Political Realities

Political dynasties are here to stay. We might as well recognize and/or even admit it as a reality in Philippine politics. That provision is a “dead” article in the Constitution. No sane lawmaker will ever sponsor it in legislative sessions to make it “implementable” because they are the beneficiaries of such practice.
The 1987 Philippine Constitution has been with us for over 2 decades now and we have yet to see at least one legislator in both the Lower House and the Senate files an implementing law to enforce this Constitutional fiat. And worse we still have to hear and see cause-oriented groups conduct massive public rallies to stop this political dynasty building practice.

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What’s wrong with political dynasties, anyway? Except for the fact that the practice numbs, somehow breaks and rots the hearts and the inner sensibilities of some people with envy especially those who nurse burning desires to wield political power but could not for myriad of reasons, apparently they should take note that majority of our people have already accepted this as a reality in our Philippine political culture.

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Political dynasties especially in local governance hasten passage of ordinances/ resolutions and have immediately implemented approved projects or activities for development. With the ugly penchant of some politician who love grandstanding; delivering speeches to delay at times approval of some important legislative measures, political dynasties has somehow done the trick to minimize it.

However we look at it it’s the people who elect them to office anyway.

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Unauthorized early campaigning is a violation and may yet, disqualifies candidates if proven guilty. At the moment we are in a quandary what really constitute unlawful early campaigning. By the looks of it and by just a simple perusal the “campaign season” has started during the 5-day filing of certificates of candidacies. Candidates have spelled out openly why they are running for particular elective positions; what he/she intends to do when elected. If these are not campaign statements we know not what. When political parties announce their line up and hands are being raised thru bright glares of television cameras and splashed in print media proclaiming their candidates, to my mind are a political campaign already.

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Well, the Comelec has already made a statement that up to this day no candidate yet has violated the early campaign prohibition. Just like Supreme Court decisions, Comelec rulings are final. We just bow down to accept their rulings.

Along this line however Comelec should therefore educate politicians and voters on the definition of what is and what is not early campaigning. Thanks Comelec , if you will.

By: Alvin Gz. Arpon

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