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| Opting for Mediocrity By Antonio C. Abaya Written July 10, 2005 For the Manila Standard Today, July 12 issue The battle lines, at least, are being drawn. On one side is the besieged President Arroyo, already abandoned by seven of her Cabinet secretaries and three agency heads; abandoned by the erstwhile allies of her Kampi party, the Liberal Party (including Senate President Franklin Drilon and several high-profile senators and congressmen); abandoned by former President Cory Aquino; abandoned by at least one high-level ambassador (to China), the habitual balimbing Tito Guingona; abandoned by most of her civil society supporters; abandoned by several Roman Catholic bishops but not by the CBCP as a whole; abandoned by the leading association of Protestant pastors; abandoned by the Makati Business Club and the FINEX,�. all of whom have asked or demanded that she resign and give way to the constitutional successor, VP Noli de Castro. How long can she hope to hold on? (President Arroyo continues to command the loyalty and support of two thirds of her Cabinet, the Lakas ruling party, former President Fidel Ramos, the Nacionalista Party headed by Sen. Manuel Villar, most of the city mayors of Metro Manila, most of the governors and mayors all over the country�but practically of no one else of any consequence. (The military has correctly taken a position of strict neutrality, as enunciated by AFP Chief-of-Staff Gen. Efren Abu, while the CBCP as a whole has perfected the art of fence-sitting to the point of calloused ecclesiastical butts, even in the midst of a moral crisis.) On the other side, ranged against President Arroyo are several groups who demand not only her resignation but also the setting up of a revolutionary transition government to take her place. Loudest among these opposition groups are: the trapos allied with disgraced former President Joseph Estrada, the communist movement, the 81-year old revolutionary Fortunato Abat, various non-trapo and non-communist opposition groups, and evangelist Eddie Villanueva and his charismatic religious group. Susan Roces, widow of FPJ, has also demanded Arroyo�s resignation but has not publicly committed herself to a transition government. The opposition trapos are led by Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay and San Juan Mayor JV Ejercito, son of Erap, who were surreptitiously trying to form a �revolutionary council� but have apparently given up when they could not get Ms. Roces and Villanueva to join them. However, they continue to stage rallies against the besieged President Arroyo as well as her constitutional successor, VP Noli de Castro, but could not attract the middle class to their (true) colors. Their strategic goal is to restore Erap to power or, at the very least , clear him of the plunder charges pending against him. Sleeping with the opposition trapos, in a most unlikely bed, are the front organizations of Joma Sison�s communist movement, which have been waging Maoist revolution, above ground and under, against burgis society (which includes their temporary bedfellows, the opposition trapos) since the 1960s. Their goal is to establish a Maoist dictatorship of the proletariat, with monopoly of power for Joma�s CPP. The bridge between the opposition trapos and the communists seems to be Horacio �Boy� Morales, agrarian reform secretary under Erap, and co-founder in 1972 with ex-SVD priest Edicio de la Torre of the National Democratic Front, the political arm of Joma�s Communist Party of the Philippines. The transformation of Morales, from dialectical materialist committed to the allegedly inevitable triumph of Communism, to organizer for a criminally inclined ignoramus, the diametrical (and dialectical) opposite of the New Socialist Man that he once personified, is, like the Catholic mystery of the Holy Trinity, beyond human comprehension. But I digress. Dwarfed by the Erap-Binay-Communist alliance in terms of resources and organization are the disparate non-trapo and non-communist protest groups, the most prominent of which is the one led by the ageing revolutionary Fortunato Abat, who has been openly pushing for a revolutionary transition government for more than a year now. Abat proposes a 15-man transition government, but since he has not bothered to name the members in public, nobody is jumping with joyful anticipation. The fourth group in this category would be the formation led by Evangelist Eddie Villanueva. During the campaign towards the May 2004 elections, Villanueva was the only presidential candidate who was openly calling for a �social and cultural revolution.� His espousal now of a revolutionary transition government is consistent with his earlier conviction that only a social or cultural reawakening � not necessarily bloody or violent � can pave the way for the emergence of the righteous leadership that this country needs. In an interview with Karmina Constantino on ANC Channel 27 last Saturday, July 9, I stressed my opinion that our electoral-political-judicial system is rotten beyond repair and is no longer capable of regenerating itself. Only a transition or caretaker government (the word �revolutionary� still terrifies some people), led by a visionary and charismatic leader, can make the necessary changes to overhaul our government and society. I have articulated this opinion in several articles going back to �Revolutionary Government: Why Not?� (Jan. 10, 2002), all archived in www.tapatt.org. Choosing the �resign� or the �impeach� option for resolving this the most serious political crisis to grip this country since 1983-86 does not address the fundamental and irremediable rottenness of the entire system, especially if the guiding principle is a strict adherence to the �legal and constitutional processes.� If �legal and constitutional processes� had been strictly adhered to in 1983-86, our president today would be either Imelda Marcos or Danding Cojuangco. It is opting for the status quo. It is opting for �more of the same.� It is opting for mediocrity. Under the �resign� option, President Arroyo is forced to resign and give way to the constitutional successor, VP Noli de Castro. Although he is, to all appearances, an admirably pleasant fellow, De Castro does not seem to have any substantive opinion or position on anything, unless it is written for him by someone else, like the scripts prepared for him by newsroom editors during his previous career as a TV newsreader. Hardly the reassuring political persona needed by a country in deep crisis. Under the �impeach� option, President Arroyo refuses to resign and dares the opposition trapos to impeach her, a process that will either be defeated outright in the first reel because of the numerical weakness of opposition legislators, or, in the unlikely event of mass defections to the opposition, will drag on for months, even years, without any guarantee of resolution at all. Former President Fidel Ramos has thrown the drowning President Arroyo a kiss, a life-saving kiss: convene Congress as a constituent assembly to shift to a unicameral parliamentary form of government, hold a plebiscite to ratify the amendments, then hold parliamentary elections, all within a time frame of only 12 months. President Arroyo is thus spared the ignominious fate of being forced to resign or being impeached. She serves out her presidential term to 2010, even if she loses all executive powers when the shift to the parliamentary system is ratified in 2006. The flies in this new ointment are numerous. Since the constitutional amendments will be drafted by the trapos and family dynasts who dominate the present Congress, chances are that those same trapos and family dynasts will dominate the new parliament as well. So what else will be new? Since there will not be sufficient time to rewrite the rules of electoral engagement or to thoroughly reorganize the Comelec, whose commissioners can be removed only for cause or by impeachment, the proposed constitutional plebiscite and the subsequent parliamentary elections will be (mis)managed again by the Abalos Comelec, with the aid of a discredited Namfrel, vulnerable as ever to the machinations of the master magician who orchestrated the cheating in 1992 and 2004. So what else will be new? As the dominant party in the present ruling coalition, Lakas (which Teddyboy Locsin often refers to as �the party of thieves�) will most likely become the dominant party in the new parliament and will thus have the right to choose the prime minister, who will be none other than � surprise, surprise! - Fidel Ramos himself, who will be 77 years old then, or his protege Jose de Venecia. So what else will be new? ***** Reactions to [email protected] or fax 824-7642. Other articles in www.tapatt.org OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO |
| Reactions to �Opting for Mediocrity� Dear Tony, I consider you my friend now since we have shared thoughts and you continue to care enough to email me your column, which always stimulates my mind. In addition to the defects that you mentioned, there is also the problem or double standard in our society. I bet you that many of those who are demanding GMA to resign for lying, or lack of trust in her, lie a lot--even to their wives daily! Most of them do not stand on firm moral ground to demand her resignation. I wish we could see that charismatic and visionary leader emerge soon. On the AIJC teaching invitation--the mind rules the body. Your mind is very sharp, so I do not accept the tiredness, poor health, old age, etc. So please consider it as a standing invitation--teaching makes us young even just in spirit. I wish you many more years of good health. The mind can will it. Cora Claudio, [email protected] July 12, 2005 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Tony, I shall print several copies of your article as I find it intriguing and thought-provoking. Given the sorry non-stop slide of our country due to inept and uninspired, better yet, backsliding political leadership, I personally believe, we should try a more aggressive approach to solve this mess and try a transition government. Our people are intelligent enough to give this a try if they see familiar, trusted faces heading the 7-man transition council. The first 30 days are the most important to capture the loyalty and respect of the public and the international sector. What to do especially the first 7 days? Line up the Drug manufacturers who have been caught in flagrante, line up the consistent smugglers and force them to return the bulk of their ill-gotten wealth to be donated to charity and the sick, line up the likes of Gen Carlos Garcia and force him to talk who others are involved in plundering the budget of the Armed Forces.... Now as we are too forgiving, concentrate on the worst ones to face the firing squad, maybe three at a time. These are the drug lab owners. Then if the corrupt do not return 90% of their ill-gotten wealth, convict them within 30 days in special fast-track open courts and if charged with a heinous crime, line them up one by one. Are we just dreaming or shall this be the start of genuine, rapid but just drastic reforms? It's up to you and me, right? Of course, among many others. When the going gets tough, the toughs get going. I believe you are a tough and hardened idealist who truly cares for our country. We haven't gotten together for a long time. Will call you later today and try to meet with Randy David, you, Nandy Pacheco. We must move else others take the initiative and I don't feel comfortable with many of those tradpols. Jun Magsayssy, [email protected] Philippine Senate, July 12, 2005 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Tony, Was it Socrates? Plato? who said that a democracy will always be a mediocracy because even the uneducated are allowed to vote? Certainly, since the time of the Greeks and Romans, the concept has only gotten more true. This country is a great example.The overpopulation vis a vis the capability of the society to educate the poor, is probably an indicator of where the quality of democratic decision making is going to take us. I don't really like your idea of "Revolution" but maybe you can share your opinions on refining the democratic process. Should the Philippines be the first in the world (I dont know of any other country that's done it) to try to reverse the concept that "basta over 18 = 1 vote"- to something more like what the Romans had, where the concept was that if you have a serious stake in the country, you get one vote. In their case, it was, I believe, landholding. In our case, maybe it should be something like "If you have graduated from high school and pay taxes"? Just an idea for you to play around with. Peter Capotosto, [email protected] July 12, 2005 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Hi, Tony! Thoroughly enjoyed this piece (sarcasm absolutely included) that was so enlightening on the broad spectrum of Philippine political assignations and affiliations. Great piece to send to friends abroad who are asking, "What is going on in the Philippines?" I must admit I was one of those 'terrified' at the mere mention of "revolutionary government" but you did open my eyes to the fact that 'revolutionary' need not be synonymous with 'violent.' But how to go about it? How to choose the right people? Wouldn't this be a loooong process that would take time - and time we do not have the luxury of? Couldn't we just go with Noli as successor (after GMA 'voluntarily' resigns) and hope he can metamorphose (miracles happen) into a leader who, knowing he can't possibly govern on his own, then forms a 'governing council' composed of different representations that will pave the way for the 'revolutionary government' that you speak of? Sorry - ramblings of an ignoramus? I can dream, can't I? Anyway, thanks for including me in your mail list since I don't have the Manila Standard. Regards. Jo Hilado Guevara, [email protected] July 12, 2005 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Tony, Thanks for a very clear presention of the national situation you gave in this article, although on the other hand, I still have to put the right tag to some "dubious" persons (at least to my standard) like Tatad, Enrile, Honasan, Angara. What perplexed me too is how Cory came about to take her stand, other than her perception that GMA has lost her moral right and influence to lead the nation. I hope to see an in depth comparison of advantages and disadvantages / problems and potential problems, to guide us towards choosing the lesser evil under the different scenarios. I fully agree with you in your assertion and I quote; "I stressed my opinion that our electoral-political-judicial system is rotten beyond repair and is no longer capable of regenerating itself." Our electoral system suffers the vicious cycle of our electorates receiving money for their votes during elections because; they are poor, illiterate, "it is their time to get-even-with these-SOB-plundering-politicians", misplaced "utang-na-loob", etc. COMELEC leaders who are beholden to the appointing persons and are therefore basically inclined to return the favor. Our political system is rotting with pseudo leaders whose selfish personal agenda are diametrically opposed to public service and national interest. Worse is that our KB (Kabataang Barangay) are developed and introduced to the political system by their parents and/or patrons thru the existing standard operating of trapos of vote buying, subsidizing personal trips.and projects, etc. Our Judiciary whose leaders are installed by apointment are prone to manipulation and favor dispensation. For one reason or another, they are now overloaded with cases which make it a standard excuse for inefficiency. Given this scenarios, you have offered a solution and I quote; "Only a transition or caretaker government (the word �revolutionary� still terrifies some people), led by a visionary and charismatic leader, can make the necessary changes to overhaul our government and society". Who among the visible personages will fit the bill of "a visionary and charismatic leader, who can make the necessary changes to overhaul our government and society". And if we have one, how will he make the people their hearts and render honest to goodness public service? Through leadership by example?, Letter of Instructions? Or a miracle? Given a bottom line solution of a "miracle" to any of the above solutions, it might be best to choose the "lesser evil" and then pray for a "miracle". Thanks again for your situationer which made events and people clearer to me. Dodi Canete, [email protected] Davao City, July 12, 2005 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Mr. Abaya, I admire the very objective analysis you have made on what is going on in our country. I noticed that you have presented the facts as balanced as possible unlike others. I am apprehensive that whatever will be the outcome of this present crisis, we can not be sure that this will be good for the country and the Filipino people. With so many personalities and varying interests, there is a great possibility that the leaders and type of governance will not be much different. With all the sycophants, influence peddlers, power brokers, spin masters, etc. inherent in our political and government system. I am of the belief that the only best option we can have is to pray to God - "Thy kingdom come." What I mean a literal kingdom or government runned by the great God who can imposed us the discipline we all direly need. For now, we can just settle with what will turn out in this present political struggle. Driggs Matabaran, [email protected] July 12, 2005 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww I wouldn't be surprised if former president Fidel Valdez Ramos' Lakas would turn out as the dominant party if we transform our government into parliamentary. I wouldn't be surprised too if FVR would be chosen by the parliament as the country's prime minister. They have the numbers, don't they? But this could have been done ten years ago or during FVR's glorious era. Now we're back to nil as in zero. Nevertheless, if in case this scenario pushes through, I would give FVR a thumbs up sign for another return bout in the political arena than just being contented as king maker or a de facto president. After all, US President Ronald Reagan was elected into office in his 70's and effectively turned around their economy via his Reagonomics style of governance. And boy, he was elected for another two consecutive terms! PM Lee Kwan Yew, a former general, disciplined his constituents and turned Singapore's economy into Tiger status and look where they are now. (Lee Kwan Yew was a lawyer, not a former general. ACA.) At this point in our history, we cannot afford to leave governance to our national and local leaders. Many among their ranks are rotten bananas. |Where have our patriotism and unity gone? We urge our kababayans here and abroad not to remain as fence sitters. They've got to speak for the future of their children. Before FVR jumps in though, he should make public his plan of action for the next three years. These should involve socio-cultural and political transformation in broad strokes. By the way, Mr. Abaya, it seems to me that many members of the fourth estate are afraid to run for public office. Many among your caliber certainly deserve to be elected in the Senate or the House. I think FVR should strongly consider members of the press to serve the people. Sir, you've got one volunteer here. Niel Narca, [email protected] July 12, 2005 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Rebolusyon ang solusyon! Tonton Mapa, [email protected] July 13, 2005 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Tony: There are a few more variations of the revolutionary set-up aside from what you have named. Perhaps within a week or two, these will become more apparent to the Filipino. Then, we need not opt for mediocrity. Tito Osias, [email protected] July 13, 2005 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Howdy, Comrades: Joma missed the Bolshevik Revolution 85 years ago. Now is our chance to have our Menshevik Revolution. As Karl Marx had said a revolution always happens in pairs, first as a tragedy then as a farce. Our farce has begun at Makati. How fitting then that our next president will be the widow of the other lasengo. For our part, we will let her presidency self-destruct which inexorably leads to the hoped for Revolutionary Condition. Too bad Joma is in Utrecht and cannot appreciate this. In our beloved country no great effort is needed to make things farcical. We have our caudillo on the wings by the name of Fortunato Abad. He is spending his time with his haberdasher fitting him out with fascisti uniforms. Many talk of a "transition regime ". That is our code word for revolutionary condition. Our better-off temporary allies give us a lot of help bringing in the lumpern proletariat with the rent-a-crowd tactics. Comrades, the time is ripe. Abangan. Dodong Nemenzo Ross Tipon, [email protected] Baguio City, July 13, 2005 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Sent the above article to Dennis and Lynda Normandy and thought you'd be interested in this one by Rodel Rodis. You might just yet be the gadfly that gets the mules moving! Cayo Marschner, [email protected] Moraga, California, July 19, 2005 OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO |