THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) recently reported that 183 candidates have filed their certificates of candidacy for the 12 Senate seats in the upcoming May 2025 midterm elections.
Additionally, 190 party-list groups have submitted their certificates of nomination and acceptance.
These figures represent a significant increase compared to previous years, suggesting that more individuals and organizations view the upcoming elections either as an opportunity to serve the public; or as a means to pursue their ambitions for power, influence, and wealth.
Regardless of their motivations, one fact remains clear: it is the voters who will ultimately determine whether these candidates deserve the positions they seek.
It is crucial for the electorate to be informed and discerning, enabling them to identify which candidates truly merit their valuable votes.
Moreover, it is important to note that the Comelec has yet to narrow down the list of candidates according to established guidelines.
As a result, many of these Senate and congressional hopefuls may not make it to the final roster, particularly those deemed nuisance candidates or lacking a genuine intent to run a credible campaign.
However, it is worth highlighting that among those who have filed their candidacies, several individuals stand out as deserving of a Senate seat, based on their backgrounds, experiences, and sincere commitment to public service.
One such candidate is former Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos.
Any discerning and informed voter would recognize that Abalos is exceptionally qualified for a Senate position.
As DILG chief, he demonstrated outstanding leadership, championing local governance and initiating various impactful projects.
He also conducted a successful no-nonsense anti-drug campaign with the flagship Buhay Ingatan , Droga Ayawan (BIDA) program that netted thousands of drug users and pushers, and also confiscated multi-billion peso worth of illegal drugs, without resorting to violence and bloodshed, thus ensuring the safety of every community in the country.
In short, his leadership style is a mixture of pragmatism and compassion backed by concrete actions and commitment to uphold the rule of law.
His background as a former mayor of Mandaluyong City and also as congressman and chairman of Metro Manila Development Authority, gives him a unique perspective on local governance and experience at the grassroots level.
While other candidates might resort to mudslinging and even dirty tricks just to gain the interest and support of the voters, I am confident that Abalos will bring his campaign to a higher plane.
He is too decent to be swayed and dragged in gutter style politics and would rather focus his campaign on his platform of governance that is based on performance, integrity, transparency, and accountability.
The problem, however, is that while Abalos is well-qualified to become a senator, he still faces significant challenges because Filipino voters are notoriously conflicted, fickle minded, and immature.
Those handling the campaign of Abalos therefore need to craft a campaign that is consistent and strong enough to convince the voters that he is the one that they could trust once he is elected into the Senate.
At a time when the country needs strong and principled leaders, voters should realize that Abalos could stand up for them and fight for their interests and rights.
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