|
Tuesday, January 21, 2003
Malilong: Second stringers
By Frank Malilong, Jr.
The Other Side
THE verdict is out and it is almost unanimous: this year’s Sinulog was the grandest celebration ever. The parade was peaceful, the contingents were bigger, the crowd had swelled in geometric proportions and yet everything was so well coordinated. The organizers can take a bow: they did a good job.
The only downside to the celebration was the monstrous traffic jam it caused. It took me more than an hour to get home to Tormis st. from Baseline Restaurant on Juana Osmeña St., and the trip took me through Capitol Site, Banawa, Katipunan and the South Expressway. But with everyone having such a good time, who’s complaining?
Just as huge was the number of Sto. Nino devotees who joined last Saturday’s religious procession. So long was the column of people in the procession route that by the time the City Hall contingent, led by Mayor Tomas Osmeña, reached the corner of Imus and Sikatuna Sts., my friends in the Alas sa Diyos community were still cooling their heels at the starting point. Men and women of all ages walked or lined the procession route but the most touching sight I saw was that of a lady who limped all the way to the Basilica on the bare stub of her feet.
We can only pray that we not only keep our religious fervor throughout the year but also let it influence our decisions. Even during the novena masses, I noticed disturbing signs amidst all the display of religiosity. In one afternoon mass, for example, I saw how a fat bejeweled woman elbow everyone out of her way as she rushed to the front to receive holy communion. Waiting in line is not our best trait as a people but I thought we would at least make the communion line an exception. Cardinal Vidal said he whispered to the Sto. Nino to bless the people, so that they may obtain peace, unity and solidarity. And manners, too, Your Eminence.
***
Former President Cory Aquino said she favors a constitutional convention to propose amendments to the charter because it will keep out politicians and will allow for a wider range of representatives, such as academicians and even ordinary people to study the charter. Her former executive secretary sees it differently. Sen. Joker Arroyo said holding a constitutional convention opens up an opportunity for second stringers.
Joker’s comment is reflective of his arrogance. There are more than 80 million Filipinos but if they are not fortunate enough to be drafted as candidates for senator, congressman, governor or mayor, then they must be, in Arroyo’s view, second stringers whose presence could convert the constitutional convention into a wastebasket.
In contrast, Mrs. Aquino’s view is typically humble: let the ordinary citizen have the chance to review and rewrite the constitution, implying that they’re just qualified as anyone else.
Let’s face it, regardless of who runs for the position, the election of delegates to a constitutional convention is going to be a partisan affair. There is no such thing as non-partisan election in this country. Any constitutional convention is going to be a highly-politicized one, regardless of who sits in it, whether first or second stringers. For Arroyo to say that a highly-politicized atmosphere will pervade the convention if the second stringers will man it is uncharacteristically naïve of him.
On the other hand, Mrs. Aquino’s proposal to hold a referendum, while sensible, is not timely. It makes sense to feel the people’s pulse on such a very important issue as constitutional change but if you do that now, you waste the momentum created by President Arroyo’s announcement that she is not seeking public office. Note that past attempts to amend the constitution had been aborted because of fears that they may be used to perpetuate the incumbent president in power.
That risk does not exist now because Mrs. Arroyo has categorically declared that she has no intention of staying in Malacanang after 2004.
So, instead of tarrying on a referendum, why don’t we decide on holding a constitutional convention and elect the delegates simultaneously with national and local officials in 2004? We have been talking about amending the constitution for decades now, it’s time we stop talking and start doing.
(January 21, 2003 issue)
Want Sun.Star news on your mobile phone? Click here. |
|
[ return
to top ]
[ home
]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
SUPERBALITA
WEEKEND
|
