Saturday, March 03, 2007 Roperos: Politics beyond kinship By Godofredo M. Roperos Politics Also
WHAT seems to dominate the current political environment in the country as we approach the start of the 45-day campaign period for local posts is the matter of alliances and blood relationships.
It appears, based on recent developments in Cebu, that the barriers of kinship are being struck down as if it is no longer of any moment now. I am not sure, though, whether this is because our personal spiritual and moral values are deeply affected by our sense of “modernism.”
But as I write this, I feel a measure of disquiet caused by what I read in our dailies or heard or seen in our broadcast media. While the information appeared tentative or speculative, the fact that it was reported already imbued a touch of truth to it.
And so the report about the possible “breakup” of the Ouano political family in Mandaue City as Jonkie and Joy have announced their intention to run for mayor brings the matter to a head.
There was also the story that Sen. Serge Osmeña, whose term ends in June, has been designated campaign manager of the Genuine Opposition (GO) with first cousin John Henry Osmeña as one of the candidates.
But Serge would be in an awkward situation since his younger brother, Cebu City Mayor Tommy O, is with the administration. What will happen in case the GO candidates come to Cebu to hold a rally?
Of course, Serge may have to climb the stage while his younger brother may be observing from afar, listening to the GO candidates browbeat him to erode his political control of Cebu City.
And what would Serge feel, listening to an Osmeña being politically “dressed” down by the very same people he is promoting to the Cebuanos? It could happen now, but probably not in the days of Old Man Osmeña.
Of course, similar situations are obtaining in other provinces and towns of the country. Close kin fighting each other from different sides of the political fence.
If my grandfather were still alive today, he would have frowned on the grim scenario and most probably would have opted not to vote in the May elections, claiming the absence of ethics in the political process. He did it before during the “Democrata” days.
But our point really is the appeal that politics hold for those who have been “bitten” by the bug. Like an addicted person, whether of cigarette, liquor, shabu, or the casino, they tend to throw all caution to the air and plow through the murk regardless of who gets hurt or what is sacrificed.
This is something that is beyond the ethical norm. But it is a reality now and therefore it has become a menace to our social lives. In a democracy like ours, what can we do?
