The last May 13 elections saw many so-called pundits and jaded political observers giving their two-cent worth on why candidates, their handlers and backers went out of their way to win the vote. Of course, the most common was the use of money to win the election. Never in the history of local elections did vote buying as glaring as the last election that many election old timers were scandalized by its brazenness. So overwhelming was the force of money that many election watchers cannot help but ask what really was the motivation of financiers in bankrolling the candidacy of their favorite candidates. One school of thought was that spending money like crazy was an investment of sorts and therefore it will be recovered when opportunity presents itself as his candidate assumes office. In other words, the lure of corruption while in office is a possibility for those who won the election, fair or foul, and above all because of tons of money.

Indeed, if we may ask, why in God’s name are some candidates and their financiers are spending unthinkable amounts during elections. And to think that this money is hard-earned. Unless however, this election money is the “fruit of a poisoned tree”, we really don’t give a damn if they spent them to buy votes. It’s the people money, anyway, so why scrimp on spending it when it can just be recovered once in office through under the table deals. But hard earned money being spent to buy votes? Well, if that’s the candidates’ way of sharing their blessings, why not. Our take here is that if one Good Samaritan spends his money during elections like it is going to be demonetized the following day, then go ahead, make the day of voters. It’s their money, anyway, so what the heck. It’s none of our business if they splurge their fat bank accounts because losing in the election is not an option. So, until, the next election where the going rate in the vote buying scheme will surely be getting higher and higher.