No Free Lunch

Years ago when COVID-19 was still something that only movie scriptwriters can think about, I went with some friends to Boracay.

Just as usual, it was a "budget" trip, which means that our money is just enough to cover the basics.

There were no allowances for fancy meals or drinks.

What we have is just enough to cover our accommodations and a few spare.

While roaming around the beautiful shore of the island, one of my friends came across a group who were distributing some flyers offering "free lunch" in a certain hotel.

My friend was so enthusiastic about this. It is our opportunity to enjoy a free meal in a fancy hotel.

I did not go with them because I was thinking there is no such thing as free lunch. And rightly so.

They told me that after having their meal, they were sequestered to a room where sales representatives were selling them expensive "time sharing" plans for the hotel.

They told me that it was psychologically stressful. More so because they do not have any money at all!

One of them even told me that she experienced a "vomiting sensation."

I think this is the same with what is happening with "free money" being distributed nowadays because of the election. There is always a catch.

I always remind people that politics has now become a "business."

Candidates invest hundred of millions during elections, giving them to their potential electors.

Naturally, after the election, it would be collected back by the winning candidates in the form of kickbacks and other graft practices as their return of investments.

I think it is foolishness to think that those who have spent hundred of millions during the campaign period would just forget about the money they gave to the people.

No, they will collect it back with interest.

So, if you received money from candidates during this election, do not complain about how corrupt our elected government officials are or how miserable our country is.

We deserved the government we have.