Political Landscape Transformation

For a better understanding of current events, I always consider myself a real life and practical student of political science, as distinguished from someone who views them from a purely theoretical and conjectural standpoint. During our days in college, we studied comparative governments, analyzed political philosophies, studied history and its effects on the people and society, read a lot of books, speeches and historical documents, memorized the constitution, criticized decrees, proclamations and executive orders, and even made forecasts of what may happen at certain periods in the history of our nation. We talked about the rise of a strong and united opposition in the Philippines, how death of political leaders changes the course of history, downfall of dictatorships around the world, financial crimes perpetrated by those in government, rebirth of oligarchy and violent revolutions. Admittedly, we missed out the emergence of people power in the Philippines. What we were aware of then was civil disobedience as a form of mass action. A Gandhi-like movement which abhors violence in any form.

Well, those were the days. Endless debates and formulation of opinions. We respected each other's beliefs and points of view. It was a productive and scholarly exercise for us as political science students. We were in control of the student council, some were student activists, others were ROTC officers, and a few were student assistants or working at various departments of the university. It was a huge network in terms of clout and influence, and come to think of it, we were only a handful few, always updated on what is happening inside and outside the campus, as well as the actual reasons for major events or incidents. We knew ahead of time when classes will be suspended. 

We are aware that we were doing so many things but we also know that we have to go somewhere. We were imbued with so much idealism. Money was not an issue. Never did it influence any of the student council elections. We were fighting for causes and we were asking fellow students to be counted in our crusade for a better campus and effective representation, among others. We were in effect enjoying what we were doing. In return, we were able to serve our fellow students very well, we had good rapport with the faculty and school administration including other students organizations. No corruption. Again, money has never been an issue. There were no such thing as dole out or any consideration for something needed by the students. Our student council elections were won based on platform and qualifications of candidates. They were clean, honest, orderly and peaceful. 

Ahh, those were the days. I am sure you had them in your respective college days. 

We had so much time for ourselves, we were professional students. But even then, we felt there was a void. Something lacking. It was the late 70s and early 80s. They were not normal times. They were extraordinary times for extraordinary people. 

We were just hoping that we can duplicate those days and experiences in school to real life back then or at that point in time. And even now. I have always looked forward for the same.

We need to aim at elections where candidates must present and explain a genuine and sincere platform of government, and not merely for a show or for the sake of having one. We must long for the day when politicians are elected because of their qualifications and not due to the money that they spend buying votes. How we wish that the trapos and the epals will have some form of conversions to become statesmen and present-day heroes in the category and caliber of the honorable politicians of our country. 

Billions of pesos in public funds will be saved and instead channeled to meaningful projects and programs which are responsive to the needs of the people. No longer for mansions, luxury cars, jewelry, casinos, vices, jetsetting and money laundering of ill gotten wealth.

With the pork barrel being declared as unconstitutional, theoretically, no public funds will be available for disbursement at the discretion of legislators. This is a drastic change in the way public funds will be earmarked and used. The public perception that politicians are able to siphon money from government coffers through pork barrel will also change. However, the so called line budgeting, that is pinpointing potential projects and work for their inclusion in the budget of the various departments of government, may not deter or prevent corruption. There will always be that issue or suspicion of getting commissions from contractors on a percentage basis. But with the birth of movements and organization keeping watch on how funds are spent, life will be difficult for these contractors and politicians concerned. 

Nonetheless, we must continue to be vigilant and eagle eyed on government transactions and expenditures, and assert our rights every moment of our lives. We are right now witnessing, hopefully, a transformation of how things will be in Philippine politics in the years to come. The major election year of 2016 will be a litmus test for our democratic system. Its success or failure will be ascertained by the kind of leaders who will be elected. 

We need statesmen not trapos. We need stewards not epals. 

We need a new breed of politicians and public servants who can share what they have (in terms of genuine service, talents, skills, dedication and commitment) and not share in what we have for themselves (primarily in terms of public funds).

Let us move on !