BY CHARYL ALIBANGO
ELECTIONS are meant to be a symbol of democracy, where people freely choose their leaders. However, in the Philippines, elections often come with a price—violence. With the 2025 elections approaching, many fear that political rivalries, threats, and even deadly attacks will once again disrupt the democratic process. Can voters truly make their own choices when fear lingers in the air?
For a country to have a fair election, every voter and candidate must feel safe. Unfortunately, in the Philippines, election-related violence has become a serious issue. Politicians, especially in areas with intense political competition, face threats, harassment, and even assassination attempts. If violence continues to be part of the electoral process, it weakens democracy and discourages people from participating in the election.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is currently investigating several violent incidents linked to the 2025 elections. The Commission on Elections has already reported a spike in election-related violence, with politicians as the main targets. One alarming case is the assassination attempt on Datu Omar Samama, the Vice Mayor of Datu Piang, Maguindanao del Sur, who is running for re-election. This issue is bigger than one candidate—it reflects the broader dangers of Philippine politics.
The upcoming parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) add to the tension, making the situation even more dangerous. If this violence persists, it may discourage capable leaders from running for office and hinder voters from making independent and informed decisions. In the long run, this could seriously weaken the nation’s democratic system.
Some people argue that election-related violence is just an isolated issue and does not affect the overall democratic process. They claim that the government and law enforcement agencies are doing their best to ensure safe and fair elections. Additionally, they believe that most voters are not directly affected by political violence, so it should not be a major concern.
While it is true that not all elections are violent, even a few incidents can create a climate of fear. When candidates and voters feel threatened, they may be forced to change their decisions, not based on their beliefs but out of fear for their safety.
No amount of government assurance can erase the fact that political killings and threats continue to happen. If authorities do not take stronger action against election-related violence, people will lose faith in the democratic process, and the future of fair elections in the country will remain at risk.
At the end of the day, the 2025 elections belong to the citizens. Choosing the ballot over the bullet isn’t just about voting—it’s about protecting democracy, standing up for fairness, and refusing to let violence control our future.
The Philippines has faced tough times before, but Filipinos are strong and resilient. Now, more than ever, we need to prove that once again.
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Charyl Alibango is a third-year Political Science student at the University of Cebu Main. She has a keen interest in politics, history, and social issues. Having been involved in feature writing since her early years, she believes in the power of words to inform, inspire, and encourage Filipinos to engage in meaningful conversations about current matters.
