A season of pretenders and hypocrites

Election season in this country is also a season of pretenders and hypocrites. In an effort to win the favor of electors candidates wax eloquent on certain problems and concerns even if by training (or lack of it) they know little about the subjects. Some of them may have something on their heads but to gain pogi points they advocate programs which though clearly good for the country are unpopular with the masa.

Take the new E-VAT. Since its implementation last year it has stabilized the peso, reduced budget deficit and enhanced our GDP as well as our credit standing with development accreditors. Yet some GO candidates are harping on its alleged disadvantages upon income earners. A form of taxation, it cannot be denied that E-VAT has negative effects upon the take home pay of individual taxpayers. But these candidates intentionally forget to cite the positive impacts of this form of revenue measure upon the economy, impacts which have resulted in a higher buying power of the peso, more infrastructure projects and reduction of the unemployment rate.

The case of the recently approved mining law is another misrepresented issue. On the guise of false nationalism, a number of opposition candidates are claiming that this law, a brainchild of the administration, will open the country''s mineral resources to exploitation by foreign capitalists. But they hide the fact that wanting in local investors our mineral deposits (gold, nickel, copper, manganese etc.) have remained almost untouched to date and therefore have contributed little to our thrust towards NIC-hood. A pauper sitting on a rock of gold - such is the picture of the Filipino. And some opposition aspirants would want to keep it that way. Indeed nationalism, like liberty, must have caused a lot of crimes. Yet the false nationalists love to bask as such - especially during elections.

Of pretenders one recalls a candidate whose only credential is his being an actor in romantic flicks. At one talk show recently he touched on education. How did it happen, he said, that the country''s school outputs were faring poorly in academic competitions. Then he talked about possible steps that should be taken to improve the system, citing statistics to support his points. Very impressive. One listening to him without know-how on school matters couldn''t help but be impressed. But any dolt of an educator could easily sense the flaw of his views. Pretense for vote baiting? How else could one interpret the whole thing?

An actor too profanes the Team Unity. He used to lock elbows with whistle-blowers and filibusters and was often seen in anti-Malacañang street actions. Surprisingly he crossed the political divide months ago and is now one of GMA''s fair-haired guys. In rallies he mouths Hossanahs at the Pasig Office. Roly-poly he is with the very people he used to lashed at months ago. Is this for real or is he just being a good actor? Whatever it is people hope he won''t get back his seat at the GSIS edifice. If he does, there would be one too many pretenders in that place.

Then there''s a housewife-turned politician. In a talk show she too dwelt on the school system and its alleged defects, and gave suggestions on how to tinker with it. Impressive too - only what she was saying were motherhood points even grade one teachers know. But that was of no moment. What counted most was that she was able to say something on the issue no matter how trite that something was. Of course, rank and file women viewers could not help but get tickled by the apparent wisdom of this woman senatoriable. And since there is such a thing as women''s vote in this country (or is there?) one would not be surprised if this lady would make it to the magic 12 - which would be a great thing for the Filipina, only it would be a minus thing for the legislature.

And then there''s that sinister visage whose likeness stares at you at every street corner, a clear offense to COMELEC''s rules on electoral propaganda. That face as you know has been the nightmare of a deposed president, but to some he looks harmless in his smile. Harmlessness of course could win votes, but not if one goes deeper into the man''s past and perhaps present escapades. Gambling is evil and this man gets his fortune from the Filipino''s weakness towards games of chance. Would he make it come May 14? Perhaps he will, perhaps he won''t. But if you look at the long queue at lotto outlets you know what''s in store for this senatoriable.

Oh, the season of pretenders, of hypocrites and make-believe artists. They make elections fun and funny. They make our democracy a farce. But every one is happy - pretenders and pretendee because when all is said and done, who cares who wins? No difference, no difference, it will make.