Today’s voters are more discerning, no longer gullible

Lend us your ears: it’s about how you conduct your campaign, dear candidates, die-hard endorsers, and supporters.

Whereas we, voters, are the intended and direct recipients of the messages that you put into interviews, debates, talk shows, posters, and print ads, it seems both proper and helpful in your campaigning endeavor to receive feedback from voters, aside from knowing what the surveys convey in figures.

We are the patient listeners of your speeches at the rallies. We get to watch your gestures and body language. Disposed to listen attentively, we interpret your message the best way we could, thus, every word you utter publicly does not escape our attention.

A number of your campaign techniques conceptualized by either your camp or your avid supporters, however, go beyond what is reasonable, socially acceptable, and effective in terms of persuading our people. It is unfortunate that the situation could risk the way people may gauge your sincerity and authenticity, the two most important qualities for candidates to win votes.

When compared with our electorate of yesteryears, the manner by which the voter of today decides is on a par with the principles of sound judgment. We, voters of the new normal, are not gullible as a few candidates (and candidates’ die-hard supporters/endorsers) imagine. More accurately, the average Filipino voter is now able to use his or her reflective ability to the fullest. We have become much more aware of what is essential in life. Observations indicate that Filipino voters’ mindset has improved, becoming more open to learning. These developments could be due to the constraints in physical and social mobility during this pandemic.

Today’s voters are thinking, feeling, and judiciously choosing beings. When you say your piece or give us information, we process this according to what we have learned and witnessed. In the end, your campaign will be weighed based on how effectively you communicate your character, leadership style, and competence.

During this campaign period, we will give you due respect for as long as you deserve it and accord us the same. At any rate, please consider that the majority of the Filipinos are intelligent enough to choose a candidate worthy of their trust.

Try to keep your cool in the campaign, we shall continue to watch, listen to you, and wish you success.

Maris C. Tanangco,

[email protected]