Is this democracy or 'kakistocracy'?

From ancient Greece came “democracy.” Denoting “popular government,” it derives from demo (people) + kratia (power). Athenian democracy was not the authority of and by the people that we value today. Instead of picking rulers to define public policy, it is said that the early Greeks frequently gathered directly to decide courses of city-state action. Imaginably the system was impractical in times of urgency, like determining if the army was to attack or retreat. Perhaps even in minute matters, like who could sell wares at the agora. So evolved representative democracy, in which all qualified citizens of the state elect public officers to fix directions, laws, and actions.

From first-hand experience or observing other lands, the Greeks coined other types of power. There was “autocracy” or rule of one person, from auto (self) + kratia. Also “aristocracy,” authority of the noble or privileged, from aristo (best) + kratia. And “plutocracy,” power of the rich, from plouto (wealth) + kratia. With the first twinned the term “monarchy” or government by one absolute, supreme ruler, from mon (sole) + archia (leader). With the other two emerged “oligarchy,” the rule of a few elite, from olig (distinct) + archia.

Quite popular among Filipinos in the ’70s-’80s was the term “kleptocracy,” or rule of thieves (kleptos). The conjugal dictatorship and their cronies were robbing the country blind then, having prolonged themselves in power by raising the specter of “anarchy,” or lawlessness. Warnings are being sounded of late about the peril of “narcokleptocracy” or reign of narco-traders. If politicians, judges and lawmen don’t watch out, drug lords will co-opt them and consequently rule.

Unique is “kakistocracy,” or rule of the worst persons, from kakos (superlative of bad) + kratia. It is unthinkable for Filipinos that the least qualified and principled can rule, save for mythical kings and courtiers in tales of yore. For it would mean, in modern times, that the head of state literally is insane, the elected representatives the most selfish, the magistrates the most unjust, the Cabinet the least skilled, the advisers the least learned, the bureaucrats the most corrupt, the ambassadors the vilest traitors, the generals the biggest cowards, the police the most felonious. Extending to leaders outside of government, kakistocracy would also mean that the bishops are the most immoral, the businessmen the greediest, and even the media (the Third Estate) the least informed.

Yet Filipinos know that kakistocracy does reign, if not in all the government then in certain branches, bureaus or locales. They have been decrying the unaudited congressional pork barrels, the silliest court verdicts, dynastic politicos, extortionate cops, and inept public services. The cries have fallen on deaf ears. The perpetrators stay by buying off voters and critics.

In the judiciary, for one, there was public outcry against midnight appointments, opacity, and rulings favoring only the appointer or selves or special counsels contrary to the interests of the many. We are suffering today because these have been left unresolved.

* * *

Some readers wondered why, after a two-week sabbatical March 19-30 and my return on April 2, Gotcha was off again last Wednesday and Monday. Let me just say a few things. Go easy on analgesics that can gnaw holes in your throat, stomach or gut; they can cause profuse bleeding that would require serious intensive care and transfusion. And if hospitalized, have a smart phone or tablet computer handy to search the Net for “Prayers for a Happy Death.”

* * *

Just off the press is Exposés: Investigative Reporting for Clean Government. Published by Anvil, the book compiles selected investigative columns of mine on, among others, the NBN-ZTE scam, the plunder of military funds by a major general, and the Manila airport construction anomaly. Other subjects: election fraud, the pork barrel, the Spratlys question, intrusions in Philippine territorial waters, and the near cession of territory to Moro separatists. Notably all of these exposé items still await justice or continue to fester. Exposés provides a backdrop to understand the wrongs that go on and on today, as well as backstage glimpses of the truth-telling sources. Early copies are available at most National Bookstore and Powerbooks branches. Formal launch date to be announced.

* * *

Catch Sapol radio show, Saturdays, 8-10 a.m., DWIZ (882-AM).

E-mail: [email protected]