Heherson Alvarez writes on Charter change

This column has received a very interesting letter from Heherson Alvarez and we take the privilege of publishing the most pertinent portions below:

"Becoming President is all about who has the most resources to launch a Presidential campaign. The name of the game: FUND RAISING. It takes billions to be competitive in a national election covering 45,000 barangays. A Presidentiable is expected to spend not only for himself, but the machinery and all other candidates within the party. Funds will have to be raised to run, to win, and upon assumption into office – to pay-off debts. So much so, that a President is ultimately reduced to but a spokesperson of vested interest.

"Fund raising has shown to be the greatest burden of our leaders. And it has tempted, corrupted, and consumed all but a few of our Presidents. History is a testament to this fact.

"Conversely, this is why a Parliamentary system is exponentially superior. A would-be Member of Parliament launches his campaign in a significantly smaller geographical area, requiring fewer resources and rendering him less vulnerable to concessions with interest groups. A Prime Minister is elected by his peers. He is no pseudo-Monarch unlike his counterpart in the Presidential system. He is elected on the basis of his competence and platform of governance; therefore he can be made accountable for these at any given time. For as long as he enjoys the trust of the people, he remains the head of government. If he no longer enjoys this trust, he is removed from his post by the people’s Representatives – the Members of Parliament – through a vote of no confidence. The transition is done smoothly with little or no adverse effect on either the economy or political stability. He may be replaced by a partymate, in which case the platform changes little, save for perhaps the leadership style. Meanwhile, the opposition maintains a shadow government – a parallel of the actual government – from within the same Parliament, and if a revamp occurs because of changes in party alliances, government and opposition simply reverse roles. Both executive and legislative functions are performed by the same body. Government is able to provide social services with the efficiency of a corporate entity. Scarce resources are allocated and utilized with laser-precision instead of the Presidential system’s shotgun-approach. Good leaders serve indefinitely. Bad ones are removed immediately, if at all they even get the chance to lead.

"The need for genuine reforms far outweighs partisan politics. History has taught us this. It would serve our leaders well to learn from its lessons."