Persnickety, I am one.

Good Day!

This recently past USC elections have certainly been one to remember. Once again the time had come for UP students to use their campaigns in the field of politics. It is also the option of the countless voters to use their right to elect new leaders. Surely this is democracy in action. However this recent campaign has been far from being the epitome of an ideal electoral democracy. Many can attest that the recent UP elections has been evidently dirty and deplorable. Parties, candidates, supporters and critics all resorted to denouncement of their opponents, going beyond moral and ethical behavior, which has disturbed many students. Negative feedback has resulted, with students saying the election is no different from our national elections. Black propaganda has been rampant, along with blatant disregard for the USC Elections Code.

On Classroom Campaigning

Though this is likely a very effective way of getting to know the opinions of the candidates, it still becomes wasted opportunities. Entering a classroom occupied by students whose teacher has stepped out has become an issue, as the candidates then proceed to walk in and waste the class time, disturbing the students in the process. In instances where the teacher is in, the time candidates allot for campaigning is wasted on taglines and quotes, which are not at all assuring of a responsible leadership. Answers to questions also seem to be very general, with little emphasis on the overall aims of the party, and actually displaying a weak initiative on the part of some. 

Candidates squander their time in the classrooms, going for face and not reason. Their Specific Plans of Action only came up when questions were asked, meaning had no questions been raised, the goals of the candidates would have not been fully communicated.

On Branding

Leading a university requires more than names and brands that are overspread in the campus. Designs, layouts and other paraphernalia of campaigns are very evident but lack depth. It should be centered on plans and principles that should direct what the constituents should follow as path for change and development. Unfortunately, recent elections have proved that creating a massive following and raising popularity level is enough to draw the public to vote for their “chosen” candidate/s. Though the candidates have presented their plans in their General Plan of Actions, the candidates gave greater focus on what their accolades and credentials are as individuals that may not even be relevant matters to leadership skills or backgrounds rather than promoting a campaign for change and student body development. This type of systematic cycle of what campaign materials contain must come to an end because GPOAs, firm stands, beliefs, philosophies and principles are truly the attributes that will really catch the eye of a true analytical UPD student’s eye to exercise his/her rights to vote. 

Also, the line Vote Straight has been uttered constantly. As rational human beings, it is unreasonable to be asked to vote straight for a party without giving valid reason to. It is regarded to be an offense to be treated as merely indifferent beings susceptible to such tactics. It is ridiculous to believe that voting is collecting a popular set. 

We are not a mindless student body that can be swayed simply by smiles and handshakes. It will take more than a short call to spearhead change to win our vote and entrust to people the responsibility of leading the students in the UP community. Many of us believe that politics is not a popularity game. If it were the case, then all celebrities are qualified to rule the country. What politics needs are leaders who go beyond letters and layouts, who believe in imposing change and inspiring many people, who initiate positive viral campaigns and unite the community.

On Falsifying Truths

There have been cases of candidates claiming that a particular institution supports them, when in fact only the support of organizational leaders was afforded to them. The consent of the other members was not taken and thus, this raises a questionable claim.

Unlike in other places, institutions in the university do not necessarily promise support once a supreme hierarchy decides it. The students’ right to suffrage will not be taken away and it is foolish to assume that the students are apathetic enough to let other people decide for them. This practice is heavily frowned upon and must be subjected to penalties if caught in practice.

On Overproduction of Campaign Materials

The USC Election Code did not specify a limit on the expenses on publicity materials, but this was severely abused by the candidates. An alarming amount of campaign materials is generated each year. Trash cans were filled over the brim with campaign materials even during the campaign period. After the campaign of which clean-up was mandatory, the situation became even worse. The limited trash cans surrounding the colleges were overwhelmed with the amount of materials being put into them. This is definitely a cause for concern, especially on the ecological impact on the environment the papers produce. 

On Policy Compliance

Candidates failed to abide by the law. Compliance to the university regulations on campaigning has been compromised by political tactics.

Posters, which were just allowed to be placed on certain bulletin boards, were found on comfort rooms, vehicles, walls, lamp posts, trees and chairs which are direct violations of University Code Article VIII, stating that “Campaign materials should not be posted in classrooms, walls, trees, street signs, electric posts, power houses, lamp posts, traffic signs, benches and other structures outside the designated areas.” This is even banned in the national elections.

This issue on non-compliance is more than just civil disobedience. As aspiring leaders of the university, they are expected to show utmost deference and awareness. They are to lead by example.

On Black Propaganda 

Fact checking files can be useful. However they were used in this election as black propaganda. These materials were made not for the sole purpose of informing the students but largely of pulling other candidates down, and endorse a specific candidate or party.

Moreover, instead of plainly presenting facts, these black propagandas integrate malicious statements against a candidate or party which reflect obvious bias and unjust treatment. They always persuade the students to lose trust on and worse, abhor the candidates or parties attacked.
This year’s election, which is considered one of the dirtiest elections in UP Diliman, is indeed evidence to this severe negative campaign tactics. And UP, being the home of potential national leaders, needs to seriously consider this issue. Grooming leaders who are dishonorable, dishonest and unjust is a disservice to the country. 


Thus, with the above issues raised, we, as students of the University of the Philippines, humbly ask the newly elected USC officers to initiate change and consider the proposed solutions for better elections in the years to come.

• Be ethical and refrain from using fact checking documents as Black Propaganda.
•  Abide by the law and follow the Student Code on Campaigning.
•  Set a limit on the amount of campaign materials used by each party.
• Make sure your campaign materials are properly disposed after the elections.
• Stress more on principles, rather than name pins and prints.
• Be principled. Do not make claims that cannot be guaranteed.
• Improve classroom campaigns. Be conscious of time and focus on visions.

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