Amid widespread skepticism about the integrity and value of local elections, experts continue to emphasize their crucial role in both the nation’s history and its future.
Many believe that local elections are riddled with fraud and corruption—a system often seen as a source of recurring problems. However, for historians, local politics has long played a significant role in shaping national leadership.
During an interview at the special election coverage Hatol ng Bayan 2025, aired on state-run People’s Television Network (PTV), renowned historian Xiao Chua said, “Ang pag-asa po ay nakikita natin sa mas maraming local leaders na nag-eemerge ngayon na mga competent, magagaling at talagang nakukuha nila ang suporta ng mga tao. Sana huwag tayong mawawalan ng pag-asa dahil napakaraming pwedeng mamuno sa atin baka hindi lang tayo masyado naghahanap. But yes, may pag-asa tayo.”
(We see hope in the growing number of competent, capable local leaders who are truly gaining the people’s support. Let’s not lose hope—there are many potential leaders out there; maybe we’re just not looking hard enough. But yes, there is hope.)
Today, many national politicians started their careers as local officials—mayors, governors, or councilors—who gained hands-on leadership experience in their communities. This background gives them a deeper understanding of the people’s needs and more practical solutions to address them.
Experts argue that local elections are not just routine exercises in democracy. They reflect the public’s ability to choose leaders with real integrity and skill. Rather than ignoring them, local elections deserve more attention and responsibility from every voter.