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Friday, April 21, 2006
Ledesma: Arroyo beyond 2010?
By Jun Ledesma
Sunbursts
THE opposition is running out of munitions against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, it is baiting the public to buy the atrocious proposition that the shift to parliamentary system will insure the presidency of Arroyo for life.
Either they are giving Arroyo so much credit as a political tactician or they idly accept their fear that there is no one from the present crop of politicians who has the persuasive leadership of Arroyo.
I think that their fear is baseless and I personally believe that this is really nothing but a case of serious paranoia. Problem with the opposition is that they cannot wait until after 2010 when the term of Arroyo expires. They wanted it cut short and tried vainly to eject her from Malacañang with all sorts of attempts that went pfft because the people are not marching the way they did with the authoritarian rule of Marcos and the Bacchanalian regime of Estrada.
The most recent ploy that would stir the people's wrath by contriving the notion that Arroyo will stay in power for life sounded like a Halloween's trick or treat child's play. And it makes ABS-CBN guests looked stupidly childish having to answer the network question of the week: Will the shift to parliamentary government make Arroyo president for life? Of course the station favorite analysts and preferred guests are all in accord the cha-cha is designed to perpetuate her in power although, up close, their facial contortion and body language find the proposition incredible.
Arroyo's extending her term beyond 2010 is of course a possibility. If she does that, her wish of just being a good president will be a curse for she might end up like Marcos whose insatiable lust for power ended in shame and ignominy. But then she is not Marcos. If any of the aspiring presidents will have their chance and their choice, to the man, they too will aspire to be in the position of power for all eternity.
Who said this? "We were not born yesterday." Our politicians from all camps and ideological persuasions have exposed themselves too much in front of TV cameras and the klieg lights that despite the thickness of their hides we can see through their silent aspirations to perpetuate themselves in power till kingdom come.
Why do you think they field their sons or daughters to run when their terms of office end or when their health fails? Is it for public service? Nah!!! The answer is in the question: "Why cannot congress pass a bill that would prohibit the next of kin to run after the term of the incumbent ends?" Take note that not even one of the popish and garrulous opposition, even just for a token, come up with a proposed enabling measure to put a stop to this political venality.
Thus the morbid anxiety of the opposition that Arroyo may extend her rule for life is founded on their own tacit and quiet aspiration of prolonging their own stay in power and position of influence. That ambition does not exclude Arroyo, so, while the present crop of politicians, are in politics fighting to stay in power is fair play.
Arroyo beyond 2010? Who knows? She might be way below zero in popularity contest but if she can translate the present financial gains into employment, schools, roads and bridges, health services and then send some corrupt officials to the calaboose she can be smelling very good and who knows? The paranoia of the opposition might find bases after all.
For Bisaya stories from Davao. Click here. (April 21, 2006 issue)
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