Bombarded by Manny, Mar and Erap

By Gregor Aquino Sajonas

WE can’t deny that mass media significantly contributes in shaping the lives of the people and that it is one of society’s important institutions that can mobilize and persuade people.

No wonder it is being used by certain individuals to serve their respective personal agenda.

In the coming months, TV and broadcast media will surely be the primary channels for political messages, because even as early as a few months back, we have already been seeing and hearing various propaganda materials on the different radio and TV networks.

I am, of course, talking about the early political advertisements of candidates in the 2010 election (which are not considered by the COMELEC as premature campaign). I find it so hilarious that the COMELEC would think that there is nothing being violated by the “stars” in the advertisements, knowing that they are part of the political surveys among aspiring presidentiables.

Television primetime viewing is bombarded by advertisements of Senators Manny Villar and Mar Roxas. There was Villar helping OFWs, and now helping other people too! Then there was the clip where we are taken through the stages of his life. (Please lang!)

Mar Roxas, on the other hand, stars in a scene where he is sympathetic with two siblings inside a pedicab while in another, he is seen with a group of people conveying their grievances and imply that only Mar Roxas can help them.

Not far behind is former President Joseph Estrada with his much talked about movie.  The timing is so strategic that after the movie became a subject of controversy in the past, it will soon be shown to the public.

As a student, I am not naive to the political motives of these personalities. I can feel their hunger, desperation and eagerness for the much-coveted position of the presidency (for the same reason why Gloria does not seem to want to let go!).

Soon, election fever will reach its peak and one thing is sure to happen: we will see an avalanche of political advertisements, supposedly paid for “by friends” of the politicians.

I have nothing against political ads in media — it is a good way of informing the voters on the agenda of the candidates. I just hope that in the end, with the impact of political ads, voters will be able to choose wisely so that we may finally see some good governance and put an end to mere intense politicking.

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