t just the weakening of trust—it’s the collapse of the very soul of democracy.

Some may argue that people take the money because they’re poor, and yes, that’s part of it. But we cannot keep romanticizing poverty as an excuse for surrender. I grew up with neighbors who didn’t have electricity but still refused to sell their votes. They understood that integrity isn’t about having more but about wanting better. It’s the same reason why you don’t drink seawater even when you’re dying of thirst—it won’t save you; it’ll only kill you faster. Money may fill a pot for a day, but what kind of leader will poison the well that feeds you?

I find it telling that the loudest campaigns are often the most hollow. The ones who flood the streets with streamers are usually the same ones who avoid public debates like the plague. Because why speak sense when you can buy silence? Why defend your record when you can drown dissent in disco music and campaign giveaways? Somewhere along the way, we’ve confused generosity with governance. But true leadership is not in what they give before the elections; it’s in what they deliver after the applause dies down.

It hurts me—truly—that we’ve taught our youth to think of elections as fiesta time rather than sacred civic duty. That we’ve passed down not the value of discernment, but the art of deal-making. The vote, that precious little rectangle of hope, has been reduced to a receipt. We are not choosing shepherds; we are selling the sheep. And every time we do, we forfeit our right to complain, because we handed over power not to the worthy, but to the wealthy.

What this country needs is not another lecture about good governance—it needs citizens who can’t be bought. The change we want won’t arrive in envelopes; it will rise from people who see past the peso signs and finally vote with principle, not price tags. Until then, we will remain exactly where we are—clapping for clowns, praying for miracles, and wondering why nothing ever changes.

For the Marcoses, it took them 36 Years to journey back to Malacañang after the 1986 People Power Revolution they are back in the 2022 Presidential Elections. The contested 2016 Elections which the President narrowly miss the Vice Presidency against now Mayor Leni Robredo. There was Senator Liela Delima Senator Leila de Lima was detained for almost seven years—specifically, six years, eight months, and 21 days (a total of 2,454 days)—before being granted temporary freedom in November 2023. For the many political comeback stories including the story of Eastern Samar’s stalwart 4Ps main man Congressman Marcelino Libanan it was an arduous comeback which was stronger than the setback.

Comeback is possible!

The Latin phrase “Dum Spiro, Spero”, which translates to “While I breathe, I hope”, is an ancient expression of resilience and optimism. Its origins trace back to Greek poet Theocritus (3rd Century BC), who wrote, “While there’s life there’s hope, and only the dead have none.” The sentiment was later echoed by Cicero, the Roman statesman, in his writings. Over time, the phrase became widely adopted as a motto, notably appearing on the seal of South Carolina and in various heraldic symbols.

In the Philippines , we say habang may buhay , may pag asa! Although an FB video says Habang may buhay, may pagsubok.

In the context of voting, the phrase has been adapted to emphasize civic engagement and the power of democracy. For example, political figures have modified it to “While I breathe, I vote”, reinforcing the idea that hope is sustained through active participation in elections. The phrase has been used in campaigns to encourage voter turnout, highlighting the belief that every vote contributes to shaping a better future.

In the Philippine setting , after elections came the Euphoric feeling for candidates who won and the direct opposite which is sadness comes to mind as well.

For winners, the phrase embodies the perseverance and optimism that carried them through the campaign. Many victorious candidates often frame their success as a testament to unwavering hope and determination, emphasizing that their leadership will continue to inspire progress and change.

For losers, the dictum serves as a reminder that defeat is not the end. Many candidates who lost in previous elections have used this philosophy to fuel their political comebacks. The idea that hope persists if one continues to strive is a powerful motivator for those who plan to run again or contribute to public service in other ways.

For the Marcoses, it took them 36 Years to journey back to Malacañang after the 1986 People Power Revolution they are back in the 2022 Presidential Elections . The contested 2016 Elections which the President narrowly miss the Vice Presidency against now Mayor Leni Robredo. There was Senator Liela Delima Senator Leila de Lima was detained for almost seven years—specifically, six years, eight months, and 21 days (a total of 2,454 days)—before being granted temporary freedom in November 2023. For the many political comeback stories including the story of Eastern Samar’s stalwart 4Ps main man Congressman Marcelino Libanan it was an arduous comeback which was stronger than the setback.

In all, we have seen, the Pagbabalik and in its face these are real tales of hope!

In today’s rapidly changing and competitive business world, success goes beyond traditional measures like profits and market share. It now hinges on adaptability, innovation, and staying ahead of the curve. In this dynamic landscape, one key element stands out as essential: a commitment to lifelong learning.

Continuously seeking knowledge and acquiring new skills is not only personally enriching but also a strategic imperative for businesses aiming to thrive in the 21st century. Here are several advantages of prioritizing continuous learning on the path to business success:

1. Adaptability and Agility: The business environment is constantly evolving due to technology advancements, market disruptions, and shifting consumer preferences. Those who embrace lifelong learning are better equipped to adapt, pivot, and seize emerging opportunities. By staying informed about industry trends, best practices, and innovative technologies, businesses can remain agile and resilient in the face of uncertainty.

2. Innovation and Creativity: Lifelong learners are natural innovators. By exposing themselves to diverse perspectives, exploring new ideas, and challenging conventional thinking, they foster a culture of creativity within their organizations. Continuous learning encourages employees to think outside the box, experiment with novel solutions, and drive innovation across all aspects of the business.

3. Enhanced Problem-Solving Skills: Learning is a process of problem-solving itself. As individuals engage with new concepts and confront unfamiliar challenges, they develop critical thinking skills, analytical abilities, and the confidence to tackle complex problems. In a business context, this translates to more effective decision-making, better risk management, and the ability to navigate obstacles with poise.

4. Competitive Advantage: In a globalized marketplace with fierce competition, knowledge is power. Businesses that invest in continuous learning gain a competitive edge by staying ahead of industry trends, anticipating customer needs, and outpacing rivals. Whether it’s mastering cutting-edge technologies, honing specialized skills, or fostering a culture of continuous improvement, a commitment to learning sets businesses apart and positions them for long-term success.

5. Employee Engagement and Retention: Lifelong learning is not only beneficial for business leaders but also crucial for nurturing talent within organizations. Employees who are given opportunities to learn and grow are more engaged, motivated, and loyal. By providing access to professional development resources, training programs, and mentorship opportunities, businesses can foster a culture of learning that attracts and retains top talent.

Just imagine the magnitude of success other entrepreneurs are now enjoying. It is because of their perseverance and their entrepreneurial mindset that has kept their business afloat. By embracing lifelong learning, businesses can adapt to change, foster innovation, solve problems effectively, gain a competitive edge, and cultivate a highly engaged workforce. It’s a strategic investment that paves the way for long-term success in today’s fast-paced business landscape.
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If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts on the column, feel free to send an email to jca.bblueprint@gmail.com. Looking forward to connecting with you!

CHRIST himself defined it very clearly. “By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (Jn 13,35) And that love should cover everyone, the good ones and the bad ones, the innocent and the guilty, the victim and the oppressor or killer, the friend and the enemy, etc.

It’s indeed a tall order or an impossible task to carry out, since definitely it requires the grace of God, our true identification with Christ, and not just our human efforts though these should also be used to the full.

It’s definitely no joke to be a disciple of Christ. It demands of us everything. This is how Christ himself described what to be his disciple requires:

“If anyone comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.” (Lk 14,26-27)

And he added that to effectively carry out our discipleship of him, we should plan things well. We should not just have good intentions. We have to be properly equipped with everything that Christ himself would provide us. And this is nothing less than for us to be truly identified with Christ.

With Christ, everything will be put in order. We would know how to understand his words that at first may sound harsh and even inhuman to us—what with him telling us to ‘hate’ our father and mother, children, brothers and sisters.

We will understand that what he meant is that we give our whole heart to him, and by doing so we would actually know how to love everybody and everything else in the proper way. Our usual problem is that our human loving tends to be disorderly, fueled mainly by earthly and temporal principles and missing the real source of love.

To be a true disciple of Christ requires a certain kind of detachment so we can have the proper attachment to God and everyone and everything else in their proper order.
This is how he expressed it: “Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Mt 6,33) We also know that among the 10 commandments, the first among those related to our duties towards others, the 4th commandment, is that of honoring our father and mother.

We need to have a certain detachment from persons and things to be able to give our heart entirely to God, and with him, we actually have everything we need. As St. Teresa of Avila put it graphically, with God we have enough—“solo Dios basta.”

So, the detachment our Lord is asking of us actually does not mean that we hate our life, our parents and others, and the things of this world. Rather it is a detachment that asks of us to have rectitude of intention, that everything that we do be for the glory of God.
St. Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians said as much: “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatsoever else you do, do all to the glory of God.” (10,31)

We should train ourselves to have God first, last and always in our loving. This may require some discipline to control our human urges to let ourselves be guided and moved always by God’s love. This definitely will be a lifelong affair but we should consider as all worth it.

It is well to be reminded that every politician running for elective public office must be careful with the words they utter as it could boomerang on their person. Any false statement by a candidate promoting his or any other candidates’ election or destroying any candidate running against one or anyone being supported could not be easily checked through advance information technology. One found lying or spreading false information or in street parlance as fake news could suffer negative publicity and cause the loss at the polls. Indeed, in the heat of the election campaign, a candidate could easily be instigated to make false statements against a rival candidate just to gain an edge before the public eyes.

The blessings of democracy is now enjoyed after the dismantling of the despotic rule of what Primitivo Mijares called in his book of the same title “The Conjugal Dictatorship of Ferdinand and Imelda” during the world-renowned Peaceful People Power Revolution of 1986. From that famous bloodless revolution was born a new government led by Corazon Cojuangco Aquino and Salvador Roamn Hidalgo Laurel which gave priority the writing of a new Constitution. It was that supreme law that demolished the vestiges of an abusive dictatorship and the oppressive system under martial law. That constitution was ratified overwhelmingly by the Filipino electorate in a plebiscite held on 02 February 1987.

Where people lost their fundamental freedoms of speech, of expression and of the press under martial law, such freedoms were restored by the 1987 Philippine Constitution. In the dark years of martial law, supporters of the dictator would claim that there was freedom of speech, of expression and of the press under the dictatorship. But the reality and truth is that while people could freely speak, the question is if there is freedom after speaking. Many of those who dared speak lost their freedom in the dead of night or in some instances even in the brightness of day like the student leader Achimedes “Archie” Francisco Trajano. He was dragged by security men of then Kabataang Barangay National President and now senator Maria Imelda Josefa Remedios “Imee” Marcos-Manotoc.

It is well for Filipinos today, chiefly the millennial generation, to learn that the freedoms they enjoy of spreading the truth or even lies, false and fake news are the blessings of democracy that was won by our forebears against foreign tyrants and of domestic tyrants, chiefly the conjugal dictators whose descendants are back in power. Even the right to bash and malign those who fought for our freedoms are fruits of the sweat and blood, many of whom were lost and whose names are etched in stone at the Bantayug ng mga Bayani. We ought to the countless heroes who offered their lives and the ultimate sacrifices of the orphaned families they left behind, our freedom to speak and to remain free after speaking.
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