Sen. Panfilo Lacson on Friday appealed to voters to spurn candidates offering money in exchange for their votes, warning them that electing corrupt politicians would have adverse repercussions on the country’s future.
“If voters think that accepting money or selling their votes is the only way to immediately benefit from a politician, they should be aware that they would suffer for a longer period in return,” he warned.
Lacson likewise urged candidates to refrain from using their three-year tenure in office to recoup their campaign expenses and line their own pockets with taxpayers’ money.
“That culture has already become vicious cycle. We should change the mindset of the candidates. If their political platform is really public service, then they should stand by it,” he said.
Lacson also lamented the use of social media as a tool to spread lies and sow “deep divisiveness” among Filipinos supporting rival political groups.
Lacson, one of the most tech-savvy lawmakers, noted how various social media platforms had been used by people with different political persuasions to attack one another ahead of the May 13 midterm elections.