THE RESULTS of the recent elections showed that Filipinos are not yet mature, although growing. Many based their analysis and decisions on what they hear and see, less on what they read, because many are tired of reading. There is more analysis actually when reading.
This resulted in education through media. It is now a powerful tool to build up one’s image, as what actors and actresses do to build up their careers. People now cannot differentiate fiction from half-truths or from truths. Political events are watched like soap operas on prime time. And media would take advantage of political gossip and scoops to make stories more valuable for money. Errors in reporting are justified by icing them with more controversial ones.
This is the “education” that Filipinos have had after Marcos. Democracy was abused like the phenomenon of “people power.” “Will of the majority” is falsely equated with what is “right.”
“People power” is wrongfully used for protest while, in fact, it must be used for reforms. It is easy actually to incite protest but too hard to campaign for reforms given human nature. Politicians would also take advantage of the Filipino attitude of fanaticism as many will follow them blindly because of the image media has made for them. It is not very different from being an actor with many fans (which is actually short for fanatics). No wonder a politician even after tainted with graft and corruption would still have many followers and loyalists. One would not be surprised that even after the evidence presented in the impeachment trial, the PCIJ reports of his properties and “Darth Vader” friends, the well known stock manipulation in the Philippine Stock Exchange, Erap can still gather people at the EDSA Shrine or still win in a snap election, if one is held.
A politician can easily change his position and principles as long as he has many fanatics that will put him in the Senate or presidency. Many have seen how many senatorial candidates have crossed party lines, and ate their principles but still managed to be in the Top 5 of the senatorial lineup. These filthy political tricks were hidden under the rags of issues like “Hello Garci” and election cheating. Another trick of “throwing the garbage on others’ backyard and exposing it” in the form of gossip is being maneuvered to hide behind inefficiency and incompetence. Political sugar-coated media speeches are used to lure fanatics to his side, like courting a lady persuaded with enticing poetry.
Many young opinion-makers and also bloggers would say that what is wrong is the system as a whole but they must realize that the voting public is part of that system.
– Henry Delgado, MD, EMAS Offshore Pte Ltd, Singapore
June 4th, 2007 at 9:02 pm
I only mention Pimentel coz as I said I admire his principle, integrity as a politician, and actually he is the one i’m considering to be our next pres, but he will be attacked on this dynasty thing, I don’t mention others because I don’t think they have integrity in themselves. Don’t misinterpret me Miss Salina. And I don’t want to write negative things as much as possible for we will not gain from those things. and if you may, for this unsolicited advice don’t get this things so personal and widen our perspective so that we can achiece something good for our contry.
June 4th, 2007 at 5:36 pm
Salina:
I think GMA is the Commander-in-chief and has been pressuring the military and the police is trying to solve the judicial killings, abduction, etc. But it is difficult to solve a case, when these people will not cooperate for the reason..’why will they cooperate if the people carrying the investigation is directly involved’. Isn’t that prejudice? These cases will never be resolved unless these groups will cooperate,or at least try. If they want justice, they should provide information. The military is still not guilty until proven. The plate numbers can just be circumstancial evidence. Anyone can steal your plate number and use it for a crime.
If she is cuddling these killers, can you prove that?
If she does not have the leadership, will she garner a lot of support from different parties? Will she survive of the allegations against her?
Where is your logic?Or has it been eaten up with your hatred?
June 3rd, 2007 at 3:12 pm
marius
I agree. Most politicians has been using the media to gain popularity. An adverse effect is what we are seeing now, too much political bickering. Most people like Allan Peter Cayetano and Chiz Escudero has used the media well, presenting issues that cannot be identified as facts and redunduntly employing their accusations that people (masses) will come to believe in them.
Another thing that I would also add is the party list like Bayan Muna,Gabriela, etc, they have been blaming GMA and the military in perpetrating the killings and abductions of their members when they do not have enough evidences to take. I is bias in their part, they should not point to them, obviously the Opposition’s ideas has seeped through their minds.
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Fr: Salina
The filipino people are blaming Gloria Arroyyo, Because its her job to solve those problem. But, She’s not doing that. In fact she’s cuddling these killer. Its her responsibility as a leader to solve these problem. This is one of the reason why I keep saying that Gloria Arroyo, Don’t deserve to be a leader. Because she’s lacking leadership. The filipino people deserve better. I’LL SAY, DITCH HER OUT.
June 3rd, 2007 at 3:07 pm
orly
on the part of the voters simply ther is no choice, and lack of it, what can we expect from them? kung baga sa pagkain kung ano nakahayin syang pagsasaluhan, kaya nga kelangan magpunla, magtanim ng me , maani na pakikinabangan balang araw, sa ngayon its not the will of the majority neither fanatic votes, its the will of the few and powerful politicians and their associates that only looking for their bested intersts. I admire Pimentel before, but instead of changing the trend of political dynasty he’s starting his own, I can’t just imagined what can his son do that he can’t do in the senate, bakit kelangan pa nila mag dalawa dun kung talaga paglilingkod sa bayan ang motibo?
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Fr: Salina
You’re single out Pimentel’s. They’re not the only dynasty running in office. In fact Gloria Arroyo, Family is all over the place but you’re didn’t even mention about it. Is not only them, check it out for yourself. You’re not being fair to single out father and son Pimentel’s.
I don’t have anything against dynasty for as long as they can do their job they suppose too. PERIOD.
June 3rd, 2007 at 3:04 pm
Monday Lessons
I think it’s the will of the majority and at the same time, fanatical vote. You’re right, the Filipino electorate are not yet mature, but they’re going there. The mere fact that three entertainers didn’t make it to the Senate speaks a lot. That would send an uneasy signal to Bong, Lito and Jinggoy to show that they are up for the job as senators, lest next election their legislative record will be scrutinized. Too bad, senators who are outstanding are getting rarer but those who are grandstanding are jampacking its august halls. I’m hopeful the just elected young guns just won’t make empty noise but to craft laws with teeth against corruption, against political dynasties, for election modernization and perhaps a new Charter. There’s just so much to be done.
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Fr: Salina
There is nothing wrong of movie start entering politic. For as long as they’re qualified for that position.
Putting down these people is not very nice at all. I’m pretty sure these people are more than qualified for their position. I think Jinggoy doing just that.
Just look at Gloria Arroyo, The elites were saying that she’s the only person can run this country better. But look where the philippines economy today. Its very shaky! Don’t be surprise if the Philippines economy will collapse.
Thanks, To her she put the Philippines in the map for being the number one corrupt in asia. Number two for human right violation. Aside from that, Ever since she’s been squatting in malacanyang palace. There is more filipino people are starving. And she have the nerve to say, That her so call economy is booming. If it is true, Why is it there is more filipino people can’t hardly eat, Not even one time a day. Sabihin mo, She’s lying to her teeth. I’ll say, DITCH HER OUT.