January 11, 2004

The Philippine STAR, Opinion Page

Let's Dig In Our Heels

By Babe Romualdez

If you've ever been to a circus--with all the trapeze artists, lion tamers, fire eaters, knife throwers, fake mermaids, trained elephants and fat ladies--you'll probably  say we're right in the middle of a political circus today.  It all started with the anticipation that GMA and FPJ will run for president.  After both made it official, the battle for vice presidential running mates began.

GMA took Noli de Castro, FPJ wooed Loren Legarda while Raul Roco got Hermie Aquino.  Loren had a slight problem with Erap's supporters but that was taken cared of immediately.  Noli de Castro shattered the hopes of his supporters when he chose to run as GMA's vice presidential candidate.  Many were discouraged at Roco's choice for an unknown running mate.

The trapeze act of senatorial candidates was something to really watch.  Some supporters of the President have expressed dismay at her choices of senatoriables because some were avid Erap supporters.  FPJ initially junked Jinggoy Estrada, fueling rumors of a rift between him and his good friend Erap.

The next day, however, Jinggoy was included in FPJ's line up.  Before all these started, Miriam Defensor Santiago said that she will debate anyone to defend FPJ and his qualifications.  Today, with John Osmeña, Miriam bolted and joined GMA's K-4 slate.  The administration is asking Roco to unite with GMA but he refused to slide down.  Bayani Fernando eventually backed down.  Inside the other tent, the knife throwers are busy with their own brand of show.

Some people known to be connected with the administration are asking the Comelec to disqualify FPJ because he is an American citizen.  Some are saying GMA should not run because she promised not to in the first place.  Some sectors want Ping Lacson to drop his presidential bid because "he has no chance against FPJ" while Roco may be dragged down because he has no logistics.  Some are saying that evangelist Eddie Villanueva should step down because he's going against the constitutional policy of the separation of Church and State.  

Of course, at the center tent are all the showbiz and media people who are running for government office aside from FPJ are: Joey Marquez, Alma Moreno, Jinggoy Estrada, Pilar Pilapil, Aiko Melendez, Herbert Bautista, Bong Revilla, Lito Lapid, Elizabeth Oropesa, Rey Malonzo and his wife, among others.  On the other side, a "holy war" is brewing, with the Islamic Community for FPJ; the Catholic and El Shaddai group for GMA; the Iglesia ni Cristo for Ping Lacson and the "Born Agains" for Eddie Villanueva.  If you have 1.5 million pesos to spare for a "permit fee," you can throw in the CPP-NPA as your campaign supporter as well.

Today's politics is as hazy and polluted as the air we breathe.  Judging from the emials and comments we have received from abroad, they are asking, "What is happening to our country?"  It appears many are becoming confused.  Some people who are watching from a distance don't even know whether they should laugh or cry.  The Makati Business Club said the country is suffering from bankruptcy of leadership.  They should offer the country a solution rather than tell us what we already know.  

Obviously, everything is about personalities in this country--it has always been hat way.  With a population of 84 million this year and a system that's falling apart, we can be sure that one day, the marginalized sector will decide who will become president of this country.  The upper crust of society is fast becoming politically irrelevant.  We are all aware that nothing has changed and that everything has become so predictable--the merry-go-round, the jumping from one political party to another, the party infighting, mudslinging, the resignations, the promises, the focus on personalities than qualifications--all these belong to the reality, that is, of Philippine politics.

It's time for people to take stock of what is there, pull their heads together and begin a process of change.  A group of pragmatic business leaders is now putting together the framework of a First 100 Days Plan to be made available to whoever becomes president of this country come May this year.  They're calling it The Presidential Business Agenda for the First 100 Days, and it would zero in on a "workable and practical economic agenda that will eventually become the springboard for suitable growth."

Now, that is what we need today--people who are pragmatic and ready for renewal.  GMA's pronouncements that she will call for a constitutional convention, in fact, even calling for it now, to suggest that the delegates be elected together with the candidates in May.  This is a good plus for her because it gives a lot of hope that change is possible through a peaceful process.  The operative word here is "process."  We need a process of renewal and revival--a new start so that people can look forward to some hope for this country.

EDSA I and II have disappointed many.  The past attempt of some adventure seekers to introduce changes in the system through the barrel of the gun only made matters worse.  The 2004 elections is our last hope for a process of change.  If GMA is really serious about putting up a con-con as early as this year, then she should start inviting everyone to unite and push for change.  We don't have to be a copycat of other systems of government.  Many believe we have brilliant people that can come up with a Filipino-style of a democratic system of government that would best suit the unique Filipino character.

Everyone must agree we cannot continue to spend billions for a Senate that investigates more than it legislates.  We cannot continue to waste billions and blow up the budget deficit.  Like an old worn-out car, the system is breaking down and it's time to change it.  If we don't, events would overtake it.  It took Filipinos 300 years to blow up and revolt against Spain.  It would most likely take less this time.

In a class reunion I had attended the other night, my classmates were asking if it is time to pack up and leave.  "On the contrary," I said, "it's time to dig in our heels."  At this stage in our lives, it's better to take a gamble in our own country rather than somewhere else where many have lost their shirts.  This decade will be the turning point for this country.  China's phenomenal transformation from a communist to a capitalist state was very successful.  Thailand had the political will to curb its population and effectively pushed for their economic reforms, making it one of the most progressive countries today.  If they can do it, I am certain, we can do the same. 

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