Quarantined Wayfarer

Tag: Politics

  • Elections: ‘Tis the Season to be Jolly

    Groundswell of Pink Followers. Indeed, elections: ‘tis the season to be jolly.
    Groundswell of Pink Followers, GMA Network File Photo

    The 8th of February 2022 officially marked the start of the campaign season for the country’s national elections. With five major contenders vying for the Presidency, this year’s elections promises to be colorful. Sure enough, we see the color pink emerging from the ranks of the Presidential aspirant Leni Robredo, the color red being adapted by Marcos kin, Bongbong, and various shades of blue being used by the other contenders: world boxing champion Pacquiao, Mayor Isko, and Senator Lacson. As the election campaign heats up, it would be interesting to see whether, in fact, this elections lives up to the cliché: “ ‘tis the season to be jolly.”

    It’s More Fun in the Philippines

    Every six years, the campaign season for National elections ushers in a period of frenzy across the archipelago. Economy-wise, it is normal to expect a spike in the GDP figures. This is on account of the election spending i.e. political ads, campaign sorties, cash give-aways, etc., which stimulate the local economies across the Archipelago.

    Moreover, myriads of campaign sorties bring along a band wagon of talents and celebrities to entertain the crowds. In lieu of political ideologies being presented, movie stars and beauty queens perform their acts to please the crowds. It’s no wonder then that during the campaign season for elections: ’tis the season to be jolly.

    History of Philippine Politics

    Interestingly, Philippine-style politics bears certain characteristics that make it unique vis-a-vis rest of the world. A look back at history will show that the erstwhile two-party system i.e. the Nacionalista Party and the Liberal Party flourished from the time the Philippines secured its independence from the United States of America in 1946. It suffered a setback, however, on September 21, 1972, when President Marcos declared martial law. Sadly, it was during the Martial law era that politics degenerated into cronyism. Indeed, it was Marcos’ dictatorial powers that kept him in place much to the chagrin of his political opponents. Indeed, this era proved to be the darkest period in the country’s history.

    Surprisingly, on February 25, 1986, the People Power Revolution broke the iron-fist rule of Marcos, thereby restoring democracy in the Philippines once again. Shortly thereafter, Corazon Aquino, the widow of the late Senator Aquino who was assassinated, was installed as the 11th President of the Republic of the Philippines. Indeed, this was a moment of glory for the Filipino people.

    Given the euphoria of the EDSA Revolution, democracy prospered to such an extent that the political system metamorphosed into a plethora of political organizations of every name, ideology, creed, and color. The cultural milieu fostered an aura of extreme adversity towards the martial rule. It was undoubtedly an era highly influenced by egalitarian principles.

    The Absence of Principles-based Politics

    While it is true that democracy flourished under the Aquino government, the absence of principles-based politics remained a threat to democracy. Personality-based politics pervaded the politico-cultural milieu. This paved the way for the rise of political dynasties. To date, such a problem, however, still persists.

    Given such a situation, it behooves us to rally everyone to bring back the two-party system. Hopefully, this would instill amongst the people the brand of politics based on sound political ideologies and principles. This way, party discipline will be instilled amongst the ranks of party members. Hence, the problem of political “butterflies” and fence-sitters would be quelled.

    Equal Rights & Opportunities For All

    With the elections coming shortly in May, it would serve us well to remind ourselves of the value and relevance of electing a national leader that espouses the highly upheld egalitarian principles. This simply means voting for a President who believes in the primacy of equality in political, social, economic, and civil rights for all people.

    Egalitarianism, however, does not mean that people’s conditions be made the same in any respect. Rather, “an egalitarian might be one who maintains that people ought to be treated as equals – as possessing fundamental worth and dignity and as equally morally considerable.”1 Hence, in the exercise of political governance, the would-be President ought not to engage in favoritism, social prejudice, or cronyism.

    Wrong Brand of Equality

    On this note, I would like to share one of St. Josemaria Escriva‘s aphorisms, which gives a stern warning on the dangers of misunderstanding the principle of equality, as encapsulated in Point #46 of The Way:

    46

    “Don’t you think that equality, as many people understand it, is synonymous with injustice?”

    St. Josemaria Escriva, The Way, 46

    Based on a commentary on Point #46, the modern-day saint wanted to highlight the ill effects of a wrong understanding of the concept of “equality”. For example, if one were to apply a uniform salary for all employees regardless of position and skill level, then such would be tantamount to communism. On the contrary, St. Josemaria likened the egalitarian principles to that of a mother who would apply the same degree of love to her children despite the differences in the character of her children.

    To conclude, it is quite important to discern the politico-ideological leanings of the Presidential contenders for the 2022 Elections. At the core of it, the litmus test of the candidate’s desirability will lie on whether or not he or she is God-fearing. After all, the roots of the egalitarian principles may be traced to the Almighty God, who gives the same amount of love to each and every one of us, despite our failures and misgivings.

    TalinMan

    1. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, 1. Preliminary Distinctions

  • Election Fever Arising

    COMELEC Poster encouraging Filipinos to register for the elections in 2022.
    COMELEC POSTER 2021

    With the national elections being some nine months away, the noise level of political chatter is slowly but surely percolating once again. Indeed, election fever is arising. For the Filipinos, the year 2022 portends a breath of fresh air for a nation that has been hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

    With the election fever arising quite earlier than expected, social media is nonetheless abuzz with speculations on who would be the possible contenders for the presidential race. Unsurprisingly, the ruling party is already sending out feelers in social media on its prospective presidential and senatorial endorsees. Obviously, the mandate is pointing to a nominee successor, who is the direct kin of the incumbent President.

    A Left Field Contender

    Interestingly, amidst such media murmurings, a left-field contender openly declares his intention to run as a presidential candidate. Whilst considered as a political newbie, the man possesses an extraordinarily high EQ, which could turn into a groundswell. Could this be the tipping point that would rise to the challenge of lifting the Filipino people out of its dire straits?

    For some political pundits, a regime change would be a welcome development. For the longest time, Philippine politics has been marked by popular votes and dynastic rule. Sadly, the political parties leave much to be desired in espousing ideological agendas. Partisan politics continues to dominate the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government. Presently, the political milieu still favors political patronage rather than politics based on ethical principles.

    Aspirants for the Elections

    In his classic book, The Way, St. Josemaria Escriva has this to say, as a reminder, to those politicians aspiring for the next elections:

    37

    You have, as they say,”the gift of gab”. But in spite of all your talk, you can’t get me to justify – by calling it “providential” – what has no justification.

    St. Josemaria escriva, The Way, 37

    Harsh as it may be, the words of St. Josemaria are meant to drive home a point, that is, the importance of practicing the virtue of sincerity. This takes on a special significance especially when the politicians embark on the campaign trail. Normally, those aspiring for government election spend much time promising voters the “sun, moon, and the stars”. This is tantamount to “starting on the wrong foot”. On the contrary, it makes good sense to “say what you mean and mean what you say”.

    An Agenda for an Integral Ecology

    Speaking about political agendas, one of the most paramount reforms needed in government policy is that of the environment. According to Germanwatch.org, the Philippines was ranked second in the Global Climate Risk Index 2020. Historically, the country has been regularly ravaged by extreme weather conditions in addition to natural catastrophes.

    In crafting the political agenda on the environment, it may be good to take time out to consider the Encyclical Letter, Laudato Si’ written by the Holy Father, Pope Francis. In essence, it voices out the urgent appeal of the Pope to men and women of goodwill, including politicians as well, to get involved in the development of an integral ecology.

    “A technological and economic development which does not leave in its wake a better world and an integrally higher quality of life cannot be considered progress. Frequently, in fact, people’s quality of life actually diminishes – by the deterioration of the environment, the low quality of food or the depletion of resources – in the midst of economic growth.”

    Pope Francis, Encyclical Letter, Laudato Si’, 194

    To the aspiring politicians, the Holy Father exhorts you to set aside short-term legislations geared toward quick short-term gains. Rather, the Pope says further that “What is needed is a politics which is far-sighted and capable of a new, integral and inter-disciplinary approach to handling the different aspects of the crisis. Often, politics itself is responsible for the disrepute in which it is held, on account of corruption and the failure to enact sound public policies.” (LS, 197)

    The Principle of the Common Good

    The main driver for the development of an integral ecology hinges on the principle of the common good. By definition, the common good is “the sum of those conditions of social life which allow social groups and their individual members relatively thorough and ready access to their own fulfillment”.[GS,26) Its primary object is directed towards the overall welfare of society and the development of a variety of intermediate groups, applying the principle of subsidiarity.

    Furthermore, the common good calls for social peace. This refers to the stability and security provided by a certain order that promotes distributive justice. Whenever this is violated, violence always ensues. Society as a whole, and the state, in particular, are obliged to defend and promote the common good. (LS, no.157)

    Finally, an extension of the common good is the notion that future generations are entitled to share in God’s gift to humankind. Hence, in pursuing a vision of integral ecology, the Holy Father emphatically states that “we can no longer view reality in a purely utilitarian way, in which efficiency and productivity are entirely geared to our individual benefit. Intergenerational solidarity is not optional, but rather a basic question of justice, since the world we have received also belongs to those who will follow us.”(LS, no.159)

    Moving Ahead

    In closing, it is my fervent hope that the contenders will launch their election campaign based on their respective visions of a better tomorrow underpinned by the principles of the common good, solidarity, and respect for the human dignity of the Filipino people.

    TalinMan

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