Do you think that there will ever be an end to the constant bickering between the administration and the opposition?

C.K. Yeo, Iloilo City: We should be glad about the bickering between the administration and opposition. To a certain extent, it is a sign of a healthy democracy. This does not happen in Communist countries.  

Roel Abe, Malabon: Somewhere down the road, there will be an end. Hopefully, it will come sooner, para naman makausad-usad na ang bansa natin forward, naturally.  

That’s the nature of democracy

Edwin Castillo, Batangas: Democracy is the freedom to praise and criticize in aid of election. Yun lang, mas marami ang puna at batikos kaysa sa solusyon sa problema ng bayan.  

Nap Cinco, Rizal: I believe that constant bickering between any administration and the opposition should not end for the sake of democracy; otherwise, we’re finished.  

Benjamin Nillo, Las Piñas City: As long as we live in a democratic society, constant bickering among politicians is here to stay. They should just curb their unethical ways of trading accusations.  

Leandro Tolentino, Batangas City: Political bickering or media mileage is an ingredient of a healthy democracy in a nation beset by multiple political parties and media outlets.  

A trademark of RP politics

Diony Yap, Bacolod City: No, trademark na ng mga trapos ’yan.  

Ruel Bautista, Laguna: A weak President invites bickering even in his official family. To stop it, we need to install a strong President, like other progressive countries do.  

Rodolfo Capili, Caloocan City: Constant bickering between the administration and the opposition is very unlikely to end in the foreseeable future. Aside from being a part of our political culture, it is selling pretty well among the kind of electorate that we have. This culture will change only after ample time of economic and political stability.  

Celia Morales, Metro Manila: Politicians in this time and age say they want change, but the moment they are in power, they’re all the same. They don’t want compromise.  

Concepcion Gaspar, Laoag City: Bickering is always a part of the political scenario. Without it, Congress will make a good habitat for clams, snails and slugs.  

Erwin Espinosa, Pangasinan: Kailan pa? Ugaling Pinoy na yan sa pulitika, laging may black and white. Laging magka­tunggali ang magkalaban sa eleksyon hanggang dumating ulit ang botohan.  

Germi Sison, Cabanatuan City: Unless the administration and the opposition subscribe to debate and argumentation as the best means of resolving contested issues, we the constituents will have to bear with their pugnacious bickering.  

Justo Cammayo, Isabela: Intrigue is part of the political game. It will cease to exist when there are no more politics and politicians.  

We lack unity and maturity

Dino Monzon, Caloocan City: It’s unlikely as we lack the political party unity and maturity practiced and enjoyed by the Democrats and Republicans in the US.

Alvin Perez, Manila: There’ll be an end to political bickering once people elect someone who will look beyond party politics; someone who’s more in to serving the people and not the party he is affiliated with. If a President does his job well, consults the opposition and administration in all issues, then I think there’ll be no more arguments but then again, all that our freakin’ politicians care about is how much money they’re going to have in their pockets, so maybe we can’t expect any change after all.  

Johann Lucas, Quezon City: No. Whatever the administration does, the opposition will try to look for any errors, which is good at first. But if it’s being used for self-gratification, that’s where immaturity in politics begins.  

Zenaida Tayong, Metro Manila: The bickering is a healthy exercise that spices up our lives. We are in a democratic country, so leave it be. Let us just be mature enough amidst the political bickering.  

Jelm Luistro, Makati City: The opposition is not a word itself for nothing, so we should expect some bickering. It is only a matter of how this bickering is handled to achieve a sustainable goal for each Filipino. Other countries also have the administration pitted against the opposition, but at least they make ends meet.  

The opposition serves as a watchdog

James Gaw, Quezon City: No. It will continue because the opposition serves as a watchdog for the people. If there are anomalies that are being hatched, it will be made known to the public.  

Leonard Villa, Batac City: It won’t stop, because in the political spectrum, there is always an opposition that checks on the ruling party. There are rightists, leftists and centrists.  

Fortunato Aguirre, Bulacan: The opposition must not stop policing this anomalous Arroyo government. Even some justices are clowns and puppets of GMA. This is what I believe and this is my honest opinion.  

Kunde Rotairo, Metro Manila: Don’t make people dumb. There is an opposition simply just because we want a better management. They serve as devil’s advocates who help the administration look at both sides of the coin.  

A clash of interests

Rey Ibalan, Antipolo City: Ending the bickering between both camps would be ideal, but their personal and vested interests clash, thus creating animosity among them.  

Mario Tejada, Ilocos Norte: With the constancy of the sun rising from the east and setting in the west, the bickering will go on and on for as long as misplaced values reside in the hearts and minds of our politicians. But I found an exceptional case of how good politics is played in the small upland municipality of Sigay in Ilocos Sur. When I went there sometime in 2003, I was surprised to learn that contending political parties would always conduct campaign rallies together in the barangays. This practice reduces political friction. I just hope that the practice will go on.  

Pedro Alagano Sr., Vigan City: Political positions are like the gold reserves of Mt. Diwalwal. Thus, endless political bickering will go on and on.  

Danny de Leon, Al-Khafji, Saudi Arabia: No, it will not end. What would politics be without the opposition? The problem with the opposition is that they cannot wait for their turn. What they should do is to help the administration find ways to run the government well and fight corruption. We all know that they’re only waiting for their shot at corruption.  

Ed Alawi, Davao City: There will be no end to this as long as greed and self-interest are there instead of the practice of check and balance for the country and the people’s benefit.  

Renato Taylan, Ilocos Norte: No, there’s no way to end the constant bickering since both can’t imagine going beyond their selfish motives.  

Rodolfo Talledo, Angeles City: It’s like asking for the moon and the stars. The opposition will not settle for anything less than the presidency itself.  

All in the name of media mileage

C.B. Manalastas, Manila: Never. Not with the crab mentality of Lacson and some presidentiables who are just out to get extra media mileage.  

Tony Gomez, Parañaque City: An end to bickering? Are you kidding? Many politicians, even the obviously dumb and incompetent, always try to make noise just to be noticed.  

Check and balance

Nestor Buñag, Mandaluyong City: It’s but natural. As in physics, force/resistance; in electricity, positive/negative; in accounting, credit/debit; in debate, pro/con, so is it with government: Administration/opposition.  

Jim Veneracion, Naga City: This bickering makes our democracy work, but it must be constructive. The principle of check and balance between branches of government is a necessity.  

Eric Gopilan, Quezon City: I hope not. Constant bickering between the administration and the opposition is a sign that democracy is at work. It’s a system of check and balance.  

Joey Delgado, Leyte: No, otherwise there will be no more checks and balances.  

Marielle Quiboquibo, Rizal: While they may be too noisy most of the time, I believe the bickering should not stop. This is the only way to keep each other on their toes. They know that the administration is being watched by the opposition, and vice-versa. Thus, this provides some sort of warning that if they do something anomalous, they will most likely see their names in media. Besides, this bickering provides material for the news. As long as the bickering is kept on an informative and professional level, I’m okay with it.  

Digoy Malvar, Batangas: Such bickering is needed for check and balance. While the opposition tries to find fault, some administration officials can only say, mamamatay sila sa inggit.  

That would be ideal

Rico Fabello, Parañaque City: When the day comes, we’d be a First World country.  

Not with the 2010 elections in view

Alfredo Carballo Jr., Negros Occidental: With the 2010 elections looming in the horizon, all our politicians will use all their powers to outdo each other. That means that we, the ordinary people, would have to wait for what will happen next in these very volatile grounds.  

L.C. Fiel, Quezon City: There’s no end in sight to their bickering as 2010 nears. The crazy antics of would-be candidates make for hot copy, as in free exposure with no Comelec control.  

Edgar Artates, Parañaque City: There will be no end to this because members of the opposition tend to be selfish. Then there’s the fact that the 2010 elections is just around the corner. They’ll want to win pogi points at the expense of the administration.  

Roel Dahonog, Cagayan de Oro City: As long as there is an election in this country, the administration and the opposition will always be at odds.

A vicious cycle of greed

I.Q. Calata, Parañaque City: No, when the current members of the opposition get their chance to occupy Malacañang with a “kami naman ngayon” attitude, there will still be bickering. That’s Philippine politics. The opposition decries any anomaly, even too rashly, to earn points and media mileage. But when they get to the seat of power, they will do the same things that they complain about now. It’s a vicious cycle. Bayan lang ang lugi.  

Vic Nario, Dagupan City: There’s no end in sight, Voz. In fact, there’s even bickering among presidentiables within the opposition.  

R. Los Baños, Las Piñas City: Probably, but not with the current breed of politicians. It will take a new generation of politicians who do not carry the baggage of the two Edsa Revolutions to dominate the political landscape for that to happen. With the poisoned political environment, we have an opposition whose members are predisposed to dig dirt on just about anything the administration does. When the opposition gains power, expect the ensuing oppositionists to do the same, in an endless cycle of tit for tat. We can just pray that our grandchildren will have more responsible politicians running their affairs.  

The opposition’s role is to oppose

Salvacion Tomines, Tarlac City: I don’t think so. The opposition’s role is to oppose every move of the administration.  

Felma Aguilan, Occidental Mindoro: There will absolutely never be an end. The opposition is tailor-made for that role. Oposisyon nga rud!  

Felix Ramento, Manila: Bickering is a part and parcel of our political system in that any regime is almost treated as an enemy of the opposition party regardless of its achievements and intentions.

Crab mentality at work

Nony de Leon, Bulacan: Our disruptive and destructive political wars will continue under our system of government. It’s like a palo sebo game where those below do their worst to pull down those at the top. We need a system that will encourage national unity instead of our infamous crab mentality.

Elpidio Que, Vigan: Politicians from both sides of the fence, puera delos buenos, squabble because of crab mentality. Instead of working together in civility to move our laggard country forward, they are embroiled in mudslinging, thinking that such self-serving feats could stretch their political mileage. Bickering among them would greatly diminish once they harness the courage to talk to themselves in the mirror for a critical self-analysis.  

A never-ending story

Jose Sevilla Jr., Quezon City: Long ago, I was already convinced that the bickering between the administration and the opposition would be a never-ending story. One wants to cling to power, the other wants to grab it.  

If our government officials and politicians are reluctant to change, then it will be a never- ending story.  Jovito Quizol, Isabela City

Gil Planas, Davao City: Bickering between the administration and the opposition is a never-ending political trade. It’s already in a cancerous state na kulam na lang ang lunas.  

Robert Young Jr., San Juan: Kids won’t stop throwing stones at a tree for its fruits; solons won’t stop bickering if there were pork to divide.  

Rose Leobrera, Manila: As long as the administration abuses its power, the opposition will not stop opposing. It has happened even in the past. When the administration plays a Mysterio de Judas, it can’t be hidden, because the exposé follows. Siyempre each has a watchful eye on the other. The administration is defensive with its abuses and tries to justify everything. On the other hand, the opposition carries out the offensive attack pero wala namang nagagawa, ngawa lang.  

Like cats and dogs

Imee Aglibot, Rizal: The administration and opposition, aside from being aso’t-pusa, can also be likened to a love triangle. The administration as the philandering husband, the opposition as the temptuous mistress, with the people in the middle as the martyr wife. The big difference is that they’re both after the pot of gold rather than bind themselves in a settlement where there’s love and a respect for the aggrieved party. Kidding aside,our most prestigious no. 1 corruption tag very well speaks of the truth.  

Rey Onate, Palayan City: Parang magbiyenan na babae, di magkakasundo iyan.  

Josh Edward Cobangbang, Ilocos Sur: I believe that it will never end. The administration is desperate to stay in power, while the opposition is too negative about the administration, believing that it can stop corruption in government. These two sides are like cats and dogs.  

Next to impossible

Gerry del Cano, Muntinlupa City: Yes, and that’s for sure. When? When the world ends.  

E. Linsangan, Isabela: Every Filipino dreams for the administration and the opposition to end their bickering for it’s the country that’s the big loser. But any way you look at it now, chances are, only the outbreak of World War III could end their bickering.  

Gerii Calupitan, Muntinlupa City: Better ask: “Will Arabs and Jews ever stop fighting?” The opposition versus administration word war will end only when hell freezes over! Sana.  

Part of the grand script

Lydia Reyes, Bataan: That’s a never-ending drama. Of course, if there is a bida, meron din kontrabida.  

Manuel Abejero, Pangasinan: No. Political bickering is just like salt and pepper to a rather bland and reheated steak. Have you ever watched a movie without a villain? Nakakaantok, di ba?  

All things come to an end

Jun Cajucom, Tacloban City: Everything has an end. Time will come when politics will cease to be such a very lucrative business.  

Jose Fabello Jr., Misamis Oriental: But of course there will be an end to the bickering, only when and if Martial Law is declared!  

It’s as simple as that

Richard Decena, Quezon City: For the bickering to end, the opposition should stop exposing the wrongdoings of GMA and her puppies. Nothing comes out of it anyway.  

THINKING OUT LOUD

Nony de Leon, Bulacan: Vox populi is clearly against the use of privilege vehicle plates. Why is Congress devoting so much time investigating the matter? Why not simply ban the use of such plates? I am sure there are matters of national concern which are more important that need their attention.  

Leandro Tolentino, Batangas City: Atty. Chavez revealed on TV that most lawyers are corrupt. But why choose him to air his views? ls a twice-defeated senatorial candidate credible?  

THE WAY I SEE IT

Vic Alim, Caloocan City: Kung walang natatalo sa election, wala ring may kasalanan sa natatalsik na huwes. Na-pulitika lamang.  

REACTIONS

Col Ben Paguirigan Jr., Ret., Zamboanga City: Through Phil. STAR Inbox which is widely read, may we call on all St. Ferdinand College of Ilagan, Isabela high school batch 1960 to please contact Atty. Eldorado Lim and myself through tel. (02) 7335921 or 0915-9051134 for a possible 2010 golden anniversary reunion.  

Views expressed in this section do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of The STAR. The STAR does not knowingly publish false information and may not be held liable for the views of readers exercising their right to free expression. The publication also reserves the right to edit contributions to this section as it sees fit.

NEXT INBOX QUESTION: In your opinion, is Sen. Lacson’s ongoing inquiry into the “road to nowhere” politically motivated?

If registered, text philstar<space>fb<space>your message and send to 2256 (all networks)

To register, text philstar<space>reg<space>name,gender,birthdate,address and send to 2256 (all networks)

You may also email your views to: [email protected].