IN THE Philippines, the youth play an important role in defining the country’s destiny. With the 2025 National and Local Elections (NLE) looming, it is critical for the youth to know how to select the proper candidates. 

Elections are more than just a civic responsibility; they allow the people to express their power by electing leaders who will influence the nation’s policies, development, and direction for years to come.

In recent years, the involvement of young voters, particularly Generation Zs, in Philippine elections has continuously increased, showing their rising significance in shaping the country’s future. 

This year, Gen Z and Millennials account for 63 percent of the country’s voters in May. To be more specific, over 21.87 million, or 28.78 percent, are Gen Zs, while 25.94 million, or 34.15 percent, are Millennials.

Make Your Vote Count

It is critical to recognize that every vote matters, especially in a system where the outcome of an election is often determined by a small number of votes, and the outcome has a significant impact on the country. 

Keeping this in mind, selecting the correct candidate can have an impact on many facets of governance, including education and healthcare, infrastructure, and environmental sustainability, which affects every Filipino.

Young voters must recognize that their selections will have long-term ramifications for the country, and as such, they must be equipped with the knowledge to make informed choices. 

The collective voice of the youth is truly powerful. However, given the power and responsibility that the youth’s votes bring, the question remains: how do we choose the best candidate to vote?

Determine Your Moral Compass

RepublicAsia had an exclusive interview with Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Rey Bulay, allowing him to educate the youth on how to properly select the right candidate for the 2025 NLE. 

According to the Commissioner, the first step in allowing yourself to choose the correct candidate is to discover your own moral compass, which will extend your considerations of candidates.

“First, you determine your moral compass, your personal set of values and principles that will serve as your guiding in an ethical decision-making,” Hon. Bulay said during the interview.

Bulay believes that knowing your moral compass can help you choose a candidate who shares your ideals. Some examples are “justice, courage, compassion, and the beloved authenticity of a person.”

Look Beyond Personalities

There’s no doubt that Filipinos prefer candidates with a decent personality. While considering this aspect is not a terrible idea, it should not be used as an excuse to settle and gain a vote for these candidates right away.

“Looks can be deceiving, personalities can be deceiving. So in order for the youth to come across or cut across that, they must be able to see the policies and platforms beyond the personality which they see,” he said.

Bulay stated that after you’ve identified your own important principles in life, it will be easy to dive deeper and look past their personalities, focusing on what’s most important: their political track records.

“You’ll be able to look beyond personalities, and listen to policies, and evaluate their leadership potentials, character, integrity, and their ability to lead effectively,” the commissioner said.

“You must consider their stand on controversial issues, and how they face oppositions, or how they choose their battles,” he continued, emphasizing the need of not settling for a candidate’s good personality.

Demand a Governance Plan

A clean and well-decorated political track record is undeniably appealing to a Gen Z voter. However, it does not end there. The younger generation must also demand a sound governing plan for the future.

“The candidates must be able to determine their blueprint of governance, on what you envision a senator should as craft a law, and perform oversight functions or that of a mayor or a governor,” he said.

“How he should organize and govern his constituents. This will help you assess candidates, focus, platforms, and policies against your idealistic views of society.” 

“You can consider concepts such economic equality, environmental sustainability, social justice, improvement in education, etc.,” he added.

While these future leaders are ready to address the country’s present socioeconomic concerns, their work does not end today. In reality, more work must be done to provide a good future for the younger generation.

Vote for the Future

Election decisions have a long-term impact on the country’s future, so young voters must choose the correct candidate based on integrity, experience, vision, and policies that will build a better and brighter future for everybody. 

By making informed decisions, young voters can be the driving force behind positive change, ensuring that future leaders are prepared to face today’s and tomorrow’s challenges.

“If you have all this in mind, guided by these things, you will be able to help our country very much, because this is what we need right now during this critical period in our lives,” Bulay said.

“You will be instrumental leaders not only of the future, but of today, because you’re now part of saving our country,” the commissioner ended the interview with a bold statement.

Therefore, it is critical for Gen Z to vote thoughtfully, comprehending the implications of their decision for their country’s future. The power of the vote is the ability to change the future, and it must be used carefully.