'Democrazy'

In a poverty-stricken neighborhood somewhere in Metro Manila, a five-year-old girl's family is in mourning.

- IRIS GONZALES

Their beloved girl died of dengue a few days ago. They couldn't afford to pay for medical treatment so they didn't bring the girl to the hospital for confinement until it was too late.

The girl's family is devastated. It could have been avoided, if only they could afford medical treatment. If only they had public health insurance like Phil Health. If only their barangay clinic, where they first brought their daughter, had been more reliable and competent and advised them to rush to the emergency room. If only public hospitals were really free and affordable.

Just the other night, an incumbent city councilor, running for reelection, knocked on their door, offering to help. The local politician promised to pay for the funeral expenses. The girl will be buried in a public cemetery, some ten kilometers away from the family home.

The following night, another local official, running for reelection, also offered to help.

The family isn't surprised. It's election time after all. Infact, they're used to it. Politicians - incumbents and challengers - visit them when the polls are near. That's just how it is.

The little girl's family will accept all the help they can get. They need the funds for sure. The husband earns below minimum wage. The wife is unemployed. They need to pay the funeral expenses and the jeepney they hired to take them to the cemetery.