The tragedy of politics

Although it would sound like comparing apples to oranges, we couldn’t help but remember what happened when a terror attack well known today as “9-11” killed 3,000 people, bringing overwhelming fear in the heart of America.  But in the aftermath of that fateful day, all partisan politics was set aside when – in an inspiring and admirable display of unity – the members of the US Senate and Congress gathered before the steps of the Capitol and broke into a spontaneous a cappella rendition of “God Bless America.”

After the famous “Either you’re with us or against us” speech of US President George W. Bush, the US Congress in a joint resolution gave him the power to use all “necessary and appropriate” military force against those responsible for the terror attack on the United States.

“In the days and months after September 11, we were not Republicans or Democrats, we were all Americans. We convened Congress on September 12 to show the business of the country would go on; we began the work of repairing our broken air security systems… While we did not always agree on the best way to resolve issues, we worked together,” reminisced former Republican State Senator Kay Hutchison Bailey of Texas, recalling to mind the singleness of purpose that gripped not only the lawmakers and officials but the entire nation, with everyone setting aside all political “color” to get America back on its feet again.

Senator Bailey was right – politics has absolutely no place during emergency situations that require everyone to work together to save lives and bring order out of chaos – like in the case of Typhoon Yolanda where the death toll is now inching closer to 10,000. 

DILG Secretary Mar Roxas and Tacloban Mayor Alfred Romualdez may have their differences and own interpretations over the kind of “protocol” that should have been followed in the aftermath of the super typhoon, but judging from the reactions and comments across social media networks, the perception among the majority of Filipinos is that partisan politics reared its ugly head and got in the way of speedy rescue and recovery efforts for the poor victims. Foreign news reporters particularly from CNN gave accurate accounts of the slow pace of response, aghast at the kind of chaos that met them with a number of victims pleading for food and water or whatever little the reporters could give them. When time is of the essence and quick responses and decisions are needed to save lives, it’s very clear: There should be no hesitation. 

Those who have seen the video of the meeting between Secretary Roxas and Mayor Romualdez found it disgusting to see that precious minutes were wasted on the subtleties of “de facto” and “de jure” despite the fact that the situation on the ground was critical. But for most people, it is difficult to comprehend why family names should hinder the national government from delivering help as expeditiously as possible, or that known political families would be so spiteful as to let their surnames get in the way of saving the lives of people they have sworn to serve.

The irony of it all is that not too many people – particularly Mar – know about the interconnection between the Aquinos and the Romualdezes which spans several decades. In 1938, when former Speaker Daniel “Danieling” Romualdez (the Tacloban airport is named after him) married Doña Paz Aquino Gueco of Pampanga with then-Vice President Sergio Osmeña as principal sponsor – the ring bearer was none other than President Noy’s father, Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., a nephew of Doña Paz who was also close to Ninoy’s mother, Doña Aurora Aquino. One of Ninoy’s personal friends at the Manila Times was Malaya executive editor Enrique “Pocholo” Romualdez.

But to many Filipinos particularly tragedy survivors – names don’t count. They don’t really care about family interrelations or even political rivalries – what they care about is food on the table and a roof over their heads. It doesn’t matter where help comes from as long as they get it when it’s needed most. Instead of blaming each other, public officials should learn from this tragedy and change existing protocols and legalisms that hinder rescue efforts.

Ateneo dean Tony La Viña explains it very well, saying that, “There was absolutely no need for an ordinance or permission by the national government to go in to Tacloban. In massive disasters and in all emergency situations where the national government is needed, there is no need to wait for the local government to invite the former to come in and respond.” There should never be any hesitation to deliver help during critical times and situations. A public office is a public trust, and a public official should put the interest of the people above all. Anyone who thinks otherwise has no business occupying any public office at all.

 Learning from this experience, Congress should legislate a new law that would create an agency insulated and isolated from politics – one that is more powerful and responsive than the NDRRMC which has been turned into a glorified coordinating agency. Maybe Senator Loren Legarda, known for her expertise in disaster management, can even head it. Actually, the appointment of Ping Lacson as rehab czar was a good move by the president. Ping is a no-nonsense doer who would focus on the task at hand and will not allow any politicking to “color’ his actions and decisions. Political parties have different symbolic colors but we must not forget that the color of our flag is not just “yellow” but also red, white and blue. “Isang bansa, isang bandila” – one nation, one flag.

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