As the 2025 midterm elections near, the call for wise voting and good governance has never been more urgent. Yet, the resurfacing of the term “bobotante” – or “stupid voter” – has emerged not as a rallying cry for reform, but as a scapegoat used by elitists to demean and criticize voters they deem “dumb” or “irrational.” This term has not only further polarized an already divided nation but also hinders efforts to address the systemic issues that continue to plague our society.
The so-called “bobotantes” come in many forms, and often, through no fault of their own. The receiving end of these remarks is usually those economically disadvantaged and lack access to comprehensive voter education, making them highly susceptible to misinformation and fake news. Others fall prey to personality politics, swayed by candidates who can sing, dance, or are very popular in mainstream Filipino media. Some cling to blind loyalty for candidates despite their plethora of scandals and issues of corruption. Others cast their votes with indifference, following the majority without fully considering the implications of their vote.
Despite what may seem as valid grounds to label these sets of the voting populace as such, scapegoating these misguided voters is a manifestation of Filipino superiority complex–a morally deplorable and antagonistic criticism that shifts accountability from politicians to the ill-advised masses.
Within these echo chambers, where groups like “Kakampinks” or “Dilawans” foster a sense of superiority, it manifests as exclusionary politics. Surrounded by peers who share the same socioeconomic status, views, and convictions, they fail to engage meaningfully with alternative perspectives, reinforcing the notion that only certain people are intellectually or morally qualified to make decisions for the countries, adding to a sense of elitism and exclusion in political discourse.
Another factor to look into consideration is the lack of access to reliable and comprehensive political information, which creates an environment wherein political figures can easily penetrate and manipulate this gap, allowing them to garner support through appealing to the emotions of voters rather than reason, all while avoiding the need to provide substantial or clear policy proposals. Such campaign tactics take advantage of the lack of education or awareness, particularly in rural or underserved areas, ensuring voters are swayed by surface-level promises rather than a deeper understanding of political platforms.
The Filipino mindset of popular culture, following what’s trending online, often shapes the approach of political candidates, relying on gimmicky, “corny” campaigns that are emotionally charged and designed to resonate with a wide audience. A prime example of this is the use of viral trends like “Budots ni Bong Revilla”, which, despite lacking meaningful political disclosure, captivate the public through their catchy and infectious appeal. These strategies play on emotions, diverting the attention from critical thinking, thus reducing complex political issues to entertaining, easily digestible soundbites, turning politics into a spectacle, shifting away from important discussions on governance and policy, leading to fostering a shallow reactionary form of political engagement.
This popular culture also paved the way for the increasing presence of public personalities in politics, leveraging their fame and celebrity status to gain political support. The growing involvement of such figures dilutes the importance of substantive policy discussion, turning elections into popularity contests rather than opportunities to evaluate leadership and competence. This trend has contributed to the rise of “entertainment politics”, where image and media presence take precedence over substance, undermining integrity and informed decision-making in the democratic process.
It becomes increasingly clear that reforms are necessary to restore and establish the integrity and substance of the electoral process. While the root causes of these challenges have long been a part of Philippine society and may be difficult to fully eradicate, voters still have the power to shift these established norms by considering candidates whose platforms prioritize combating these issues.
A number of candidates have presented their platforms for electoral reforms, such as Wilson Amad, Nars Alyn Andamo under Makabayang Koalisyon ng Mamamayan, Atty. Ernesto Arellano from Katipunan ng Kamalayang Kayumanggi, and Roy Cabonegro from the Democratic Party of the Philippines, with common themes such as dismantling political dynasties, holding corrupt officials accountable, and strengthening citizen participation in the democratic process.
A lack of information and awareness often prevents voters, particularly in marginalized communities, from making informed decisions. Many feel disconnected, often rooted in a limited understanding of their rights and responsibilities as voters, from the political process, seeing it as irrelevant to their daily struggles. Comprehensive voter education can bridge this gap, helping individuals recognize the value of their vote.
There is also a common misconception that voting is mandatory, resulting in uninformed voters, while others avoid voting altogether. Understanding that abstaining is a more valid, informed choice when one feels unprepared can empower citizens to engage more meaningfully in the democratic process, either by voting responsibly or by consciously choosing not to vote.
One candidate addressing the need for voter education is Wilson Amad, an independent candidate based in Cagayan de Oro, who proposes introducing Philippine constitutional studies and age-appropriate anti-corruption lessons at the elementary level. His platform aims to instill democratic values early and build a generation of politically informed and ethically grounded citizens. While it may not fully solve the issue of uninformed voting, it opens the door for broader discussions on civic preparedness.
In today’s digital landscape, voters are overwhelmed by information from social media, entertainment, and unregulated news, making them vulnerable to propaganda and disinformation. Many struggle to separate credible journalism from emotionally manipulative or misleading content. This highlights the urgent need for widespread media literacy to ensure informed political decision-making.
One solution to disinformation is integrating media literacy education as early as the elementary level. This was reflected in the platform of Wilson Amad, who proposed the inclusion of Philippine constitutional studies in school curricula alongside modules on analyzing political media, detecting digital manipulation, and understanding online propaganda. Early and consistent media literacy education can cultivate informed voters, counter disinformation, and reduce the influence of political sensationalism and celebrity culture, while also holding digital platforms accountable for the content they amplify during democratic periods.
Even with education, voters remain vulnerable to electoral fraud and vote buying, particularly where poverty normalizes these practices. In many impoverished areas, voting becomes transactional, with vote buying masked as “ayuda” or campaign handouts. Tackling this issue demands structural reforms that go beyond education and address the socioeconomic roots of voter manipulation.
Different senators have proposed diverse reform strategies targeting both systemic corruption and structural inequalities. Wilson Amad proposes a citizen-led approach in preventing vote buying, suggesting that those who help arrest offenders share in the confiscated money with the government. Nars Alyn Andamo advocates replacing automated elections with a hybrid system, reforming the party-list system, and promoting national pride through policy. Atty. Ernesto Arellano strongly opposes political dynasties and supports reforms that promote fair and inclusive representation to prevent the concentration of power within families.
Economic upliftment plays a role in reducing political apathy. When people see that the government responds to their needs, they are more likely to engage in governance. Poverty not only affects one’s material condition but also erodes their belief in political agency. True democratic participation is impossible without socioeconomic empowerment.
For those struggling to feed their families or pay for medicines and schooling, politics becomes about survival, not principles. Roy Cabonegro, who advocates for green governance, prioritizes inclusive economic policies. His advocacy for climate justice includes creating sustainable jobs in rural areas through eco-friendly industries like small-scale farming, waste management cooperatives, and renewable energy.
Nars Alyn Andamo similarly pushes for nationalist reforms that rebuild rural industries and reduce migration to cities or abroad. Her vision is to create self-reliant communities free from dependence on campaign-season handouts. Empowered citizens, like farmers in Bukidnon or fisherfolk in Samar, would no longer feel forced to trade their votes for temporary financial relief.
Blaming voters as “bobotantes” only deepens societal divides and distracts from the systemic roots of electoral dysfunction. Real reforms lie not in ridicule but in empowering citizens through education, media literacy, and inclusive economic policies that restore faith in democratic participation. The path forward must focus on structural change and voter empowerment, not elitist condemnation.