2005: Toward a Strong Republic?

The 9-intensity magnitude seaquake that hit South East Asia - the fifth strongest tectonic disturbance _ certainly is the biggest jolt on earth since 1899. It was only second to the 1964 9.2-intensity magnitude earthquake that jolted Prince William Sound in Alaska. The seaquake off the island of Sumatra the day after Christmas was so strong that scientists discovered that it made the Earth’s spin wobble. Scientists say the violent slipping of geologic plates created a huge bulge on the sea bottom, causing billions of tons of water to move at a dizzying speed of 500 mph, devastating coastlines as far as Africa. Aside from Indonesia, this arc of destruction has affected Thailand, Malaysia, Myanmar, India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Somalia. Indonesian Authorities say the death toll in their country alone could reach 25,000. In 1976, the Philippines also experienced an earthquake in Mindanao that caused tidal waves, leaving 8,000 people dead.

In 1883, an eruption of Krakatoa in Indonesia resulted in massive sea waves that killed 36,000 people and destroyed two-thirds of the island. This latest tsunami is the deadliest devastation that has hit the world in recent times as disaster authorities and multilateral agencies conservatively estimate the death toll to reach more than 100,000 or more within the week. As expected, the Royal Thai Navy’s aircraft carrier is searching the area of devastation way to help victims and to provide free transport and relief to tourists. Aside from the death toll rising, the UN and Red Cross are also concerned at the possibility of malaria and cholera outbreaks, as well as other epidemics because of decaying corpses, polluted drinking water and insufficient sanitation and health services. The United States, with its massive resources, and the United Nations are expected to play a decisive role in alleviating the plight of the victims and in rehabilitating the affected areas. Certainly, this catastrophe of apocalyptic proportions is unimaginable in our lifetime because we only hear about this in the Bible and in other half-forgotten myths and legends.

No matter what, the tsunami will reach us economically. Obviously, that devastation will have its ripple effect on the Philippines. The indications are already there because the currencies of Indonesia, Thailand, and other affected countries are beginning to weaken substantially. Affected countries have estimated the damage to life and property to reach in the hundreds of billions of dollars. It would take the region years to recover from this setback. Now, more than at any other time, we will be needing a lot of political will to solve our problems in this country. The recent environmental catastrophes caused by indiscriminate logging in Aurora and Quezon requires purpose-driven political will. The same goes for our fiscal and economic situations. In other words, we really have to be strong in terms of will and institutions in order to gird ourselves for whatever catastrophe occurs next year whether it be natural or unnatural.

The recent decision of GMA and the government in taking over the NAIA3 airport is one of the best examples of what resolute political will is all about. This is the kind of no-nonsense decisive action that we need more of. This air terminal has been nakatiwangwang for every foreigner, tourist, and balikbayan to gape at as a monument of Philippine corruption at its finest. This idle white elephant’s air-conditioning system and security X-ray equipment have been deteriorating since 2002. The cost to the country is much more enormous than the air terminal price itself because of the adverse ripple effect that has stigmatized our reputation among the international community. The most urgent step now is for the government to put it to use and have its lawyers negotiate a reasonably good compromise agreement with the proponents of PIATCO and Fraport. The government must be firm but fair in its negotiations. The plain fact about NAIA3 is that now the Strong Republic can negotiate from a position of strength and not from weakness. This is what government is all about in the first place. These kinds of decisive actions from GMA will give us more hope if we are have to have a better year ahead. Despite our being in the economic doldrums, for so long as the signals are strong that we are showing political will to solve our overwhelming problems then people will have hope and more confidence.

Simply put, this is what the people, especially the businessmen, are looking and waiting for. GMA should know by now that problems cannot be solved by trying to please and appease every political debtor. Like Thatcher and JFK before her, she has to show "more courage and less profile." Unquestionably, those are the prime ingredients for a Strong Republic. By a strong republic, we mean strengthened institutions that work for the public good. Needless to say, the Executive Branch must be able to implement the will of the majority.

This new year, if people can see that the President makes hard and unpopular short-term decisions that are implemented for our long-term good, then they will realize that we are on our way to building that Strong Republic. If the President enforced it with PIATCO, she can make the other fractious sectors toe the line with the use of a velvet-lined mailed fist. After this phase, she should cut divisive political partisanship to the barest minimum. For one thing, if GMA does the right things people will support her. Only strong, unpopular and firm decisions, and standing pat will set the foundation stones for a Strong Republic. If we see more decisive actions and less accommodations this new year, then we can truly wish ourselves a hopeful new year.

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