With the word “government” completing the “of the people, by the people and for the people” phrase, it is hoped that victors in this year’s midterm elections will put it not only to mind, but to heart, and that it will fuel them to be the best public servants they can be.
For this Generation Xer who has witnessed and survived the presidencies of Ferdinand Marcos Sr., Corazon Aquino, Fidel Ramos, Joseph Estrada, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Benigno Aquino III, Rodrigo Duterte and is now watching how President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos carves his political history, the “of the people, by the people and for the people” kind of government has become an impossible dream.
The reality of it not only bleak, but darkened with the givens that are present. Greed and corruption fuel the current political arena. Lust for or holding on to power is such that a handful has converted it as a birthright so that their next of kin are the only ones deemed as worthy successors. The divide between the poorest of the poor, middle class and top one-percent elite is crystal clear, what with the Philippine peso depreciation, inflation an all-time high, and the economy bombarded by internal and external financial choices and influences.
After eight national and midterm elections, the electorate’s political intelligence and maturity can only be described as run-of-the-mill with most still casting their votes based on popularity, catchy jingles and memorable slogans.
Thus, I cannot help but wonder, will Filipinos ever experience a government that puts the interests and needs of its people first?
Entertainment personalities figure prominently in this year’s elections. In the Senate alone, those with showbiz affiliation and connection are Tito Sotto, Ping Lacson, Lito Lapid, Bong Revilla, Kiko Pangilinan, Manny Pacquiao, Willie Revillame, Philip Salvador and the brothers Erwin and Ben Tulfo.
How they will fare remains to be seen. With regard to the promises they made, especially in terms of legislation that will be of assistance to the overly-taxed entertainment industry and the current box office slump of Filipino films, time continues to be the ultimate truth teller. The other promises that have something to do with education, food security, affordability of goods and services, competitive salaries, job security and a sound and robust economy, may these men whose showbiz connection author and champion bills that bring the most benefits and changes to Filipino lives.
May the electorate be well aware that giving financial assistance and dole-outs are not the top responsibilities of the good men and women who will make it to the august halls of the Senate. Their tasks are legislation or making laws, appointments confirmation, heading committees to investigate matters in aid of legislation and, yes, they also have roles in impeachment trials and can propose amendments to the Philippine constitution.
As you can read and see, walang bigayan ng jacket, walang pagsasayaw ng budots, hindi pahusayan sa pagkanta at pagsasayaw at mas lalong walang agarang siksik, liglig at umaapaw na mga biyaya (there is no distribution of jackets, dancing or wiggling, song and dance contests nor overflowing material blessings).
Of the names I enumerated with entertainment industry links, may Tito Sotto and Ping Lacson (Jodi Sta. Maria was his daughter-in-law) make the final cut. Their work ethic is topnotch, and their socio-political ideologies are not lip service, but backed with research and digits plus wisdom earned and gained from political experience.
For the senatorial race, my vote went to Bam Aquino, Roberto Ballon, Arlene Brosas, Teddy Casiño, France Castro, David D’Angelo, Leody de Guzman, Luke Espiritu, Sonny Matula, Liza Maza, Heidi Mendoza and Kiko Pangilinan.
Only God, the forces of the Universe and the Comelec know the final outcome of the mid-year elections. May the votes of the people be counted fairly. May there be no guns and goons, and election violence scenarios. May those who do not get the mandate of the people accept the results with humility. And may those who receive the mandate and support of the electorate become their best versions of being a public servant.
God bless the Philippines. God bless all Filipinos. With a fresh set of politicians, may this government of ours truly become “of the people, by the people and for the people.”