The political ecology is again agog. Last Monday, we saw the spectacle of candidates vying for positions in the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan queueing with their supporters to file their certificates of candidacy in the offices of the Commission on Elections. That officially started the ritual of campaigning, spending money, maneuvering, and all sorts of gimmickry to entice voters, the Comelec ban on some activities be damned. The political air is getting toxic.
I have long toyed with the idea of appointing these officials instead. And every approach of the political exercise rouses me to renew the call. The price of the political exercise through the election, in terms of human, social, and financial costs, underpins my advocacy.
Yes, we have come a long way in observing this ritual which is deeply rooted in our political psyche that waiving it is difficult, nay, unpopular to local politicians. But peace is such a precious commodity that we should explore alternatives and go to any lengths to achieve it. The interest of the many should transcend personal aggrandizement.
Statistics on victims of poll violence are alarming. Families are broken. Blood brothers in the same household are pitted against each other. In fact, there are instances when the wife runs against the husband. The fratricide has risen to the level that it undermines society. All elections are costly and impoverish candidates, affecting families. The noble vision of policymakers to empower the community and the youth through election is distorted by the politicization of the process and the social disorder it creates. Theoretically, the coming election should be strictly non-partisan but this is more observed in violation than obeisance.
In the BARMM, there is agitation for a postponement of the exercise. The Bangsamoro Governors Caucus had earlier asked for a postponement because of the series of violent incidents in the region. The National Police has also come out with a request for postponement.
No less than the Comelec "has identified 85 barangays in the region as areas of concern, out of a total 2,732 barangays…" It has raised red flags in at least 30 towns for being "high-risk areas where violence is likely to occur…" These towns include 13 of the 24 towns in Maguindanao del Sur, seven in Basilan, eight in Lanao del Sur, and two in Maguindanao del Norte, according to Brig. Gen. Allan Nobleza, PNP-BARMM director. They see "heightened political rivalries with the potential for violence to erupt at any time."
This was also the observation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines which reported recently a fierce battle in Barangay Sapakan, Mamasapano town, and other armed clashes between feuding groups engaged in "rido" or family feuds.
(As we go to press a candidate for barangay chairman was slain after filing his certificate of candidacy in a BARMM barangay). The PNP/AFP asked for a two-week postponement of the filing so their insufficient force could focus on the BARMM. This, however, was turned down by the Comelec.
As in previous elections, the prospect is grim for ensuring honest, peaceful, and credible elections. If violence erupts during the election period, the PNP/Army can always say to the Comelec, "We told you so."
Readers, think of how much we can save that can be better used for poverty alleviation, jobs generation, social amelioration, education, and health care programs if we forego the election and instead have these officials appointed by the President. The local government units can initially screen and evaluate the qualifications, integrity, and competence of those aspiring for positions in the Barangay. Thereafter, they will submit the names to Malacañang which can do the final vetting and choosing. Will the appointments be free of politics? That is the reality of our political system.
This commentary is resigned to criticism that it's a voice in the wilderness or a shot at the moon.
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