This is worth reading carefully: http://www.rappler.com/move-ph/ispeak/42766-criminalization-politicians-philippines
First, with 25% of the adult population being unemployed, incidence of hunger and homelessness affect majority of the electorate. Coupled with their lack of education, local politicians know fully well that, if they don’t buy the votes of the electorate, other politicians will buy the votes anyway. This is similar to the narrative of a drug dealer: “If I don't deal drugs, other dealers will deal anyway.” Second, the sporadic and haphazard implementation of election laws and the selective and particularistic application of the criminal justice system provide local politicians with legally cynical narratives. For example, they know fully well that “it is okay to break the law as long as they are not caught, and, if they are caught, they can bribe their way out.” Philippine politics This is the bleak scenario of Philippine politics, where black propaganda, vote-buying, cheating, and violence is the norm. It has become so personalized that politicians kill their own siblings upon defeat. It systematically corrupts the best and the brightest. It has developed a subculture where corruption and violence is a fact of life. In return, it keeps the people ignorant and in poverty, and the electoral and criminal justice system even more compromised. Like the criminal life, political life is thrilling and seductive. Political life has its allures. Like the drug dealers with their flashy cars and titillating dresses, politicians have front row seats in the expensive nightclubs. They are socially adorned. They are made godparents during weddings.
