Toxic politics and stability

In a country previously disrupted – and set back for years – by failed coup d’états, one can understand why businessmen get the jitters whenever the military gets involved or, in the recent case, when they are dragged into the ongoing and messy family feud.

Last week, business and civic organizations expressed concern over the worsening conflict between the Marcoses and the Dutertes. They issued a strongly worded joint statement titled “Upholding the Rule of Law.”

Businessmen know all too well that even coup rumors or ramblings in the military alone are enough to send jitters to the country’s financial markets.

Remember that 1989 coup, said to be the most serious attempt against the administration of then president Corazon Aquino? Businessmen estimated that the mutiny caused the economy some $1.5 billion.

So when an ex-president or some political force tries to persuade the military into rebellion – or something like it – he is no doubt threatening the stability of our constitutional order and country.

Said the business groups in their statement:

“The resolution of political disagreements must adhere to legal and democratic processes. Resorting to threats, incendiary rhetoric or any form of violence has no place in a nation founded on the rule of law. To this end, we strongly urge all public officials and political leaders to demonstrate restraint, uphold the dignity of their offices and prioritize the welfare of the Filipino people above political interests.

“The Armed Forces of the Philippines plays a vital role in safeguarding the Constitution and protecting our nation from threats, both internal and external. We call on the AFP and all institutions to remain steadfast to their constitutional mandates and to ensure that all their actions are grounded on the principles of legality, impartiality and service to the nation. Deviations from their mandate will definitely erode confidence in our country’s business environment and worse, it could endanger the very foundations of our democratic society.”

Signatories are the Management Association of the Philippines, Shareholders’ Association of the Philippines, Makati Business Club, the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines, Justice Reform Initiative, Ateneo de Manila Law Alumni Association, Energy Lawyers Association of the Philippines, Filipina CEO Circle, Institute for Solidarity in Asia, Institute of Corporate Directors, Integrity Initiative Inc. and the Philippine Women’s Economic Network.

They also called on Congress and other investigative agencies to conduct their inquiries with impartiality.

“Accountability must be pursued within the bounds of due process, ensuring that justice is not only done but is seen to be done,” they said.

They also called on the public to remain vigilant and steadfast in upholding the rule of law amidst political tensions.

“The strength of our institutions and the resilience of our democracy depend on our collective resolve to remain loyal to the Constitution and reject efforts to erode public trust in good governance,” they said.

The organizations have reasons to worry.

Family feud

After all, the family feud between the Dutertes and the Marcoses seems to be worse than the geopolitical tensions surrounding the West Philippine Sea.

My reading of the statement of these organizations – some of them aligned with the Yellows, at least once upon a time – is that they continue to find the politics of the Dutertes as toxic.

They knew they had to speak up soon after Duterte urged the military to take a stand and correct Marcos’ fractured governance.

At the same time, they want fairness in the investigations and in the search for accountability involving Sara Duterte.

The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. likewise continues to push for a pro-investment climate. In the group’s statement lauding the passage of CREATE MORE, FFCCCII president Dr. Cecilio Pedro said a business friendly environment would only flourish when businesses are assured of stability, fairness and competitiveness in the marketplace.

Moving forward, however, businessmen must speak up soon enough and not only when sh*t hits the fan. Otherwise, our politicians will think that businessmen are OK with all the politicking, the violence and the corruption. Weren’t a lot of them as quiet as lambs during the administration of Rody Duterte?

For now, we’re getting the feeling that President Marcos is trying to ease the tensions by calling off efforts to impeach VP Sara. That, or he is just trying to distance himself from the issue.

It could also be that both camps recognize that everyone will benefit from a holiday ceasefire. How long this apparent peace will last is still anyone’s guess.

Unfortunately, history has shown us that in this country, stability just depends on a powerful few, driven by their whims and quirks and vested interests. Rarely is it about the country and our countrymen.

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Email: [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @eyesgonzales. Column archives at EyesWideOpen on FB.