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Monday, November 14, 2005
Oledan: Political survival
By Radzini Oledan
Slice Of Life
ONLY the support of the populace will ensure the political survival of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
The strong resistance against the e-VAT implementation should be expected. At the very least, it is expected to further erode the purchasing power of the peso. The spiraling increase in the prices of prime commodities and vital services such as water and electricity as well as access to education and health services is something the ordinary workers would find hard to confront with his starvation salary.
Malacañang earlier claimed the passage of the e-VAT would be the solution to the fiscal crisis. However, attendant to such is more economic hardships on the people, as the oil prices and power rates would soar with an additional 10-12 percent tax.
At a time when the national leadership is in question, the implementation of any economic measures without adequate consultation and preferential attention to its impact to the public will always be another hurdle that the administration should confront head on.
How would Malacañang explain its high-handed measures, especially in a period where the credibility of its leader is also in question? There is a national crisis and one, which deals with the lack of trust owing to several incidents involving betrayal of the collective trust of the people.
Given the political and economic scenarios, exit plans are reportedly being discussed in Malacañang. But whatever the outcome will be, it will be the public who will have to shoulder the consequence of the leaderships' lapse of judgment in all fronts.
Arroyo has every reason to be wary of the heightening unrest. From allegations that she stole the presidency in the May 2004 elections to the various economic measures implemented which are strongly resisted by the public.
Many Filipinos are convinced Arroyo's stepping down is the only way for the country and its people to survive. There is no point staying in power and letting the economic and political situation further deteriorate.
However, one could only hope that this episode of the country's history would serve a purpose. The people have to learn from its mistake and accept collective responsibility on the events that transpired. Abuse can only persist with silence.
(November 14, 2005 issue)
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