This is good news. This is optimism. There are marked
indications that the deviant Philippine Politics by and large brought to fore
by an errant Filipino political culture is definitely not a hopeless case, not
an incurable malady. This bright outlook is basically premised on the
significance and import of certain highly meaningful socio-political events and
developments that have distinctly registered themselves in the history of the
Country – such as the following more noticeable phenomena:
There were the 1978 national elections held precisely during
the infamous Martial Law regime that proved to be a shining moment of the
Filipino people. They took the risk of telling the truth, of facing the danger
of acting against the excesses of the then government of one man. In 1986,
volunteer citizen groups in massive numbers, confronted the serious threat
brought about by safeguarding the ballots against a seemingly invisible
government machinery bent on thwarting the will of people. It was then that the
word “EDSA” became a world-admired Philippine phenomenon. In 1992, the
Filipinos then experienced a peaceful transfer of government through the option
of a President who opted to step down from power. The “COMELEC” then performed
its mandated task. The people grouped behind non-government organizations – and
the rest is history. Thus it was that:
More and more Filipinos were voting intelligently – over and
above the publicity financed and popularity gained by moneyed politicians. At
the same time, the people were becoming more vigilant in seeing to it that their
ballots were accordingly counted and thereby duly accounted for.
More and more civic-minded Filipinos shared their time,
talent and treasure through healthy voluntarism in the formation of civic
organizations and movements. These took the task of undertaking the fundamental
mission of watching over the electoral process – before, during and after its
holding.
More and more non-traditional politicians were elected into
office just as more and more young and idealistic candidates were accorded the
chance of holding public offices. These were elective positions specifically
intended and designed for affirming the common good and promoting public
welfare.
The above mentioned signs of hope in the transformation of
Philippine election through duly elected as well as rightfully appointed
Filipino public officials are not but fruits of imagination. They are standing
historical facts. Needless to say, more critical populist resolves and pursuant
actions are required to make a real difference in the political scene and
culture presently still undermining Philippine progress and development.
But there are still signs of hope for better local politics,
for better Filipino politicians, for a better Philippines!
