A Stab at Political Dynasties

LIKE I said, politics must be lucrative business, diversion or undertaking, everyone's wanting to be in it.

Without even having the right credentials or qualifications to qualify one to run for an elective post, every Tomas, Juan and Gerardo wants to run.

Running for a post is one thing; qualifying in it when elected is another serious story, but there are those who have the gall and temerity to even think of vying for the posts with the qualified ones. Such shamelessness!
Candidates are better advised that public offices are not sports arenas or billiards parlors, and worse, spa or beauty enhancement centers. Public offices are endowed with public trust and they should be handled with serious and genuine respect.

Vested interests on elective posts. Yes, that is the twisted, sorry view of those who cling tenaciously to their posts or at least allow next of kin to take over when his or her term ends. The line of succession to the political office does not end with the departure of the holder. It is as if it is an inheritance to be bequeathed to the heirs or assigns, to the next in line. Is there no one else who can serve the majority's interests? Has there been an attempt to search for more deserving candidates from a vast pool of competent people?

Let us consider what Prof Randy David wrote about our subject: "The use of the family as a platform for political recruitment goes against an explicit state policy. Section 26 of Article II of the 1987 Philippine Constitution declares: "The State shall provide equal access to opportunities for public service and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law."

He adds: The failure of Congress to pass a law defining the terms and scope of this constitutional mandate is not excuse for ignoring it.
I ask: why then has no one been prosecuted yet for violation of the law against political dynasties?

Philippine politics is a family affair, a family business, a family undertaking, to the exclusion of non-members, outsiders. Even boxers and actors are so preoccupied with aspirations to hold public offices. The glitter of politics is just too much to ignore, even scatter-brains want to join. Everything weird is possible in Philippine politics. The political arena is replete with clowns who can provide more fun.
 
--oo0oo--

Why the fuss over the passage of the Anti-Cybercrime law? Plenty, says the opposition. Prominent lawyer Rene Saguisag claims that those who chant loudly against this new law should back up their objections with solid proof and avoid ranting for the sake of just being noticed. True, do the loud mouths have evidence to back up their opposition to the Anti-Cybercrime law? No proof? Just keep still, please.
 
--oo0oo--

The 2012 National PESO Congress will be held at the Baguio Country Club, Baguio City from October 10-13, 2012, to be participated in by PESO managers and coordinators nationwide. On hand to welcome participants are officials of the National PESO Association headed by Beth Alonzo who is also president of the Bulacan PESO Managers Federation. Pampanga Provincial PESO Manager Luningning Y. Vergara will assist Beth Alonzo, as well as Del Deocales, Angeles City PESO Manager and Donnie Sayre of San Fernando City. The two, by the way, are Hall of Famers. Expected also to attend are DOLE representatives.
 
--oo0oo--

Ipit-ipit gang. Passengers, beware. Law enforcers, be alert on the presence of bad elements riding on jeepneys (especially the full-packed ones) preying on hapless passengers. The modus operandi: the unsuspecting victim is squeezed into whatever space is left on the vehicle. Using travelling bags as props to cover up the illicit act, these thieves deftly pick pockets of unwary passengers and after consummating the theft, alight in a group of five burly men. I should know now because I lost cash to this group last Thursday, October 4. Wawa naman ako.
 
--oo0oo--

By this time, aspirants for elective posts should have filed their certificates of candidacy. Now is the time for them to prepare for battle: their platforms of government and, of course, logistics. Let me hurl this challenge to them: be honest with your campaign promises. Be sure to redeem them once elected.