From a Popularity-Based Politics to a Reform-Oriented One as Manifested in the 2007 Senatorial Elections

Abstract

In the Philippines, popularity has been seen as a major factor for voting. However, with the recent results of the 2007 senatorial elections, it seems that popularity has decreased its level of influence among the people. This perceived change had been delved into in order for its continuation and fast transfonnation. Hence, the study addresses the question, “have the people of Metro Manila shifted from a popularity-based politics to a reform oriented one as manifested in the 2007 senatorial elections?” The main objective of the research is to study whether people in Manila have shifted from a popularity-based politics to a reform oriented one as manifested in the 2007 senatorial elections. Also, the research specifically aims to: (1) review the political culture of Filipinos, especially in the Manila area, including the general voting behavior, (2) discuss the results of the 2007 senatorial elections that could be indicative of a shift in the voting trend of the people, (3) validate with respondents using survey questionnaires why they voted the way they did and reasons offered, (4) analyze the winners of the 2007 senatorial elections and their differences from the past elected ones and whether their victory indicates a shift or not, and (5) make recommendations for increasing the political maturity and social awareness of the people that would consequently lead to reform-oriented politics. The researcher used both quantitative and qualitative methods for the research. For the quantitative part, the researcher conducted a survey of 200 respondents from the 3rd district of Manila, 2nd district of Caloocan, Muntinlupa, and San Juan. Then the survey results were analyzed using the SPSS software. For the qualitative aspect, literature review was done and key informant interviews were conducted. Data from Social Survey Stations and Pulse Asia were utilized for triangulation. People in Metro Manila have changed their basis for voting. Before, it can be said that people voted because of the candidate’s popularity or even media exposure. Electing a candidate on the basis of personality and popularity is seen to decrease at some level. Voters still consider popularity as a factor but it is not as decisive and influential as before. Also, majority of the senatorial winners were from the opposition, implying that people want reforms in the administration. This shift in the election trend leads to greater political awareness or maturity among the people considering the factors of time, changes in the electoral system itself, and efforts from civil society groups and individuals to establish reform. Efforts for establishing a reform-oriented politics should continue. The initiative of civil society groups to educate the voters and encourage individuals to guard votes during elections should still carry on. In order to further widen the choices of voters and improve their evaluations on their senatorial candidates, the media should provide and relay adequate information. Senatorial candidates, on the other hand, should present more substantive programs and platforms as shown through their advertisements because the electorate already has a higher standard for voting.