An Educator’s Integrity: A Historical-Sociological Examination of Balota
- lightningszenith
- Mar 25
- 4 min read
By: Ivan Lladones
Introduction
The film Balota (2024), directed by an acclaimed Filipino director Kip Oebanda, investigates the poignant realities surrounding electoral processes in the Philippines, highlighting the complex exchange of power, politics, and public sentiment. The feature was set against the backdrop of the 2007 Philippine elections, an era marked by widespread claims and accusations of electoral fraud and violence (Conde, 2007). The plot revolves around Emmy, showcasing her character as a teacher and election worker who risks her life to protect the integrity of a ballot box during a volatile local election.
The film depicts the socio-political challenges of a nation striving for transparency and integrity, resonating
deeply with the country's cultural role of collective action in shaping the political landscape. The film emerges as a compelling critique of the Philippines' systemic struggles involving corruption and electoral reforms. Using a historical-sociological lens, the film's evocative narrative and ability to provoke critical reflection towards democratic processes can be examined to cast light on the power dynamics and election-related violence in Philippine society.
Body
The film’s story unfolds as Emmy becomes entangled in a dangerous situation, traveling into the forest with a
ballot box restrained from her hand, containing the final election results to protect the democratic process. The dynamic attributes of the characters, for instance, the policemen illustrate a culture of corruption despite the attempts to resist. Correspondingly, the activists exhibit various extents of their beliefs, showcasing the difficulty of completely living out one’s principles while entangled in destitution (Sta. Rosa, 2024).
The movie also challenges the notion that opposing characters possess conflicting motivations, embodied by
the political candidates who showed similar selfish intentions in running for office. The abundance of non-diegetic scoring during inciting incidents underscores the consistency of diegetic sound when elevating the suspense when Emmy hurries to temporary safety. Regardless of the serious theme of the scenes, the contrasting application of comedic and sarcastic tones served as methods of social commentary that interfered with the movie’s sincerity (Chu, 2024).
Through Emmy’s character, the film emphasizes the courage of educators as ordinary citizens who endanger
their lives to protect democracy. The representation of her journey through her displeasing and soiled appearance reflects the common endeavor of communities to defend what is just even with facing significant threats.
Critical Analysis
From a historical-sociological perspective, the film is rooted in real electoral fraud and violence incidents,
adding authenticity and urgency to its message. The film critiques the entrenched power dynamics and social disparities that perpetuate corruption, while also recognizing the courage of individuals who challenge these systems. In 2023, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) stated that 19 people were killed during the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (BSK) elections, implying that elections in the Philippines are not always at peace. (Sarao, 2023). Teachers are often exposed to these dangers as they are usually assigned to watch over elections in schools around the country. Additionally, more than 2,500 teachers refused to serve as poll watchers during the same election period due to experiencing gun violence, intimidation, and other threats. (Bautista, 2023).
Technically, the film excels in its use of visual storytelling. The muted tones and dim settings reflect the tension
and danger surrounding the election process, while the ballot box serves as a powerful visual metaphor for democratic integrity. The pacing effectively builds suspense, particularly during Emmy’s flight through the forest, keeping viewers engaged. However, the film’s dialogue occasionally feels overly expository, derogating from the natural flow of the story. The film’s relevance to contemporary issues draws parallels to ongoing challenges in Philippine elections. The film serves as both a cautionary tale and a call to action by unveiling the personal and societal costs of corruption. Furthermore, while the focus on Emmy’s perspective was compelling, it limits the exploration of broader societal dynamics and the experiences of the public. The execution of a more nuanced portrayal of the systemic issues at play could have enriched the narrative (Padua, 2024).
However, its reliance on familiar tropes, such as the noble protagonist fighting against an unjust system, may
feel predictable to some viewers. To elevate its impact, the film could have incorporated alternative perspectives or delved deeper into the complexities of the electoral system (Chua, 2025). Undeterred by these barriers, the film remains a work of art that highlights the essence of resilience and integrity in the current state of the country’s democracy.
Conclusion
Oebanda's Balota stands as a fascinating and relevant commentary on the challenges of democracy in the
Philippines, effectively highlighting themes of systemic corruption, social injustice, and resilience. Through Emmy’s courageous journey, the film sheds light on the harsh realities faced by those who strive to uphold electoral integrity, making its narrative both impactful and thought-provoking. The application of symbolism and technical execution enhances the film’s message, while the reliance on familiar tropes limits its potential for deeper exploration.
Moreover, the film serves as a reminder regarding the importance of collective action against corruption and the
resilience needed to safeguard democracy, urging viewers to reflect on their role in advocating for transparency and justice. As the fight for democratic integrity continues, the film inspires hope and actively defends the principles of equality and fairness. The film also advocates for the protection of educators from election-related threats and underscores the vital role of educators in society, not only during elections but also in their everyday contributions. Emmy's actions inspired change and positively impacted the community surrounding her, displaying the profound benefits of empowering educators and providing them with the support they rightfully deserve.
REFERENCES LIST
Bautista, J. (2023, October 31). More than 2,500 teachers back out of election work. INQUIRER.net.
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1853048/more-than-2500-teachers- back-out-of-election-work
Chu, M. (2024, December 31). ‘Balota’ REVIEW: Defending Philippine democracy. SINEGANG.ph.
Chua, J. (2025, February 1). Balota (2024) movie review. REELADVICE.NET.
Conde, C. H. (2007, May 6). Election violence escalating in Philippines. The New York Times.
Padua, S. I. (2024, August 19). Magkano lang ang boto mo: A review of “Balota” in high five quotable quotes. SEA Wave.
https://seawavemag.com/2024/08/19/magkano-lang-ang-boto-mo-a-review-of- balota-in-high-five-quotable-quotes/
Patinio, F. (2023, November 2). Comelec to probe withdrawal of election boards. Philippine News Agency.
Sarao, Z. (2023, October 31). Comelec Notes 19 dead, 244 violent incidents in barangay, SK elections. INQUIRER.net.
Sta. Rosa, F. M. (2024, August 15). Balota: Not black and white. The Flame.
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