Dramatic gestures

Sorry folks but the issue in this election remains the same: We have to change the way we choose our leaders, if we want real reforms to this country. Why? Because elections, because they are national, and with one man, one vote, among millions, it is not about voting for good governance. It is not true that the people want to elect FPJ as president. It is because they know FPJ, in the movies and in television. They know him in the comfort of their living rooms and think of him ,whether wrongly or rightly, as part of their lives. In a voting booth, what comes to mind is the name of the actor or anchor. Remember he or she was "at home". Questions like will he or she change their lives does not figure. Will he be able to provide jobs as he says he will? Will he be able to bring trust for the government? They cheer lustily not because they believe it. Of course not. That is part of the "eksena." With that powerful emotional relation between the voters and the actor/actress/broadcaster candidates, it follows they will always have an edge even against the most qualified presidential candidate in our personalitic society.

The relation between voter and candidate is just as close in a parliamentary federal system but it is different. In local elections the focus is more political. The actor-candidate can also run and he will also be known but he appeals directly to his constituents as he or she affects their lives – the building of roads, the collection of garbage, schools,housing, jobs. They know him; he knows them. That is the only sensible relation for elections that we cannot have in a national election. That relationship does not exist. As for the head of government, the Prime Minister, he or she too will be under the same system of direct relation with the members of Parliament where a culture of competition through excellence can be achieved. It will not happen overnight but the structure will sooner or later demand that. The PM will be elected on the basis of the program of his party and how this has fulfilled the program. If not, then they can be immediately removed through a vote of no-confidence.

If we are not able to shift to parliamentary federal system at the earliest possible time we are back to square one whatever the results of the May elections, when officials shall have been elected for their popularity or celebrity. I am pessimistic parliamentary federalist system will happen at any time.Why? Because it will be the winning candidates, the same kit and caboodle of previous elections who will once again decide whether we change or not. Besides they have just won six-year terms to earn their piles . . . oops, to govern the country kuno. Why change when it this system that brings in the money that have enriched so many? Any change, as provided by the Constitution, will remain in their hands. So it is clear we cannot leave the matter to them. The proviso for a people’s initiative was another deception I personally experienced. We have a serious breakdown of the Constitution in which the people are not sovereign but are made to think they are.

I was among those misled it was possible to use existing institutions about changing the political system, either through a constituent assembly (it would have been faster and cheaper) and when that failed even through a constitutional convention just that it be done. Ha, ha, ha! The senators must be laughing all the way to the bank. (I do not include the congressmen in this joke because they voted for constitutional change and were prepared to be abolished as a body to make room for a Parliament.) It is the Senate that blocked constitutional reform and this should be known by generations to come. Did you think the senators’ would ever give up their wonderful positions? You must be kidding. All you have to do is stand around in the freezing cold of the Senate Hall to understand. I was told, sorry na lang if it was too cold – that was the the right temperature at which the senators could wear their expensive suits without feeling uncomfortable. Who said it might be better if they led the example of saving energy in this august hall of people’s representatives? Why should they — they do not pay for the bills. We do.

Open your eyes and listen intelligently, how could constitutional change ever have a chance in a damnable place like this? But the real mystery is how this "august" body escaped censure for blocking reform. They or their supporters of the status quo planted in the minds of the public that it is the members of the House that cannot be trusted. So while we were looking elsewhere the Senate was able to carry out the huge prank on us. That’s what makes me think we need the military if we are ever going to change our system. By army I don’t mean adventurists like Honasan and Co. but the institution of the military provided they do so at the behest of civil society through their representatives in Congress.

It is my opinion that those who would rather support GMA do so not because she is more intelligent or for continuity (even if these are to her advantage) but because she has repeatedly said (at least in the earlier part of this year) if elected she will immediately call for the election of delegates to a convention in 2007. I hear FPJ will, too. But there is no firm guarantee from either.We are doomed to continue with this vicious circle of expensive and useless election that has nothing to do with good governance. Under this system good people will never be elected.to office. Accomplishments, experience or knowledge are disadvantages. Popularity, only popularity and celebrity popularity count.. That is what our national elections have become. Sec. Toting Bunye says Pres. GMA said in Mindanao that "more could be accomplished for the people if there would be a change in the form of government through constitutional change". She favors parliamentary federalist government especially in Mindanao for a faster delivery of government services and programs.

If it is true that just a few taipans decide elections in this country, then, we appeal to them to make a dramatic gesture in May 2004. They can save this country by jointly withholding contributions to campaign funds of any candidate. Otherwise, they will be seen as the real cause that brought this country down.. The politicians are merely their proxies. They buy politicians with campaign money and give to both sides. It does not really matter who wins as long as the show goes on. In media a few personalities push their agenda in a way that it cannot be questioned. That is how the status quo and the stakeholders of the status quo promote their "truth". In these elections as well as in the past so many are misled. The challenge for those who want change is to reach out to these millions, and show them they vote against their own interests by beng deceived and used.

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