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| But How? By Antonio C. Abaya Written May 10, 2005 For the Manila Standard Today, May 12 issue My esteemed colleague and friend Amando Doronila, in a think piece in the May 9 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer titled GMA ouster calls echo nostalgia for strongman, analyzed recent political developments. First there was the April 30 assembly at the Club Filipino of retired military and civilian malcontents, organized by former defense secretary Fortunato U Abat, in which he repeated what he had advocated more than a year earlier, namely that the Arroyo Government should be replaced with a transitional civilian-military revolutionary government �to develop discipline, institute authoritative governance, and install the foundations of a strong nation.� The Abat Plan, encapsulated in a booklet titled �Program for National Salvation� enumerated 64 programs of governance, including a shift to the parliamentary system and federal form of government, and the abolition of the present Constitution, Congress, Comelec and pork barrel. A few days later, three Roman Catholic bishops, acting on their own and without the imprimatur of their collegial body, the CBCP, also called �for an immediate change of the system,� without itemizing what it was they wanted to change immediately. Five other bishops, their identities withheld, subsequently joined the first three in their call �for immediate change.� Doronila added to this clamor a speech by retired Gen. Jose Almonte, a leading figure in the military�s mutiny against President Marcos in 1985-86, delivered before the Foundation for Economic Freedom on Jan. 18 (which I had commented on in my articles �Democratic Solutions� and �Democratic Solutions 2� of Feb 08 and 15, respectively.) Actually, unlike Abat, Almonte did not issue a call for a revolutionary government, as Doronila suggests. In fact, Almonte had words of caution �for some of (the OFW�s) elders�who really should know better, (who) are beginning either to call for armed revolution, or to voice their longing for an �honest dictatorship.�� But towards the end of his speech advocating �democratic solutions,� Almonte did rhapsodize that �for as long as we can exercise (People Power) we Filipinos cannot fail � as a free state and a self-conscious nation.� We can thus conclude that Almonte considers People Power a �democratic solution� to the problem of removing a government deemed unpopular by the middle class. He does not explicitly call for a �revolutionary government� but that is implied in his endorsement of another People Power �to correct another of our mistakes.� After People Power removed President Marcos in February 1986, a revolutionary government under Cory Aquino took over, abolishing the extant Constitution and the sitting Congress, until a new Constitution was ratified in September 1987 and a new Congress elected under that new Constitution. That nothing revolutionary transpired during or after that period does not erase the fact it was, by definition, a revolutionary government. After People Power removed President Estrada in January 2001, there was no revolutionary transition. The sitting vice-president, Gloria Arroyo, merely took over as president when the Supreme Court ruled that Estrada was deemed to have resigned when he abandoned the seat of power, Malacanang, in the face of 50,000 EDSA demonstrators marching in his direction. Nostalgia for a Strongman? Since, as far as I know, Doronila has never disputed the correctness or the inherently democratic nature of People Power, it can be concluded that he, like Almonte, considers People Power a democratic solution, which it is, to the problem of an unpopular president overstaying his or her welcome. Doronila writes that �Almonte, the old soldiers� cabal represented by Abat and the bishops are besotted with and seduced by the strongman syndrome as the immediate solution to the political and fiscal stalemates that grip the nation.� I think it is much more than �political and fiscal stalemates that grip the nation.� There is a growing sentiment that our political, electoral and judicial systems are morally bankrupt and are now beyond repair. What seems to color Doronila�s perception is that People Power might be used � by Abat, by the bishops, by Almonte, or by other groups � against the sitting president Gloria Arroyo, who seems to have promised to appoint him Philippine ambassador to France. While I have the utmost respect for Doronila�s opinions and writing style, I am afraid that in this particular case, his analysis is biased in favor of his personal interests. And there is no �nostalgia for a strongman.� We have had only one �strongman� in our history, Ferdinand Marcos. As far as I can tell, neither Abat nor the bishops nor Almonte is enamored of Marcos and none of them want any president even remotely resembling that fake war hero and his fake war medals. There is no nostalgia here for Marcos. On the contrary, there would probably be a big constituency here for a new Constitution and a new justice system that would expedite, among hundreds of thousands of others, the more than 100 court cases that have been pending against the Marcos family and their cronies for almost twenty years. Only a revolutionary government, with no allegiance to the trapos or the political dynasties or the Marcoses, can bring that about. Doronila is partially correct that �no one, either from the political opposition or the military, could fit the bill of an �honest� dictatorship.� But who said that we should limit our choice of leaders to the political opposition or the military? Who can say if � and I realize that this is a big if � a revolutionary government will not bring to prominence individuals who are both scrupulously honest and creatively visionary, but who could never win in our scandalously polluted electoral system? Haydee Yorac readily comes to mind, but there are no doubt others. Adds Doronila: �Those seduced by the strongman formula are thinking of a Lee Kwan Yew of Singapore or of Charles de Gaulle of France. We don�t have the culture and the events that produced the emergence of these extraordinary �men of the hour.�� I disagree. In 1959, who would have thought that the Sinitic culture that nurtured corruption under the Kuomintang in Mainland China and then Taiwan would also produce a Lee Kwan Yew in the then equally corrupt backwater port of Singapore? As for �events,� we can really talk only about the past as we cannot predict the future. In 1982, who would have thought that the assassination of Ninoy Aquino would infuriate and outrage the middle class to the extent that it did in 1983 and beyond? Concludes Doronila: �The only alternative left to us is to make (our) system, no matter how flawed, work.� But how? Since 1946, thousands of trapos and dynasts and their retainers, have tried or at least have occupied positions of power that gave them the chance to do so. But nothing of substance seems to have worked or to have even been attempted at all. Perhaps, before he leaves for the Paris embassy, Doro can tell us how. ***** Reactions to [email protected] or fax 824-7642. Other articles in www.tapatt.org OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO |
| Reactions to �But How?� Dear Mr. Abaya: As we have observed in the past, every reformist in our country were backed-up by financiers, who also want to rule the government - but could not do it through electoral process. The RAM leaders, for example, were backed-up by Cojuangco, and other big-time millionaires. There is probably no difference with Doronilla. Unless leadership comes from a very intelligent peasant, with strong support from the masses, any other reformist-to-be are not believable at all. This reformist-to-be will be the same old dog, simply having a new collar, with the same master who wants to savor stolen wealth in our government. Jess Guim, [email protected] New York City, May 13, 2005 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Mr. Abaya Tama po kayo. Our political, electoral and judicial systems are morally bankrupt and beyond repair. To answer your question, "But How?" we don't need bloodless revolutions but bloody revolution. All the best. Oscar R. Landicho, [email protected] Sydney, Australia, May 13, 2005 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Tony, I hope you won't get offended for the assumed familiarity of my addressing you this way. It is because your concepts strike mine too, that I always read your email to me as if you and me are conversing. It is on this light that I sincerely thank you for sharing with me your opinions, although these are all published in Manila Standard Today. Unfortunately, I seldom get a copy of MST here in Davao. Thanks again and may you continue with more vigor the path you have taken, for indeed it has helped coagulate some thoughts in the minds of the silent majority. Dodi Canete, [email protected] Davao City, May 13, 2005 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww When people talk of "trapos and politicians" that are the cause of our dire straits, the judiciary is often left out. It is however this last refuge of some fairness and justice in our democratic system that feeds and completes the bankruptness of our system of governance. It is said that when you have a court case, the first thing to do is to look for a lawyer who knows the judge and start a media campaign, then the lawyer writes the decision and starts the "negotiation" with the judge as the other party's lawyer does the same thing. The judge merely adopts the decision that pays the most, or favors the litigant that he owes favors to, or he has some relation to, or who can give him favors like have him promoted to a higher court, etc. The "decision" is a commodity to be traded! And this system goes all the way to the Supreme Court. And then they hide in the wrongly applied term "sub-judice" that keeps the "negotiations" under wraps from the vastly uneducated masses. Judges, they say rarely write decisions anymore.. Its the lawyers who do. Fallows is correct when he said sometime ago that the Philippines has a damaged culture.. it�s pervasive and we are all part of that damaged culture having been bred in it. What�s the solution? Acts of God in each and everyone of us, but alas sometimes God is too busy or has forgotten...has abandoned the Pinoy...where righteous thinking and actions based on a true human conscience is disappearing or is non existent.? Nonoy Yulo, [email protected] May 13, 2005 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Mr. Abaya, Thanks for this well written think piece. Could I please ask for a copy of your two other articles, �Democratic Solutions� and �Democratic Solutions 2�? Thank you very much, Dr. Lorraine Carlos Salazar, [email protected] Visiting Research Fellow Institute of Southeast Asian Studies Singapore, May 13, 2005 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Tony � I guess the administration is now trying to figure out what embassy to dangle before you! Keep it up � Mahar Mangahas, [email protected] Social Weather Stations, May 13, 2005 MY REPLY. The only embassy post I will accept is one to Boracay. wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww My reaction and belief (for now) to this article is such that no matter who sits in power after the present government (either sooner or later) will have a tougher time controlling the failures of this government. This is like a disease that has no antidote for cure so far. The call for Military and Civilian rule (strongman rule) puts a lot of rumors as to who they want to put as head of the military. Speculations are (even if denied time and time again) that FVR has something to do with this clamor for such scenario. Why? Just look who are behind this call? Retired Military men who are known to be pawns of the ex-president. You can't blame the rumors can you, but will the citizenry allow it to happen is another story. Who can cure this terrible disease, you may ask? The answer is: "Only the "Filipino people" who want the desire of real change" to happen. This is easier said than done in this country because everyone who fought the "dictator" forgets easily what they have achieved. In fact, the "so-called people" who fought the dictator are the ones who have created and allowed this disease to spread uncontrollably all these years for the sake of " their own interest and must be truly held accountable for all their "sins" immediately. (its like the "ITS MY TURN MENTALITY after the dictator"). But who would have the guts to tell them that? Not this government, definitely! There is too much at stake for them..... So what do we need / do? We need a leader urgently who is not scared and has the will to change the culture of these corrupted and terminally ill country. Unless it is done sooner than later, may GOD have mercy on us. It is not too late yet but the light at the end of the tunnel is fading fast. Issues at hand now are: GMA is not doing her part as President - this is a perception of those who want her changed. In fairness, she does have some good ideas but the chosen people who are to implement these ideas is/are destroying all these. Her allies in "Congress" it seems are abandoning her indirectly (unless she does not get the signal). They pass the VAT bill of 10% and given her the power to bring it to 12% (which she wants). This is very dangerous and obvious that if the people cry for a change of government due to 12% VAT bill, the "trapos" are safe and will live another day since they passed a 10% Vat bill only. The blame will be solely borne by the President. Be very careful Mrs. President. I suggest to read between the VAT bill.... VAT is "NOT", I repeat, definitely "NOT" the answer to the woes of government. It is a temporary solution to GMA's Government to ease the huge debt problem of our country which she has created. (It is a fact that under her rule, the country has borrowed the most money in such a short time in power, surpassing several presidents at that.) And they call her an economist? hahaha! It seems that GMA's debt to "people" who put her in power is a greater concern to her than what is happening to the country....Sad isn't it! Why is Government Collections "Low "........ because of CORRUPTION plain and simple and that is a FACT! We are # 3 in the world, aren't we? Our government must be so Proud because of this achievement. What a shame! Unless they start getting really serious (and not for photo shoots only) and putting high profiled "criminals of the state" to jail, she will definitely not succeed. Petroleum prices go sky high! - EVERYONE KNOWS this is a GLOBAL phenomenon and this government can't do anything about prices of crude oil since it is being dictated by OPEC nations (which we are not a member) but what they can do "temporarily" is "regulate" petroleum prices until such time that world oil prices normalize to ease the burden and get some points with the citizenry (which is getting heated up due to the insensitivity of this present government to the plight of the people). But unfortunately, this present government has not done anything to explain and ease the burden of her constituents who(?) put her where she is now. No wonder her popularity is so low (which she says she doesn't care) and that she is being known as the worst president this country has ever had! Pity....Pity. If only this present government does what is mandated by our law to "protect the people" and not "several people" only, they could make a difference and perhaps succeed. But again, that is like wishing that the sun will turn blue Jose Genato, [email protected] May 13, 2005 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Hi Tony! What the country needs now is a benevolent dictator, the likes of Lee Kuan Yew. Our political leaders are all talk no action. Dada ng dada wala namang ginagawa for the good of our beloved Philippines. Miriam Defensor, how distasteful her mouth is, was right on the mark when she questioned the credibility of that untrustworthy de Venecia and company. I am really angry to learn that we have so many malnourished children that even the UN Children Fund has reported that some areas in the Philippines are worst than that of North Korea which, if one is up to date with the developments in that rogue state, is terrible beyond comprehension. Let us all pray for a change of leadership. Narciso Ner, [email protected] May 14, 2005 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Thanks for all your email. Enjoyed reading them and sometimes get frustrated with all the grafts and corruptions. Keep on spreading the news .... sooner or later they will wake up for their wrong doings. Tessie Dominguez-Barcelona, [email protected] May 14, 2005 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Mr. Abaya, A quote from your column: "Concludes Doronila: "The only alternative left to us is to make (our) system, no matter how flawed, work." The venerable newspaperman's final argument comes to mind what was like in Rome during the long Civil War when the respected Roman politician Cicero advocated, fought, gambled and died (butchered by Marc Anthony's thugs) trying to work out solutions and safeguards geared to ensure political stability. He strongly believed that an enlightened legislation from the Senate can bring better laws of governance. Its absence, paved a head-on collision course between Pompey the Great and Julius Caesar that decided who was the master (strong man) of Rome. Caesar prevailed. There are no bad men, just bad laws. If I were to write the history of Philippine political development and political decay, I will rule out the notion that "strong man" government guarantees the creation of a "strong nation". Neither could there be an "honest dictatorship" of one-man or a military junta banking on the strength of army support without "people power". Why military adventurism, notably those experimented by Colonel Gregorio Honasan, failed or why other attempts won't succeed? is the impact of the nurtured tradition that has become more of an indoctrination to the men and women in uniform who are looked upon as guardian of the state and who are under oath to defend and support the Philippine Constitution. Having developed the camaraderie of shared feelings, not everyone shares Gringo's golpe' plans to destabilize the government. It won't be that easy to convene "the night of the generals" or "the long knives of disgruntled colonels" for cabal schemes. With the exception of General Garcia, Ligot and other military men involved in graft and corruption cases, there are still many honest and patriotic men of conviction in the Philippine Armed Forces who will not sell their souls for paltry million pesos. Horace' Latin dictum, "dulce et decorum est pro patria mori," is very much alive! If there is a power grab by one man or handful military conspirators, there is no assurance of political stability in the country for it sets a precedent of a "revolving door" to other ambitious generals. Each cabal group can claim justification as "the last resort to end all coup or revolutions by modernizing military men. Jose Sison Luzadas, [email protected] Delray Beach, Florida, May 14, 2005 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww (Copy furnished) Dear Mr. Luzadas, Thank you for sharing your reaction to Mr. Abaya's column. I am in agreement with your thoughts, particularly that we have more than "a few good men" in the armed services. However, efforts to cleanse its ranks must be pursued with more resolve. Re Gringo Honasan, my impression is that his 'golpes' were not motivated by love of country but more out of love for JPE. I think he is now aware that JPE is not and will most probably NEVER become president of the Republic of the Phil because of his (Honasan's) impatience and crimes which he downplays as "mischiefs". With that in mind and "time running out", he might still go for broke to the serious detriment of the nation - again! A golden opportunity was wasted in forging ahead after EDSA I due to repeated but failed attempts to grab power and the government's seeming inability to respond with the full force of the law to those behind it. But that is water under the bridge and lessons should have been learned from the experience. What we need now is to build a more enlightened citizenry capable of choosing the right leaders and help sustain a democratic government. In that we need a more credible media. One that meets a higher standard than what we are suffering from today. We should not allow the continued "idiotization" of our teeming 'masa' who holds the power to impose a leadership that we will later on decry. E.J.T. Tirona, [email protected] May 14, 2005 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Doronila usually talks sense but his article that Abaya discusses is confusing, if not downright inconsistent. People power has been made synonymous with the 1986 EDSA and the other so-called EDSA. While the first EDSA could be viewed as the beginnings of genuine democracy, it was truncated at best, and murdered shamelessly when the old trapos came crawling out of the woodwork. The second so-called EDSA is shameful, as it claimed to be the voice of the people clamoring for the ouster of a duly elected president to put in power this woman Arroyo who is evidently showing herself the worst of a long line of bad presidents. People power is the exercise of democratic rights but how can there be democracy in a country ruled by a few elite who has no notion of governance, let alone genuine democracy? And to call for a strongman to work towards democracy is a contradiction in itself. Once again, those who want to take over government is calling on the people to exercise "people power" to install another incompetent government. If the generals and the bishop do not specify what in the system should be changed, isn't it fair to conclude that they mean the whole system should be scrapped. If so, then I am in total agreement with them. The only and biggest problem is---what system do they intend to put in its place, that is, if they have already taken the time to gather some bright heads to formulate a system. Rosalinda N. Olsen, [email protected] Norway, May 14, 2005 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww I strongly disagree to the messianic solutions of some quarters that if we have to change the present system of governance, we ought to remove the current administration. Haven't we learned our lessons in the past yet? Though I am not partial to Reps. Ocampo & Rosales who, instead of fighting the government in the boondocks, joined mainstream politics, thus slowly but surely helped in instituting vital changes for the country's good within the current democratic system. The task ahead is herculean no doubt; the questions, "can we do it and how", immediately beg for the right answers alright. What is lacking perhaps is the creativity of Mrs. Arroyo and her predecessors to find the right solutions to jumpstart our so-so economy. I have two on my wish-list. First, the government should take the cue from Hong Kong & other Asian countries, which lowered their taxes on real estate. The administration ought to fix the VAT on real estate at 6 to 7% within the next seven to ten years. Our OFW's perennially remit billions of pesos to our country. We have to encouraged them to invest in housing and land banking. And as the economy gradually improves, the government, through Congress may impose another 1 to 2 %. Believe me, this would effect an unprecedented pump priming of our economy which we urgently needs. Second on my wish list is for the three branches of our government to stick to the provisions of our Constitution. By all means, let us remove presidents and government functionalities who have grossly violated the thrust of their office which they have sworn to uphold and protect. Indeed, the highest law of the land takes precedence over the whims and caprices of public servants. Let us move forward as a mature nation and people by respecting and ennobling the spirit of our Constitution. IAsst. Solicitor General Karl Miranda, in a recent talk before Rotarians bewailed the rising number of cases vis-a-vis the number of lawyers who whine on the turle-phased resolution of cases pending at their office. What can we do about this? People Power? I trust Doro, in his usual brilliance can shed the right solutions to our nation's ails without staining his stature as a thinker. Why dont we try imploring to the Divine Providence for guidance & accord Him our sincerest thanks and praise for being behind us Filipinos, in times of great crises and tribulations as a nation? The rest of the world still looked upon us in awe and admiration for a bloodless revolution in 1986. Whatever we do as a country, let us do it on a long-term basis, for our children and the generations ahead to savor the prosperity that we justly and deserve. Niel Enrile Narca, [email protected] May 21,2005 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww FEDERAL PHILIPPINES, ANYONE? The campaign for Federalism is on. Senator Pimentel, with his concern for Muslim Mindanao, has started it in the Senate. Speaker de Venecia, with his love for country, has long bored the Lower House with it. Some columnists have already annoyed the public at large. Only Mr. Neal Cruz is adamantly opposed to it � with solid arguments. The proponents have the most valid view that the change to parliamentary system would answer generally the Muslim and Cordillera questions, although these regions are already autonomous under the 1987 Constitution. But the main justification for the paradigm shift is: the Nation is broke, change the form of government. Innovative approaches soothe the soul. Let us dispassionately view the whole issue. Let us proceed from basic lessons of history. The constitution of man determines the constitution of state. While intelligent, man is prone to committing mistakes, follies, crimes. He largely dwells on miseries. Nature smiles on fertility of the species. Fears have created the gods; poverty sustains God. In the course of history, the state, based on these premises, revolves from monarchy, aristocracy, democracy, dictatorship. States have never been ruled by majority. Even democracy, which present-day states proclaim to advocate, is ruled by a minority of the wealthy and the crafty. No philosopher worth his salt has ever advocated democracy. Even the late Pope John Paul II lacked trust on it. As democracy is the best invention of politics, the Catholic Church is the best invention of religion. Nature follows the inexorable law of survival of the fittest. Population, if not curbed by man, is tamed by Acts of God, diseases and wars. Durant, re-echoing Spengler, observes that states have followed the empirical pattern of birth, growth, maturity, senescence, and death. This is the rule from Sumeria, Greece, Rome, Spain, England, America. The Sun set on the British Empire in the 19th century; America�s descent to barbarism started from Nagasaki and Hiroshima to Afghanistan and Iraq. It took more than 400 years from the decline of Rome to its fall; America may take as long. The proponents for Federalism want one main change: substitute congressional system with parliamentary one. We may have a head of state and government, or a head of state and a head of government. Existing examples are: UK has a monarchy-parliament, with a Queen as head of state, and a prime minister as head of government. Germany has a president as head of state, and a chancellor as head of government; USA has a president who is head both of the state and of the government. The opposition does not want federalism mainly because of that change � from a congress to a parliament. And taking into account the nature, character, experiences, proclivities, behavior of the Filipino, the opposition appears to have the better view. The scheming and self-aggrandizing members of a Philippine parliament could have everything � with much ease � WITHOUT check and balance, and WITHOUT separation of powers among the three branches of the government. Change to parliamentary from Congressional system will not solve corruption and poverty. They have been with us since Greece and Rome. Even Papal Avignon rivaled or exceeded the corruption of the Vatican . In Philippine setting, change would merely aggravate corruption and poverty . If parliaments could vanquish poverty, then most African and Latin American nations would be prosperous by now. Like the Philippines, however, they are not. Federalism could not even guarantee cheaper oil. Change to parliamentary system of legislature would not make the Philippines well-off, like Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong. And these countries, of course, have their shares of corruption and poverty, too. But the Philippines is now No. 2 in the list, improving from its previous position of being No. 4 for years. With our dream to be on the world map most of the time, we may ease Djakarta out soon. The change to parliamentary system will seal it. The Filipino blood, perhaps more than most in the last-surveyed ten most corrupt Asian countries, remembers the millenniums of fears and hardships experienced during the hunting and fishing stage of his evolution; how his progenitors filled the stomach to its gastric capacity, uncertain of tomorrow. Admittedly, our President-Congress system has not worked well. Let us not blame the system right away. History tells us that, for instance, ceasing to be a state twice during the last century, the worst enemies of Poland are her geography, religion and race. Let us look at ourselves, our geography, our religion; part of Poland is there. A glance at most countries in the 3rd World mirrors most of ourselves. Let us scrutinize America�s geography, religion, race, history. Its successes, its faults. We have missed everything � except its Constitution. Marcos tried the parliamentary system, started it well, but then abysmally failed � to the embarrassment of Virata and the nation. Our experience is mainly presidential; our laws are much more complex than those of USA. But our emphasis is valid � a strong Executive, with its counter-weight in the Congress and the Judiciary � the classic separation of powers; the ideal check-and-balance principle. Nature is ignorant of the American Declaration of Independence and the French Declaration of Rights of Man. Let us remember some basic words � such as honor, justice, dignity. But let our politicians, military and judges, not merely the citizenry, re-read them. We will not blame ourselves that the Americans are mostly white, and Filipinos are not. The race theory mainly popularized by Gobineau, Chamberlain, Hitler has been discredited by the Sumerians, the Incas, the Chinese, the Egyptians then; and the Chinese, Japanese, Indians now. The 21st century appears Asian. The Philippines could still make things right. We have already the right model, the right experience. Maybe we need only some minor adjustments in attitude, character, idiosyncrasy, proclivity. But definitely we do NOT need a parliamentary form of legislature. The United States, composed of federal states, has a congressional form of legislature � with separation of powers of the three branches of government. And the unique and most important doctrine of check and balance. Let us maintain and perpetuate this priceless heritage! It is not gridlock; things have to go through the mill � we have democracy, remember; do not mix it with dictatorial short-cuts. By all means, let us save ourselves marathon divisiveness, all-pervading animosities, entangling provincialisms � the gargantuan expenses � in trying to change the system from a congressional to a parliamentary legislature. The way is simple. Let us merely adopt and copy, as we have indeed basically adopted and copied � the American constitution � with all its principles, precedents, laws and experiences. Let us thereby preserve Condorcet, Montesquieu, Jefferson, Recto. At any rate, come heaven or hell, we could maintain Madrid or Rome. But like Paris or Vienna, let us be less popish than Benedict. Let us, if we may, indeed test American religious ethics. We need not of course right away emulate the US system of jury trial; most Filipinos may now be prepared for divorce; but they may not be mature enough at this time to have the jury. This is also the time to institutionalize unicameralism. We hope to avoid intermittent changes of governments like in parliamentary Italy, Japan, Britain. Our coffers cannot afford the expense. In sum, maintain the American shining model. We could, as sovereign, amend our Charter, and make our geographical regions into federal districts, like Austria; but let us retain our present laws, precedents, doctrines and experiences. Embrace the American example. It is that relaxing. And everybody will be satisfied � almost. NELSON D. LAVINA, [email protected] (Ret.) May 24, 2005 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Tony, You're right. We're in a bind. We can't elect good leaders because of a failed political culture. We can't fix our political culture because we can't elect good leaders. But you've just supplied the answer to this Catch 22 situation. Let's have and EDSA 3 and install Haydee Yorac as head of a revolutionary transition government. We can't fall back on the constitution this time can we? This is unless we want Noli de Castro to be president. But Haydee and her transition government need not assume responsibility for initiating the entire range of fundamental reforms in our country. These reforms must take time. It's too dangerous to have a revolutionary government stay that long. The unknowns in our unique situation are too many for comfort. They may not have the means to deal with them and consequence of failure will be greater than the problem. After an EDSA 3, Haydee can just do a Cory Aquino but with some important improvements. Cory has been able to manage the transition from the Marcos dictatorship quite well. But she has failed to maintain popular support needed even for short-term political stability. She has also neglected to install the mechanisms for long-term change. Fierce resistance to reforms from vested interests, corrupt politicians and the mercenary elements of the military is certain. Haydee must maintain the moral ascendancy of popular support to prevail over these rogues of Philippine society. She can do this in two stages. First, she must maintain the support of the mass formations of an EDSA 3. This is to neutralize the immediate threats to her transition government. Second, she must secure the support of a broad sector of society. This is to be able to move forward on a more stable footing. Haydee can keep the mass formations of an EDSA 3 behind her by getting them more deeply involved in her transition government. Cory has appointed to key positions in government prominent figures from the opposition to Marcos. Hardly anyone has come from the ranks of the mass formations. She has also largely ignored their aspirations, choosing instead to favor the self-serving concerns of vested interests and the trapos that have quickly surrounded her. Her isolation from her original support base has made her vulnerable to the to series of coup d'etat that followed. After securing her first level of support from the mass formations of an EDSA 3, Haydee may proceed with a transition program that would also secure the support of a broader sector of society and lay the basis for long-term change. She can begin, as Cory has done, by setting a short two-year timetable for a return to political normalcy to preempt economic and political instability due to uncertainty. Then she can convene a constitutional commission but this time with regional representation. Meanwhile, she can rule through an improvised legal framework similar to Cory's freedom constitution. Haydee may also abolish Congress as Cory has done with the Marcos Batasan Pambansa. But local executives may be kept in place. This is to avoid the chaos that Nene Pimentel has wrought with his OICs. Besides, there is no need for removing local executives under the present situation. It has been necessary then to remove the KBL local executives. Nene has simply botched the job. He has dismissed the original arrangement to decentralize the selection process and ended up appointing undeserving OICs. While the constitutional commission is at work, Haydee must shock and awe a highly expectant public with a generous display of good governance. Other than framing a new constitution, nothing much has been accomplished by the Cory government during the transition period. It has been characterized more by the jockeying for power and privilege among the competing vested interests and trapos around her. Haydee must address issues most sensitive to public concern to have greater impact. In which case she can train her sights on tempering vested interests, mitigating graft and corruption and improving government efficiency. Resolute action on these pestering issues is certain to gain the confidence of a broader sector of society. Haydee can begin by withdrawing GMA's tax amnesty program and ordering the immediate collection of delinquent taxes. Ninety percent of these unpaid taxes amounting to about P300 billion are due from the ten biggest taxpayers in the land. The amount is just about equal the budget deficit in the year 2003. Haydee may proceed to further level the playing field for doing business by removing the protection accorded to select major industries such as shipping, power, banking and sugar. She can also remove the protection provided to select products imposed as a favor to cronies. More than showing the seriousness of her transition government, these measures are also going to invigorate the economy, increase employment and investments and reduce commodity prices, such as drugs, encouraged by protection. Haydee may then borrow from the success of Hongkong in addressing graft and corruption. She can provide the Ombudsman with the investigative capability and resources needed to aggressively pursue corrupt politicians, bureaucrats and generals. Then she can order the disposal of wasteful government corporations, the streamlining of the bureaucracy and the implementation of a competitive and performance-based compensation system for the public sector. Haydee may widen public support further by initiating an economic pump-priming program focused on school building, urban mass-housing development and rural road-building. Such programs have a deep economic multiplier effect and would further increase employment and investments. Other programs of government can be maintained at a minimum functional level to consolidate resources for pump-priming. Parallel with the with the above measures, Haydee must also be preparing the vehicle to complete the transformation of the economic, social and political structures of society. To be able to this in a normal democratic environment, she needs to organize a political party that would assume responsibility and accountability for transformation over the long-term. With this purpose in mind, the party must be a departure from the existing traditional parties in the political landscape. Traditional political parties are mere loose alliances of self-serving politicians and their network of powerbrokers. Their object is nothing more that the capture of political power and the acquisition of the privileges that goes with it. This explains the nature of governance in our country now. In contrast, Haydee's political party must have a clear program of government, an established institutional process, a strict code of conduct and discipline for members, a mass base and a transparent and broad-based funding source. The mass formations of an EDSA 3 with their regional networks can be tasked with undertaking a rigid and extensive party building process. This way trapos may not find their way into the party. The mass base component of the party is particularly important to neutralize the influence of power brokers on the ground. These powerbrokers and their trapo patrons are mainly responsible for the corruption of the electoral process. Preceded by the modernization of the electoral system, a plebiscite may then be held to ratify the new constitution. Elections should follow shortly thereafter to return the country to political normalcy. With proper mass base mobilization, Haydee's political party should prevail in the election and long-term reforms can be assured even under the uncertainties of a perfectly democratic political environment. By the way, with regional representation in the constitutional commission, the new constitution is certain to provide for a unicameral parliamentary system and a federal form of government. A unicameral parliamentary system should eliminate elitism and make policy-making more sensitive to the concerns of a wider national constituency. It should also stem the tide of showbusiness taking over policy-making as a side benefit. A federal form of government provides the assurance that local initiative may thrive even with a mediocre national government and that narrow vested interests may no longer rule over the land. In answer to your question, this is how it can otherwise be. Gico Dayanghirang, [email protected] Davao City, May 25, 2005 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww IN SEARCH OF A SAVIOR The national leadership while it was gifted by the electorate with a mandate, like Cassandra of Greek mythology, is unfortunately cursed. The economy and even governance could not even take off. Trails of corruption and political patronage are in every corner of its administration. I may have been too kind to say that but in reality those are hallmarks proclaiming the kind of government we have. There is compromise on all levels of the bureaucracy. Incompetence is a singular trademark of every appointee. Brilliancy in management is an impossibility. The country is in a precipice, hopeless as it were. As a nation, we are paralyzed. The poor become poorer. The most criminal become more daring. The rich is a class apart. We are becoming a country in the service of foreign interest. Our economy is in tatters. Corruption is almost a way of life. Ancient Chinese defined corruption as a manifestation of bad people and bad laws. We have both. While the Filipinos migrate to get a better chance to survive, the Chinese, Japanese, Koreans and the audacious Bombay are every where cornering chunks of our hard earned capital. Our laws are too restrictive for us, but very facilitative of foreigners. When are we going to learn that the Philippines must be haven for Filipinos? We must look at the horizon where we are. Try we must to fashion out where we are going. We should review the landscape and try to figure out the kind of leadership we should have. We are definitely not actually cursed to force ourselves on the elected leader because we have a pool. But are they up to the challenge? Former President Joseph Estrada has merely proven himself that his courage is only in the movies and none of it in real life. Not the leader the country needs at a time when the kind of leadership is one who should be consummate in his understanding of national issues and challenges. Edong Angara has the mental faculties but lacks the charisma and the necessary depth in playing his cards in the right direction. His star failed to shine at the proper moment. His leadership is not enough to inspire change and progress. Fidel Ramos has had his day and there is nothing left to prove. Joma Sison may possess the intellectual depth and savvy as a revolutionary leader but his sojourn abroad almost overlap the same intensity as an overseas worker. He would be a good adviser though but never a leader in the mould of one who can save the country. Ping Lacson may have the guts and stomach to lead but those are his only qualities. Not enough to save even a barangay from the mire of conflict. Gringo Honasan may have exhibited the excitement needed but he faded quickly like the colors he bannered. Sayang. I have assiduously followed the performance of these people, these �leaders� but I could not help but compare them with those who really fit the bill. Ninoy Aquino�s star and greatness were tested by incarceration. He is one leader we desperately needs. None of the above may have undergone and survived to be better equipped. Pepe Diokno was another excellent choice. Probably Jesus Lava or Luis Taruc. No one can contest their nationalism and passion, qualities that defines effective leadership. But unfortunately all of them are already in the great beyond. Nene Pimentel may have the qualities but too much politics strained him into bias and crass accommodation. There is only one name deserving a revisitation. NILO TAYAG. I knew him although I was never a part of his Kabataang Makabayan. I knew his dreams, sacrifices and thoughts. I knew him well as a person. No I am not a relative nor a follower. I was his jailor. Tayag was imprisoned for more than 10 years. 11 years to be exact. He was charged and sentenced for subversion. His presence in prison changed the landscape of the correctional environment forever. He introduced human rights more effectively than all government and non government organizations combined. His influence in the prison community can still be felt along those educational programs which to date remains active and fulfilling. The kind of friendship he forged melted the violent relationship of prisoners and staff. He loved the masses and passionately offered himself for their salvation. Like a religious leader, he treated his incarceration as payment for the hardship and sins that his countrymen may have committed. I have met and interacted with a lot of political prisoners, hundreds of them actually, but none could compare with the brilliance of this person. If some leaders earned their greatness through imprisonment, this guy shared his greatness to the community. Inside prison, the denizens felt some kind of dignity and pride and none of the animosity and hopelessness that pervaded before. Tayag gave himself to the incarcerated community and it became alive. At a time when the country is about to fold, when it is beginning to be transformed into helplessness like a prison community of yore, I am just wondering where that person, Nilo Tayag, could be found. I heard him claimed it before and I want to hear it again from him say �I am the Leader and I am here to save you.� He said it before and the incarcerated humanity flourished. I wish he could say it to all and sundry, now that he is free, and expect the country to bloom and prosper. Where is Nilo Tayag!? Professor Ven Jo Tesoro, [email protected] Penologist and Faculty Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa May 26, 2005 OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO |