No regrets: Gloc-9 hopes Filipinos can overcome political divisiveness

Gloc-9

Despite the outcome of the recent presidential elections, hip-hop artist Gloc-9 said he has no regrets about his decision to support the bid of Vice President Leni Robredo.

“To be honest, I could have played safe and avoid all [the possible criticisms] on social media … Walang pagsisisi,” said Gloc-9, when asked about his postelection sentiments at a recent press conference for “Kumpisal” (Universal Records), his latest single featuring rapper-producer Skusta Clee.

‘Tumindig’

Gloc-9, whose real name is Aristotle Pollisco, revealed that there was an opportunity for a potentially “lucrative” job at the start of the campaign season. “I asked my children, ‘What if I take this on for you?’ They told me, ‘Don’t worry about us,’”related Gloc-9. “That’s when I made my decision.”

The 44-year-old rapper, who’s known for injecting socio-political commentary into his material, took part in Robredo’s campaign activities, including a sortie in Baguio City, where he performed the hits “Simpleng Tao” and “Upuan.”

“I didn’t want my children to think that it’s OK to play safe,” said Gloc-9, who has three kids with wife and talent manager, Thea Pollisco: twins Sean Daniel and Danielle Shaun, and youngest daughter Savannah. “Gusto kong malaman nila na kapag alam mo na may pinaniniwalaan kang tama, tumindig ka. Ipaglaban mo ’yun. That’s what I want to leave with them.”

With more than 31 million votes as of May 13 (partial and unofficial results from Comelec data), Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. is set to assume the presidency in June. Reflecting on the results, Gloc-9 surmised:

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“We have different situations. A person who feels unheard by those who wear nice clothes, live in nicer homes, or eat greasier food may have had a different read of the ballot right in front of him. If the standard of living of Filipinos were more equal, perhaps the elections probably wouldn’t be as divisive as it was.”

The people have made their choice and “voices heard,” he said. “If this is the voice and decision of many, then we have to move on. We have to honor that. We’re in a democracy. There will be winners and losers—that’s part of the elections,” he said. “The people know who I chose to support. But the people have made their choice. Who am I to question that?”

Now that the elections are over, Gloc-9 hopes that Filipinos can overcome political divisiveness and work together regardless of who they voted for. “I’m a Filipino. Everyone is my kababayan. Let’s all help each other, regardless of who you stood up for,” said Gloc-9 who’s ready to support initiatives that will benefit the Filipino people. “It’s sad that we become divided. Let’s give our support so that the people who benefit are those who need to benefit. We still have a lot of work to do for our kababayans who are having a tough time,” Gloc-9 said. “Divisiveness and anger are not the answers. We have to help each other.”