THE SECLUDED TRAILS OF DECEIT '. ruler of fate series l first book

KABANATA 10

The Secluded Trails of Deceit
written by : riyanisity

My dad cleared his throat before he moved his chair closer to Mom. Muli siyang bumalik sa pagkain matapos gawin 'yon. "So, what's your thoughts about politics, hmm? I would like to hear your principles, since you're an aspiring civil servant, right? Your social awareness and morality do matter for someone like me."

Mom lightly hit him on the arm. "Honey, fix your tone first."

He licked his lips and immediately nodded his head, his eyes widening a bit, which made both of his brows rise for a few seconds. It's as if he wants to disagree but still doesn't see the right to. "Sorry about that, I guess."

Mabilis na umiling si Draven sakanya at umupo nang tuwid. He stopped himself from eating and drank juice for him to swallow the remaining food from his mouth.

"In my own judgement and perspective, there's a huge number of people who aren't aware of the importance of politics. Some support corrupt politicians without any basis, track, or record as to why — kaya sa huli, ang dami ring nasasayang na boto."

My dad nodded his head. "What else?"

Draven heaved a quiet sigh before he showed him a straight smile, "Those votes could make our country better, but because of their lack of research and proper thinking, everyone on the end will have to deal with it." kibit-balikat niyang sagot.

"And why do you think people vote for worthless politicians? Where, in fact, may mas better naman diyan?"

"Maybe, because... Filipinos are too forgiving."

My dad's head tilted in confusion, "That's new, huh? Never heard about that counter." may halong mangha niyang sinabi. "Elaborate that for me."

"Well, there's a lot to consider, but one thing is for sure." He gulped and licked his lips. "Since Filipinos are ever so friendly, some tend to forgive and forget easily, even if it's something that should not be ignored. Ang dami nang nangyari sa bansa, yet people don't really pay much attention to it." His nose scrunched in annoyance. "We can't also deny the privilege of neglecting others who're deprived of basic needs and rights just because they don't experience the disadvantage of living without a silver spoon."

Hearing that, my dad couldn't hold his small smile, pleased with Draven's chosen words. "The hilarious part is that some of those Filipinos are educated, yet they choose to ignore what's right in front of them, right?"

Draven's lips pouted before he nodded his head innocently, acting a bit sulky. "They only want to feel vindicated, like they were right to refuse to listen to facts and history."

I couldn't help but agree with them. Saglit akong tumango at inabala muli ang sarili ko sa pagkain, hinihintay pa rin ang mga sunod na sasabihin nila.

Maybe some votes became useless because of misinformation, historical revisionism, and just straight-up vote-buying, but surely, there are still some people who disregard their vote just to mock others. These people do not care about good governance; they do not celebrate their candidates at all.

"But you know what's more hilarious..?" He chuckled sarcastically. "Some politicians know this; they're aware of how pliant people are. Just by saying false promises and doing fake actions, they are able to put Filipinos under their hands. Kasi nga, gusto nila gawing liga lang ng basketball or beauty pageant ang trato natin sa politika." His head tilted continuously from side to side while he was saying that, after each and every point.

My eyes blinked, "Cause it favors them." mahinang bulong ko.

Draven nodded his head in agreement, glancing at me with a huge smile on his lips, like he was so proud of what I said, "Cause it favors their crooked ways." dugtong niya.