Opposition must reorganize

My friends the KNP lawyers’ – Avelino Cruz of ACCRA, Boy Brillantes, and Ed Escueta – advise FPJ and Loren Legarda to use the legal process and file their case at the electoral tribunal is the best thing they can do for the country. Public opinion clearly wants them to drop disruptive political rallies and just use the legal means to prove their allegations of massive cheating. As far as the majority are concerned, GMA is already the President unless proven otherwise. The Opposition must now reorganize themselves to become credible otherwise they will become irrelevant. While their electoral appeal is pending, the best thing for them to do is to give their "conditional cooperation" to the Arroyo Administration and move on.

GMA’s outline of her 10-point program of government, starting with the promise to create six million new jobs within six years is well and good. However, it is easier said than done. Many businessmen were concerned over her Robin Hood-like statements about getting from the rich and giving it to the poor. These are populist statements that must be qualified. First of all, business is what creates jobs. There are many businesses that religiously pay their taxes, which is one of the highest in Asia at 35 percent. The idea that she is going to be Robbing Hood somehow doesn’t sit well with the business community. Many would like to believe that GMA was actually referring to the idle rich with all their lands or the illegitimate rich who thrive on corruption, smuggling, drugs, and tax evasion.

By the end of her term, she expects to create an additional three million entrepreneurs from the middle class by giving them loans and helping them create businesses. This is definitely one of the most sensible things to do because the building of a larger tax base, aside from an efficient tax collection system, is the solution to the revenue problem.

To attract more business especially the funds that she claims to be offshore - she has to create a business-friendly atmosphere of stability and low corruption with minimal judicial intervention. Similar to what happened during the boom days of FVR, the majority of funds that came in were actually Filipino funds disguised as foreign investments. With the right kind of business atmosphere, that money will most definitely come back. As Alexander Pope once wrote, "Hope springs eternal…" and many Filipinos never tire of hoping. Those who have left and made a life abroad including those who have immigrated 20 years ago are still hoping that one day they will be able to return to a stable Philippines. Today there is that renewed hope with the majority of people ready to support GMA. Ad Majorem Populi Gloria, to paraphrase the Jesuit ideal from the old days at the Ateneo. Everyone will benefit from working for the greater glory of the people.

Heeding the public pulse, the Opposition’s main role is to make sure that she delivers on her programs, not to prevent her from doing so. Former Vice President Tito Guingona can play the role of the elder statesman of the Opposition while FPJ can be the symbol and Loren can be the voice of reason. They can make themselves relevant and offer their "critical collaboration".

The euphoria of the new Administration in contrast to the tempered hope of the people reminds us of the 1932 victory of Pres. Franklin D. Roosevelt and the song, "Happy Days Are Here Again". Its upbeat tempo and cheerful lyrics became symbolic of the country’s hope to rise above the "Great Depression." Similarly, the political bickering and divisiveness of the past three years have "greatly depressed" many of us. That is why people want to hear "glory days are here again" not for a few but for everybody.

For now, GMA supporters can sing "Glory, Glory, Hallelujah!" while her opponents can scream, "Glory, Glory, Go Away!" but ultimately GMA will have to be judged by the fulfillment of her promises in the coming years. At the end of the day, the only thing that matters is what she does because action speaks louder than words. Further sayeth none.

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The debate on Constitutional change must be immediately effected. Frank Drilon’s suggestion to postpone the debate and concentrate instead on the budget deficit is out of line. There is a growing suspicion that the Senate is merely trying to protect its turf. Another classic case of personal interest above what the country desperately needs to do at this time.

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