|
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Toral: One voice
By Janette Toral
Digital Filipino
Are you tired of the bickering between administration and opposition politicians? I am. And most people are running out of trust and patience with processes and institutions in our country.
During my last term (2001 to 2002) in the Philippine Internet Commerce Society, there was intense pressure on me and the organization to take a position against former president Estrada. As a lobbyist who had experienced pushing for legislation, such as the Y2K Law (1999) and the E-Commerce Law (2000), I appreciate the value and dynamics of our Congress, its beauty and necessary due process. At that time, the position we’ve taken is to let due process take its place. It was a very unpopular position.
Today, we are once again facing that. Those who have disregarded our due processes are now clamoring that it is necessary while the other camp is saying otherwise. Trust and credibility in our processes is now on all time low.
For entrepreneurs like us, we fear the chaotic situation will harm establishments that rely so much on walk-in generated revenue. The lack of trust, on the other hand, sends jitters to potential offshore work and domestic investments in the country.
Most of us work hard for our daily survival, to put food on the table. Participating in destructive politics is not an option.
However, we should be heard. We want a resolution to the political impassé.
We need electoral reform as well as acceptance of the results of next year’s elections.
Let us make sure that the 2007 elections will not become a mere popularity contest. Let us vote for people who support our positions. If you are in favor of Charter Change, then vote for somebody who supports your position. If you are not, then back someone who opposes the move. Those who will lose in the elections should also respect the decision of the majority.
Not having an election in 2007 is a very scary prospect as we shall be extending the term of incumbents who are more than capable of customizing our policies to further protect their interests. As a people, we can speak out but we will be powerless if efforts to cancel the elections next year and have a constitutional assembly will push through.
Abolishing the Senate and weakening the Supreme Court will also result in a lack of check and balance that is needed in policy making. Yes, it takes a lot of effort to push for legislations in our country, but this is necessary to ensure that the policies we are pushing for are well thought of and the stakeholders are decisive enough to work hard for it.
More often than not, those who are having a hard time may not be qualified or lack the patience to become legislators, policy makers or even lobbyists in the first place.
We need real change. The government, policy makers and all of us should work together to foster electoral reform, transparency, responsiveness and accountability in governance.
Priorities must be set for trade development, job creation, education, agrarian reform, infrastructure development, efficient crime management and judicial process, rural-friendly banking systems and e-commerce adoption.
One Voice (http://www.onevoice.org.ph), as a movement, is launched today.
It is time to speak up for real change. It is time to speak in one voice!
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (June 22, 2006 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here. |
|
[return to top]
[home]
[network page]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
SUPERBALITA
WEEKEND
|
