Raul T. Concepcion, chairman, Consumer and Oil Price Watch, and chairman and CEO, Concepcion Industries, Inc.: Never in the history of the republic have we Filipinos become so cynical of and helpless about our political system, which has been weakened by political patronage, grandstanding, rhetoric and bickering. We are now at a crucial turning point in our history as 16 years of martial law and 16 years of democracy have not improved the lives of majority of Filipinos. The surveys say it all: More Filipinos are leaving or want to leave our shores because of disenchantment with our brand of democracy.
I therefore would like to appeal to all our senators to live up to the expectations of the Filipino people. It is time to get their act together and enact legislation that will create jobs, improve living standards and make business and industry globally competitive.
Now that the administration has the majority in the Senate and the President has delivered her SONA, I am optimistic that the Senate will hear the clamor of the people to buckle down to work and set aside petty politics and self-serving agenda.
This is a wake-up call. Unless they buckle down to work NOW and live up to people’s expectations, the growing helplessness of the people will invariably lead to discontent, to an increase in poverty and unemployment, and to a standstill in both local and foreign investments.
The reason for this is that the next session of Congress in 2003 is not expected to be much productive, given that it is the year before the national elections, and some legislation will merely center on enhancing the popularity of the politicians as well as the popularity of political parties.
June Keithley, broadcast journalist: Heed the temper of the times and not underestimate the citizenry. So many basic needs need to be addressed and our people deserve better. They should remember they will be held accountable before God if they fail in their daily duty. Bayan muna!
Gianna R. Montinola, lawyer: I would like to see the senators put their personal differences and objectives aside and focus on what they were elected to do in the first place – to enact laws.
Former Senator Bobby Tañada: The people are already disenchanted and frustrated enough. The senators should roll up their sleeves and start working and serving the people.
Robert Aventajado, former adviser on Flagship Projects: We’re in a democratic system and these things really happen. It happened before and it’s happening again. Of course, I hope the senators would set aside their personal interests for the sake of our country. We cannot be like Iraq where Saddam Hussein is the only one who talks. But then again, I think we’re doing this a little bit too much.
Ricky Carandang, anchor, ANC News and president, Newsbreak Publishing Co.: History will judge whether in the end these people can rise beyond their petty concerns and finally do what’s right.
Gary Lising, comedian and author: After hearing the SONA of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, I think all of the senators should take a SONA bath!
Cheche Lazaro, producer/host, The Probe Team: Be examples worthy of emulation for our young people or be role models for the next generation of leaders.
Karen Davila, radio and TV anchor: Senators, start serving, stop politicking. It’s time to prioritize the pending bills like the TRANSCO franchise bill and absentee voting. When do we get to see real work? The problem is even our senators are out for 2004.
Anton R. Mendoza, interior designer: Their disrespect for the President and one another is a reflection of the way they were brought up by their mothers, therefore serving as bad examples to the youth. They are teaching the people how to disrespect authority and co-workers as well. Vanity is a luxury they cannot afford because they are playing with the lives of millions of Filipinos.