Sick of politics? Or is politics just sick?

If you’re a political junkie and religiously follow what’s happening 24/7 locally and internationally, chances are you already need to check your coffee consumption, and please don’t let the first quarter of 2026 pass without visiting your doctor.

- TONYO CRUZ

Most probably, you think or expect others to think the same way you think, and even believe what you believe. A previous version of me might even agree with you. But that’s a formula for heartache and headache. Either you hate yourself for supposedly knowing everything, or hate others for allegedly knowing nothing. Worse, these are two sides of the same coin.

Depending on your beliefs, you have thought leaders whom you follow and whose views you eagerly watch and share. They influence you a lot, confirm your biases and even your worst doubts, and become your unofficial spokesperson on the national stage. You cheer them on and publicly profess that you would campaign for them if they ever choose to run or campaign for those they would support. Every issue is discussed with 2028 as context. Would it weaken or strengthen a candidate? Would it lionize your champion or demonize your enemy? Would this confirm that the followers of your enemy are even stupider than you once thought, or that you and others are better than them and even God’s gift to the country?

Alas, the thought-leaders are not your spokespersons. You are just their follower. You may not admit it, but you have fallen prey to the tribalism that’s one of the many hallmarks of traditional politics in the Philippines.