The smoke on the political battlefields is beginning to clear by this time. And once again, we see that elections in the Philippines are more than just a democratic process—they are a spectacle, and for many, a season of hope or frustration. From the bustling streets of Metro Manila to the quiet rural towns, every election brings with it a familiar rhythm: campaign rallies, fiery debates, money flowing, promises of change, and the ever-persistent question—"Will my vote truly make a difference?"

I started exercising my right to vote during the turbulent years of the early ‘70s. I have witnessed the significant transformations that elections in the Philippines have undergone over the past five decades. From a largely manual elections that usually take days to weeks to finish counting the results to the shift to automated counting, what remained was the usual attitude that, in the Philippines, no candidate loses an election but are only victims of cheating. But some dirty practices remained. It is extremely challenging to win an election without tons of money.

During the Cory presidency, the country transitioned from a predominantly two-party system to a multi-party democracy, witnessed the rise of neophyte candidates, mostly entertainment and sports personalities, with little to no prior political experience, struggled with political dynasties, the advent of the party-list system and entered the digital era, where social media plays a decisive role in shaping public opinion. While some of these changes have empowered voters, others have raised concerns about electoral integrity and the progress of democracy.

A multi-party system may offer voters more options, encouraging diverse political representation and providing greater opportunities for new candidates to emerge outside traditional power structures. However, it also led to political opportunism, where many political groups act more as election vehicles rather than advocates of long-term policy reforms.

In the past, elections were decided mainly by political experience and party loyalty. Today, candidates without traditional political backgrounds—particularly celebrities, athletes, and social media influencers—often gain electoral success based solely on name recognition. I have no issue with these personalities, but while some non-traditional candidates bring new energy into elections, their lack of preparation often results in governance inefficiencies and policy gaps. They often tend to prioritize popularity-driven decisions over substantive policy reforms.

Fifty years ago, senatorial and congressional candidates were expected to present detailed platforms to guide their governance. Campaigns revolved around economic plans, national security strategies, and long-term visions for development. Today, many candidates rely on charisma, emotional appeal, and vague promises rather than concrete plans. This shift has led to a decline in policy-driven politics, and political discourse has become simplified, with sound bites replacing nuanced discussions on national priorities.

One aspect of Philippine elections that has remained essentially unchanged is the persistence of political dynasties. Families with entrenched political influence, popularity, and money continue to dominate local and national elections, ensuring their grip on power for generations. Despite public outcry, political dynasties remain deeply embedded in Philippine elections.

One of the most defining changes in modern elections is the rise of social media and digital influencers. Fifty years ago, voters relied on newspapers, radio, pasted bills on walls, and television for political news. Today, information—whether accurate or fake—spreads rapidly through Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok. On the positive side, this development has led to increased political awareness, real-time updates, and enhanced voter engagement. But it has also complicated elections, as fake news, troll armies, and algorithm-driven echo chambers influence public perception and decision-making.

What is truly discouraging is the growing sense of hopelessness among many Filipinos regarding whether elections can truly bring about change in their lives. Many of us experience a sense of helplessness, feeling that no matter who wins, our daily struggles remain unchanged. For those in less developed areas and low-income communities, these concerns are often magnified. Economic hardships make voters more vulnerable to vote buying, and limited access to information can affect their ability to make informed choices. For most of them, these candidates are all the same; they only appear during elections and just after the votes. So, they end up accepting money to buy food for the family for at least several days.

The Philippine elections have undergone significant evolution over the past 50 years. While the country now enjoys a more competitive democratic space with increased voter engagement, it also faces pressing concerns, including vote fragmentation, the prioritization of personality over political platforms, the continued rule of dynasties, and the rise of misinformation through social media. Despite these challenges, elections remain a defining moment for Filipinos to shape their future. The ultimate power still lies in the hands of voters. And most of them know that the results of this midterm election will have a profound impact on the national political landscape in the lead-up to the 2028 presidential election.

(The author is an executive member of the National Innovation Council, lead convener of the Alliance for Technology Innovators for the Nation (ATIN), vice president of the Analytics and AI Association of the Philippines, and vice president of UP System Information Technology Foundation. Email: [email protected])