Ah, the sweet symphony of selective outrage in the Philippine political arena! 

While the melodious cacophony of condemnation echoed endlessly over the P2 billion in confidential funds of Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte, the grand opera of silence envelops the staggering P17 billion contract awarded to a South Korean firm for counting machines and election paraphernalia for the 2025 national and local lolls. It’s as if the deafening silence was orchestrated to drown out any discordant notes of scrutiny. 

One might assume that the citizens, ever vigilant in their quest for transparency and accountability, would be up in arms over such a gargantuan contract, especially given its pivotal role in the integrity of the democratic process. Yet, alas, the chorus of criticism — especially among aspiring politicians who will eventually be proclaimed winners — or sore losers — by these technological wonders.

Perhaps, in this tragic comedy of errors, political expediency has deafened even the most vocal of critics. For in the intricate dance of power and patronage, one must tread lightly, lest the music of democracy be drowned out by the whispers of compromise and concession.