The So-called Agents of Change

The so-called agents of change has all come out from their cocoons. They offer themselves to the electorate who is tired of almost a decade of a corrupt administration. Yet as we see their faces on television, hear their calculated answers in forums and claim that they will solve all our problems, I cannot take their words as truth. The fact of the matter is that they are more of the same system we've all been trying to get out of.

One of the most glaring signs or common factor these agents have is that they belong to political dynasties. I wonder how these politicians can look straight into our eyes and claim they all want change. Yet you see members of their families holding elective positions. Of course they'll say that there is no law prohibiting political dynasties or any law that prevents anyone wanting to serve the people. How can I then put my faith in them when they embrace traditional politics?

Sen. Dick Gordon's wife is the mayor of Olongapo. Erap's son Jinggoy is a senator while JV is the mayor of San Juan. Manny Villar's wife is a congresswoman and his son a councilor of Las Piñas. Chiz Escudero's father replaced him as congressman when he ran for the senate. Aren't these examples of traditional politics? So they would claim that they want continuity in the programs they have started. The way I see it, good programs will be supported and continued by whoever would replace them regardless of political affiliation. It need not be another family member to see these programs through.

So then how will these so-called agents of change convince me that they are sincere? I don't think they will ever be able to do that. They are all trapos in every sense of the word. They can claim all they want but the fact of the matter is that they can never shed the skin of traditional politics. Unless they denounce political dynasty ism they can never be agents of change. Spare us the hype, walk the talk so that you will be credible enough for our votes. You don't have a monopoly of public service.

==> READ MORE

Basket Case Of The Philippines

Rocked by decades of war, Mindanao still seeks the elusive dream of peace. considered the bread basket of the the Philippines, Mindanao is more like a basket case. The way I see it, the continuing unrest is no longer about ideology or ancestral land. It is all about who gets what. Mindanao is a mishmash of cultures. Rule of law is virtually nonexistent with security forces unable to disarm even the ordinary resident.

The region is ruled by powerful clans, warlords and rebels hiding behind the cloak of independence. What is at stake is keeping the status quo. The more autonomy the region gets, the more those in power can impose their will on the ordinary Mindanaoan. Those with private armies terrorize the people into submission while their politicians sell their loyalties to the highest bidder.

Progress in Mindanao will never come unless the people are given a voice. As of late, people are beginning to realize that they have rights and this threatens to destroy the prevailing system. It is no wonder why groups are out to sabotage the ARMM elections. The ruling class stands to lose the most. This is the reason why they have turned to politics to secure their hold to power. Rebels on the other hand is viewed with skepticism as former rebels who turned to politics enriched themselves than address the plight of the people.

Even Muslims do not trust the MILF or the defunct MNLF. The government continues to dialogue with the MILF despite the group's obvious fragmentation. Splinter groups continue to defy instructions from their leaders. It could also be that the MILF leadership is actually supporting these groups. Their continuing occupation of several towns could be a protracted action directed at gaining more ground that could give them a wider area of control should the creation of a Bangsamoro push through.

Elections also do not guarantee any form of change as long as genuine representation is achieved. With the kind of mindset Mindanao politicians have, the people of Mindanao are the biggest losers. Progress comes in trickles leaving the people salivating at the prospect of progress. At the end of the day, Mindanaons remain voiceless as powerful clans and warlords will never relinquish the power they now possess.

Is Mindanao hopeless? NO! Change is up to the people, they are the true stakeholders. The rebels and the ruling clans are the biggest obstacles in Mindanao's quest for peace and progress. But of course, everything will depend on how Malacañang will act. With Gloria at the helm, I doubt if change or peace will ever come to Mindanao. Mindanao will never be our country's bread basket with the kind of people sitting in the peace panel now. Both groups are not looking after the people's welfare but their own.

==> READ MORE