Important Facts on the Present State of Philippine Democracy. What can be Concluded?
The Bohol Chronicle
May 31, 2015
The State of Philippine Democracy in the World How does our country compare with other countries in the world?
Incompetence Kills
After more than six weeks of the Mamasapano fiasco, things are beginning to clear up – in a “muddled way”, but I thought I will dive into the fray and ask the readers to help me sort things out – or muddle things further.
A Typhoon and the scared Filipinos
There are two certainties in life: Death & Taxes!
In the Philippines, I will add a third tothis maxim: Typhoons!
On an average year, we have more than half a dozen of these tropical storms that make landfall out of nearly two dozen or so that enter into the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).
On Why CDP is a genuine political party
All political parties around the world experience specific challenges pertaining to the relationship of its party members and appointed leaders.
But this is where the notion of “Internal Democracy” in political parties comes in.
5 things in Philippine Politics worth Recognizing For
Can you list down 5 items in the Philippine Political scene worthy of praise lately?
Our mainstream media – print & TV, echoed in social media, has been bombarding us with news reports on corruption allegations and impunity & crime in the streets to name a few.
Contrast this to the Christmas jingles one hears in the malls and airwaves, blaring loudly in our jeeps, buses & taxis when we commute to work.
We live in a surreal world.
I will not add to this dysfunctional state of affairs by stressing the bleakness of current news items. Instead I will share some entertaining and informative articles published in Huffingtonpost.com, where “hope” worldwide seemed to make a big comeback. Entitled “5 Positive Things around the World to Be Thankful For”, this article sensibly cited five (5) recently revealed wonderful facts.
The first item for instance says, “Congo is now Ebola Free”. Just a few weeks ago the Ebola outbreak threatened a Pandemic recalling the ‘black plague’ that decimated populations in Europe in the middle ages (Click here for the complete article: Ebola Virus: Is this the End of Our World?). The virus, according to scientific experts, remains significantly “dangerous” to mankind. Congo now being officially “Ebola-Free” is a good sign that the virus can be contained. Even now as we speak, some type of cure may be introduced in the near future.
“Hope for Democracy in the Birthplace of the Arab Spring” -This second item brought me to remember the “French Revolution of 1789” and “The Fall of the Berlin Wall” in 1989 where democracy and liberalization triumphed over highly feudalistic/dictatorial regimes.
Among others included in the list are: “Gay Marriage Coming in the Rise”; “Polio finally eradicated in India”; and “A Big Change in China that has possibly a big effect in the World”.
The recent happenings listed above are undoubtedly just some of the good things worthy of recognition. It not only enlightens usbut it also showers upon uswith the positive and high spiritsthe human race needs.
Now, allow me to shift to our country, the Philippines.
Can we still list 5 or even one thing in Philippine politics worth thanking for? Or should I state it in another way:“Is there still something in our political landscape to be hopeful about?”
I have my own list of “5 Things”.
1. Cha-Cha, Anti-Trust Law and Competition Law to be passed before Christmas. From the Philippines Star:
“A resolution seeking to amend restrictive economic provisions in the Constitution is likely to get approved before the congressional Christmas break along with other key economic reform measures.”
Authored by Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr., the provisionseeks to boost the inflow of foreign investments by easing the restrictive economic provisions of the Constitution. Details provide that this could be put to a vote for second reading in the coming weeks.
“The anti-trust measure, on the other hand is among the economic priority measures listed by both the House and the Senate. The chamber also aims to pass the proposed Anti-Trust and Competition Law that seeks to consolidate and update laws on competition and establish a strong regulatory agency to deal with anti-competitive practices”, the news read.
2. The Basic Bangsamoro Law (BBL) on third and final reading
Under the BBL, the Bangsamoro government will replace the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
Most Filipinos are apathetic and unaware of the importance of this Basic Bangsamoro Law due to lack of knowledge and consideration. Little did our countrymen know that BBL is not only about the “Peace in Mindanao” but also of “Regional Autonomy and Decentralization”. If simplified, this law basically offers “local empowerment to our Muslim brothers and sisters.
One of the most esteemed political scientist in the Philippines, Dr. Jose “Pepe Abueva”, also Professor Emeritus of the University of the Philippines Diliman, and member of the Centrist Democratic Party of the Philippines (CDP), reiterates that in accordance the passing of this law, “What is good for Bangsa-moro is significantly good for Bangsa-Ilokano, Bangsa-Ilonggo, Bangsa-Bisaya, and other Filipino Bangsa!”
3. The Filipinos’ vigilance rate against bad governance is higher.
The explosion brought about by the infamous “Pork barrel scam” put the Filipinos into utter outrage that eventually abolished the pork barrel system and detainedlawmakers, Senators and highly profiled people involved.
Because of the incident, the trust rating of the government decreased, yet in contrast, the vigilant attitude soared especially among our Filipino youth with theimpact brought about by the powerful influence of the Social Media.
4. More fundamental bills passed in the Philippine Congress
The Freedom of Information Bill just one of the crucial bills long-before pending in the Congress.
Our government remains slow in passing laws beneficial to our country, yet even so, we must still remain positive lawmakers who the upholding of good governance through the legislation of good bills.
One for instance is Cagayan Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez, also the President of the Centrist Democratic Party (CDP)eradicate the practice of patronage politics.
Constitutional reforms Anti-trust and Competition Law are just some of the specific bills he authored which are definitely advantageous to Filipinos.
5. There is an emerging genuine political party in the Philippines
A genuine political party principally means a “working political party” with real dues-paying members; has its own constitution and by-laws and platform of governance; one which adheres to its core value; and adapts to the operation of “internal democracy” where decisions are made by the members and not by a Patron. Moreover, this party does not exist only in elections as it operates all year-round!
This political party is anchored by its principles and more importantly proposes and supports bills and laws in the Philippines parallel to its core value – “the promotion of the DIGNITY of EVERY FILIPINO.”
The five things I mentioned above are just some instances in the Philippines that we, as citizens in this country should care, be thankful and be hopeful about.
I will end with two quotes about hope:
“To survive in peace and harmony, united and strong, we must have one people, one nation, one flag.”
– Pauline Hanson
“This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.”
― Elmer Davis
Let us not give up. Let us help each other as there is still HOPE for the Philippines.
THE RESILIENT FILIPINO – Good or Bad?
In the aftermath of the devastation byTYPHOON YOLANDAthe World was astounded by the “resiliency” of the ordinary Filipinos when they witnessed how we tend to adaptmagnificently to the tremendous thrashingsand fought hard to survive. US President Barrack Obamaput it succinctly when he said,
“I know the incredible resiliency of the Philippine people, and I am confident that the spirit of Bayanihan will see you through this tragedy.”
Between Robots and Humans
"Someday THEY may RULE the WORLD.”
The statement above refers to ROBOTS and their foreseeable power to replace the functions of human beings. This line is among the “11 Reasons to Fear Robots”, a video featured in The Huffington Post website. Published last 31st of October, this three-minute mash-up video clip presents non-reassuring yet possible capacities of robots that could surpass humans.
Nightmares and The Walking Dead
We have just celebrated two of our most awaited holidays in the year: the All Saints Day and All Souls Day. Branded in the local language as “Undas”, this two-day event marks a Filipino custom celebrating the continuity of life by confronting the inevitability of death and remembering “dear departed ones”.
In Mexico where we have closer affinity through our catholic religious practices they call this the “Dia de Muertos”-Day of the Dead, which is now recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage.
Name Recall and The Politics of Personality
In the parlance of Philippine politics, a strong reputation is a pre-requisite in winning elections. With reputation comes power.
Within the Philippine political culture, reputation is synonymous with “name recall”; no matter how that name is built– either of sterling quality or of mediocre substance or even of spurious elements. More often than not, integrity and rectitude are not essential attributes.
“Name recall” is the single most important ingredient for fielding candidates. It trumps the ability to govern, a sincere desire to serve the community and to advance the common good. Talent for political leadership is not configured in the equation unless it is an aptitude for singing and dancing at the “entablado” before the adoring mob. Talent inherent in other professions or vocation is transferable and preferable topublic office seekers – the reason for a preponderance of actors, actresses, TV and media personalities seeking elective office as “side line careers”.
This political and electoral process is focused more on personality than on substance and political acumen thus stunting our growth to political maturity. Celebrities and relatives with similar surnames use the aforementioned to full advantage.
So the country is subject to luck on a throw of a dice every 3 years – hoping that the persons elected through name recall, may by chance possess the heart for good governance sincerely able to uplift the electorate.
Over the decades, with this kind of politics prevalent in the country, Filipinos begin to trust the power of personalities reducing the criteria of values and concept of good governance to secondary and minor considerations. Good leadership is misconstrued and is rated according to how they are portrayed by the media. Such is the reason for the preference and election of leaders with the likes of Manny Pacquiao, Jinggoy Estrada, Tito Sotto and Bong Revilla among others who were installed into public office and whose political provenance are questionable but whose talents for mass entertainment are impeccable.
Manny Pacquiao for instance managed to maintain hisacquired reputation. After being recognized as the World’s boxing champ, opportunities widely opened. He fancies himself as an expert in everything: an actor, a businessman, a recording artist, a model, a playing basketball coach and most especially a politician. His orientation to people was positive since he came from the grassroots.Gaining praises such as, “Hindi na mangungurakot yan si Manny kasi mayaman na ‘yan” (Manny will not be corrupt since he is already rich); “Mabuting tao si Manny kasi namimigay ng pera” (Manny is a good man since he sends out money to the poor).
We laud Pacquiao’s contribution to the country as an artist yet digging deeper, we should not jumble it with his performance as a lawmaker of the country.
House Speaker of the 16th Congress Sonny Belmonte Jr. reiterates that:
“PacMan is the second topmost absentee of the House next to Former President Arroyo”.Out of the 69 sessions, he has only attended 38 of them.
This simply shows irresponsibility in his duties as a public servant and a disgrace to his constituency. Now, he has fielded his wife as a vice-governor – no doubt, both will aspire for higher offices.
***
This brings us to the other perversion of our democratic processes:
Political Dynasty
Once public position is attained, the motivation for the office holder is not only for survival but for the propagation of the species. This is the composite of the DNA of political dynasties. No surprise then that almost 80% of the elected senators and congressmen are related to elected local government officials. Their wives, children, parents and siblings are likewise, governors, mayors, board members and councilors.
The Masa construe lineage as a criteria for good leadership. They have the opinion that “Mabait yan si Junior kasi anak yan ni Senior na mabait din.”(The son is also good since the father is good). Our incumbent President, Noynoy Aquino III exemplifies this idea. PNoy won against his contenders after being seen as the “hope of the Nation” following the remarkable reputation that his parents, Cory Aquino and Ninoy Aquino have left behind.
The problems in Philippine politics aredecidedly structural and institutionalized yetClarence Henderson writes that “The impetus for true reform must also come from the political leadership.” (Pearl of the Orient Seas: Random Thoughts on Life and Business in Manila)
Clearly the task at hand is nearly impossible with the current crop of political leadership we have – opening up a “chicken and egg” conundrum. We have however in our midst an emerging group of like-minded “out-of-the-box” thinkers and doers prepared to engage the body politic in a new political paradigm.
These Centrist Democrats understand that we need to put in place a more responsive political system and that these reforms, by their very nature, are a protracted one. But they simply proffer those that are “doable” within the context of the realities of the Filipino political culture.
They are guided by their mantra that: “We need good political leadership but what the Philippines reallyneeds is a modern political system”, thus:
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To put in place, by law, a real political party system that can aggregate the hopes and aspirations of the diverse Filipino society, led by known moral leaders with values anchored on clear platform of governance, presenting the electorate with clear choices. We have this Political Party Bill pending in Congress for the past 15 years or so. The recent version was shot down by President Pnoy and the Liberal Party.
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Enforcing the rule of law and re-examine and reform our justice and electoral systems.
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Amend the 1987 Constitution and introduce a more responsive Government structure where powers are not centralized and where governance is brought closer to the governed diffusing authority and responsibility.
- Introduce a market economy imbued with clear social underpinnings, dismantling monopolies and government disallowing non-competitive practices that distort markets.
The first 2 points above are clearly “doables” by a President exercising political will and moral leadership over both houses of congress and the executive branch of government. This could go a long way towards institutionalizing the choice of values-based leadership rather than one based on personalities. The two other points could thus be the subsequent work of the right type of leadership that will logically emanate overtime from the 1st 2 initiatives.
Let me end by quoting Harry S. Truman:
“Men make history and not the other way around. In periods where there is no leadership, society stands still. Progress occurs when courageous, skillful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better.”
Is the Filipino Apathetic?
I was asking our young staff and some Fellows of the political institute about how the young among them absorbs, understands and values the current issues they face; especially those that touch the body politic and how they impact on revered concepts of democracy, justice freedom – and all sorts of motherhood statements on poverty alleviation and “pagbabago” (change).
Surprisingly the answers run the whole gamut of emotions – from concern, anger, derision, guilt but mostly apathy. The last one interested me as this is contrary to what I thought the youth had in ample measures – idealism and passion.
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This is really interesting, You're a very skilled blogger. I've…
Written by Merrill
on Thursday, 24 March 2016 12:35
Incompetence Kills
(LML Polettiques)
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