THE campaign period for the Philippine national elections has just kicked off. Candidates are walking the streets and going to podiums to talk to people and make campaign promises. Social media, radio and TV are littered with paid advertisements pitching candidates' platforms.

Just like previous campaigns, one thing has remained constant across the narratives: the promise of something free — 'libre' — in local parlance. Free housing, free medical assistance, free education, tax-free transactions — free things are common elements of candidates' speeches. In fact, a senatorial candidate's 30-seconder YouTube advertisement boasts of four programs that consist of giving something free.