Juan Deveraturda, Subic, Zambales: Bickering and mudslinging between politicians is better than resorting to violence and killings. It’s not healthy, but it is more acceptable than the use of bullets in settling political conflicts.
Delfin Todcor, Quezon City: Not at all. It shows immaturity. A healthy democracy is based on justice and righteousness and would have political leaders that aim to install stability.
Yes, to a certain degree
Dennis Montealto, Mandaluyong City: We are a pluralistic society and different opinions are respected. We are not a communist state nor do we have a dictatorial regime where despots suppress the criticism of dissenters by fatal means. Though our democracy still needs to mature, we are at least free to voice out rather than be silenced forever.
Jimmy Donton, Puerto Princesa City: Absolutely, but it should not go down to ugly personal attracts. Democracy works in a country where political maturity is high and it should be that way here in the Philippines.
Carmela Ramento, Cagayan de Oro City: We have, for all its redeeming values, the kind of entertainment we look forward to, in a vibrant democracy.
Rico Fabello, Parañaque City: Yes, even too healthy sometimes. What would the country be without Jamby?
Ruben Viray, Antipolo City: To a certain degree, yes, I believe so. However, if the constant bickering among politicians comes to a point where physical violence is involved, then we’re in big trouble. They can argue on certain matters but after deliberation, things should be back to normal. Bickering is a healthy sign of the democracy we have right now.
Pat Cuilan, Benguet: Political bickering is a good sign of democracy and action in our country.
Romeo Caubat, Masbate: Constant bickering would enable the parties to arrive at a win-win solution.
No, it’s a sign of a sick society
Alexander Raquepo, Ilocos Sur: Constant bickering between politicians is not the form of government that we want. Real democracy puts the welfare and concern of the population above all.
Armando Tavera, Las Piñas City: Our democracy has become sickly. The bickering of our politicians has become too personal and it’s detrimental to the country as a whole.
Luisito Vallo, Pangasinan: Absolutely not. Such bickering can’t be considered a sign of democracy, but a sign of how chaotic our system is.
Felix Ramento, USA: The constant bickering between politicians is not a sign of a healthy democracy but a manifestation of a very sick society in that even those in the upper echelons of power can no longer conduct business among themselves with the usual civilities of their predecessors.
Ric Vergara, Calamba: Political bickering, the local version, is fake. Kunwari away pero nagtatakipan at nagtutulungan. Look at the cases of FM, Erap, etc., etc.
Ernesto Oliquiano, Las Piñas City: In a way, yes, it’s a sign that our democracy is working. Everyone is free to speak his or her mind. But this bickering also shows us that our country has not yet matured. Our politicians, after all these years, have not changed at all. Everybody still resorts to personal or family issues, mudslinging and the throwing of accusations left and right, if only to improve their image. How I wish that they would concentrate on more concrete issues affecting the welfare of the electorate and the country in general. Tama na! Sobra na! Magbago na kayo!
They’re bickering for name recall
Norberto Robles, Taguig: Healthy democracy, my foot! Politicians will squabble, create bugaboos or just be nasty. They’re claptraps so they could be on primetime TV. Good or bad, it’s still good for name recall.
Rose Leobrera, Manila: Pang-showbiz sila lahat. For me, their actuations are mere gimmickry so that they would be talked about. Wika nga, name recall. The noisiest and those who have the most controversial attacks gets better applause from the masa, who are usis.
Manny Cordeta, New York, USA: I consider it part of our vibrant democracy, but if the bickering goes haywire, i.e. senseless debates or arguments under the pretext of parliamentary privilege in Congress, in particular, it’s no longer healthy, but simply annoying. And what do we have here? Instead of legislation, it’s more like a non-productive extravaganza starring the legislators, the infamous, or at times a comical and entertaining sideshow. Grandstanding? Just asking.
Miguelito Herrera, Cabanatuan City: Constant bickering between politicians is nothing new in Philippine politics and it’s truly a sign of a healthy democracy. They really just do it to get more media mileage, since some of them can’t get justice from a vindictive government that has prostituted all the democratic institutions.
What do we expect?
Manuel Abejero, Pangasinan: It’s more natural than healthy. Skunks emit foul odor, squids squirt inky fluid, and electric eels stun. That’s their natural reaction when their existence is threatened.
Abuse of democracy
Josh Pacatang, Dipolog City: Constant bickering between politicians is not a sign of a healthy democracy. Rather, it is an irritating abuse of democracy that is foreign to the native culture of the early Filipinos, who practiced an authoritarian/patriarchal system of governing a community akin to the datu system of the Subanen tribes of the Zamboanga region outside Muslim Mindanao.
Cris Rivera, Rizal: It should be, but the thing is, it transpires not in aid of legislation, as they say, but for the satisfaction of their political whims.
Ken Jaum, Bacolod City: Definitely not. It’s a travesty to the true meaning of democracy. Yes, we are entitled to freedom of speech, but sometimes, these politicians already cross the boundaries. This constant bickering exemplifies how desperate and how guilty they are.
Lolong Rejano, Marinduque: No, it’s not a sign of a healthy democracy. A healthy democracy should focus on the people’s welfare and not just count on bickering to win the election.
Gerii Calupitan, Muntinlupa City: Yes, or it could be a sign of any of the following: Immaturity, lack of proper breeding, grandstanding, the primary stage of Alzheimer’s disease, or all of the above. If you are a politician, you must grab every opportunity to be in the spotlight. That’s the beauty of living in a healthy democracy. However, in this country, we have the tendency to abuse that privilege. Jinggoy, Chiz, Jamby, Alan Peter, Ping and Nene Pimentel are the best models of bickering for the sake of talking. They’re annoying.
Leonard Villa, Batac City: It’s an abuse of democracy. All civil liberties that we enjoy are not absolute in themselves; there are limitations, which civilized people must observe.
Dr. Jose Balcanao, Benguet: The bickering between politicians is not a sign of a healthy democracy since bickering is a political strategy that discriminates against a person. In debates, it is not allowed because you attack the personality or character of the person. In a democracy, prejudices and biases against a person are dehumanizing and not constructive criticism.
Rey Ibalan, Antipolo City: No, it’s not healthy. It’s simply a sign of political immaturity, dirty politics, and an abuse of democracy.
Ryan Santos, Bataan: Instead of focusing on their platforms and their action plans for the country, they are trying to destroy their rivals’ credibility and integrity. People will vote not because the candidate is the most qualified, but because they see them as the lesser evil.
Politicians have always bickered
Elizabeth Oximer, Negros Occidental: Since time immemorial, may bickering everytime there is an election. Nandito pa rin tayo. Siguro nga sign of a healthy democracy, naging favorite pastime pa.
How can mudslinging be healthy?
Ricardo Tolentino, Laoag City: No, debate in a healthy democracy would focus on relevant issues, not character assassination and exposing dirty linen in public.
Jim Veneracion, Naga City: Bickering has become the favorite pastime of politicians. If it’s based on issues, well and good. Sadly, it’s mostly personal or mudslinging.
Joel Caluag, Bulacan: I consider the constant bickering between politicians more as a sign of lack in political platforms.
Elpidio Que, Vigan: The constant bickering among politicians is a sign of an unhealthy democracy in our sick country. Why? Because they only splash garbage on each other’s faces. In the US, the stink of candidates that is sniffed out by one’s enemies is brought to the noses of the voting public. Such an open omission of stinking realities, apparently due to the horror of being sent to Bilibid because they themselves are also in the same boat, is a great disservice to the country. This makes our country even sicker. Remember JDV’s sour vow to reveal all the sins of his once-upon-a-time partner in Cha-cha? Has it not gone with the wind? Sickening, isn’t it?
Mark Kevin Santos, Nueva Ecija: Why do most politicians have to argue? This means that democracy in our country is not healthy as to encourage peaceful competition among the politicians.
Rodolfo Talledo, Angeles City: Not really, because in most cases, what you hear from them are trash and lies that don’t have anything to do with the healthy practice of democracy.
Rene Poder, Manila: Bickering is a sign of a quick tongue propelled by a slow wit.
Bickering weakens our nation
Nony de Leon, Malolos City: Our incessant political bickering, provoked and abetted by media, is suicidal. It promotes distrust in our institutions, thus weakening governance. If this climate of distrust continues to worsen, the government could be so weakened it would be ripe for an extremist takeover.
Germi Sison, Cabanatuan City: Constant bickering is common among members of a collegial body, like Congress or the board of directors in an organization. Each and every member will have his own view and appreciation of a certain issue, but everyone will have the common goal of achieving success for all. Sometimes, when an issue is presented with no opposition, some members have to take the role of a devil’s advocate in order to assure that their stand is perfect. Hot discussion is usually attendant but at the end of the day, everybody will agree so they can work as a team. That is the sign of healthy democracy. But if they bicker constantly for their own personal glory to the extent of sacrificing the interest of the institution, this may result in the collapse of their common goal.
It’s a sign of immaturity
Leandro Tolentino, Batangas City: No, constant bickering are signs of immaturity. A healthy democracy doesn’t need bickering in its path but logical arguments on any disagreement.
Loi Castillo, Davao City: Bickering among politicians is a sign of ego-tripping and immaturity. They want to prove that they can beat their opponents in front of the voters.
M. Sunico, Caloocan City: Bickering has never been a sign of a healthy democracy. A constant discussion towards a resolution favorable to the majority is a healthy sign of democracy. Bickering is a sign of immaturity and lack of education among officials elected by simple-minded electorate lacking in common sense.
Joe Nacilla, Las Piñas City: The current political wheeling-and-dealing and backstabbing among politicians are both bizarre and absurd. Politicians somersaulting and jumping around clearly indicate that their lone consideration is winning. There is no platform for the national interest. Their constant bickering is a sign of immaturity. Engaging in personality politics reveals a bankruptcy of ideas.
Ella Arenas, Pangasinan: No, it is actually a sign of immaturity. It is not appropriate for a highly educated candidate aspiring for the highest government position to engage in mudslinging.
Ignacio Anacta, Metro Manila: The constant bickering between politicians in our poor country is a sign of immature candidates pushing their luck and expecting to win in order to make themselves and their families rich. Even if these politicians have noble intentions at first, most of them will end up corrupt, as shown by previous leaders since the Marcos era, except perhaps a few, like the late Cory. These bickerings are oftentimes embarrassing. Remember the recent Senate shame?
Bickering, yes, constant bickering, no
Ishmael Q. Calata, Parañaque City: It’s the adjective “constant” before bickering that makes our democracy unhealthy. At times, when there is a good reason for it, bickering may be a good sign that democracy is really alive and well. But when it is done for even the littlest reason and a politician behaves unreasonably and even childishly, it all turns into an exasperating absurdity and those who act that way only make a fool of themselves. Yes, in a democracy, say what you have in mind, but for goodness’ sake, say what you mean in a diplomatic way guided by proper decorum and under the strictest protocol.
The common good must prevail
Deo Durante, Camarines Sur: I don’t think so. Democracy provides freedom, including freedom of expression, but we have a corresponding obligation. If bickering reaches the extent of destroying one’s reputation, that’s where our right to express ourselves ends. In addition, if our politicians do not settle on one direction, they would not lead to the betterment of our people.
Desuel Pardo, Mandaluyong City: Constant bickering may be considered part of a healthy democracy, but the ideal meaning of a healthy democracy is the presentation of all pros and cons of an issue in order to come up with a resolution acceptable to the majority, with the minority giving up their contention so they could act as one. Discussions should always be objective.
Lucas Banzon Madamba II, USA: Constant bickering between politicians is not a sign of a healthy democracy. Politicians should unite and work hard for the good and benefit of national empowerment instead of issuing petty disagreements with one another. The important thing is that politicians, especially candidates, should make good on their Constitutional duties. They should still work hand in hand to ensure unity among the masses and therefore strive for greater heights and opportunities.
It’s crab mentality at work
C.B. Manalastas, Manila: It’s a crab mentality type of democracy. Kaya hindi umaasenso ang bayan natin ay dahil sa sobrang bangayan ng mga pulitiko.
Erwin Espinoza, Pangasinan: Constant bickering between politicians is not a sign of a healthy democracy. Talangka syndrome ito. Siraan to the max.
Dr. Gen Padilla, Valenzuela City: Constant bickering between politicians is a sign of personal interest and power struggle. In short, crab mentality.
Abelardo Abilay, Laguna: Campaign dialogues between politicians may somehow lead to ugly bickering, disagreements and arguments. But at the end of the day, the truth must always prevail. Bickering, if done with slander, is unacceptable and is no longer considered democratic. Democracy is about freedom to express one’s rights but we must all remember that the right of a person ends when another person’s right is stepped on. Democracy that ignores rights of other people is never healthy.
Reactions
Edwin Castillo, Tanauan City: To Carmen Pedrosa: Your April 24 column validates the observation that Noynoy is not fit to become president. Mas may topak yun mga pinipilit na manalo siya di naman karapat-dapat.
William Gonzaga, Marikina City: I strongly believe that The STAR columnist C. N. Pedrosa has arrogated herself the role of a certified Cory-basher and now an unabashed Noynoy demolition expert. I remember when President Cory was still alive, Pedrosa vehemently argued that Cory stopped saying her negative opinion against PGMA. Now, she’s on the warpath against Noynoy claiming he’s absolutely unworthy of the presidency. As I can recall, Pedrosa and her husband were the prime movers of Pirma which strongly campaigned for Charter change. The real beneficiary of said movement was to allow FVR run for reelection. Certainly, Cory was highly instrumental in scuttling Pirma’s objective for which Pedrosa has been badmouthing the late president as well as Noynoy lately.
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.
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