Old vs. New Politics

"Politics" is really a wholesome and decent term. To be sure, it is essentially the art or science of good government, the application of the skills and knowledge in running the affairs of the State. In the early years of this Republic, many Filipinos were attracted and interested in politics because it was associated with sincere and dedicated public service. Young though I was then, I got interested in our elections because of the breed of politicians running for public office. To me they were real heroes rather than mere celebrities. Even if they already excelled in their chosen fields and careers that evidently rendered them fit for public service, they did not actively seek the various public offices up for grabs in the election. Most if not all of them believed that it is the position that seeks the man and not the man who seeks the position".

Something happened to our politics between then and now. The more decent, qualified, dedicated and well meaning Filipinos seem to avoid it now like a dirty and contagious disease. Just look at all those presently running for public office and you will see what I mean. I could not single out any one of them, especially the senatorial wannabes, who has constantly adhered to his or her principles or who belongs to the same breed of politicians of yore. Whether they belong to "Team Unity" or "Grand Coalition" ticket, one cannot see that brand of principled politics written on their faces. With a few rare exceptions especially among the more idealistic, younger candidates who have displayed exceptional "loyalty" (not necessarily to God and country), the others look like accomplished acrobats who have mastered the art of somersaulting from one side of the fence to the other.

In grade school, there used to be a subject called "Civics". It was a subject where the young ones learned how to be concerned and vigilant about the current events affecting our society, particularly on government matters and on their rights and obligations as good citizens. Civics indeed inculcated in the children of tender ages that community spirit and other centeredness. Hence, they grew up to be responsible citizens actively and positively participating and showing lots of interest in politics, especially in the elections of public officials. They tried to find out and examine the platforms of the contending political parties under which the candidates for public office are running. Aside from the character and qualifications of the candidates, they usually based their choices on party platforms and principles. The candidates of the party with the better platforms and programs for the country usually got the voters’ nod. In addition, the voters then were vigilant enough to ensure that their votes were accurate reflections of their decisions. This kind of electorate’s interest and active participation somehow made politics at that time genuinely invigorating and beneficial to the country.

At present and for the past several elections however, the quality of our electorate has undoubtedly deteriorated. They do not care to learn about the issues and the platforms or programs of government of the candidates and the political parties participating in the election. An alarmingly increasing number especially coming from the more knowledgeable middle class do not participate in the elections anymore. Because of this apathy and indifference, the larger remaining portion of the electorate consists of citizens who are ignorant of the real election issues and the causes espoused by candidates. Under the existing political milieu therefore, so many candidates are running because of their winnability rather than their ability. Thus, political parties are now more concerned about how their candidates can deliver the most number of votes rather than on how they can inform the people of their platforms and programs of government. Our politics now revolve around personalities rather than issues.

A revival of the kind of subject like "Civics" in our grade school may help a lot. More importantly however, our political parties should revert to the old political milieu that had been more beneficial to our country. These parties should once more concentrate on voter education about the current political issues and present to the electorate their platform and programs.

In the coming elections, a new party dared to do just that. It decided to participate in an election despite lack of money, machinery and enough exposure. But it is a breath of fresh air in our polluted politics because it is embarking on an intensive voter education aside from its platform that presents real alternative to the platforms of the existing dominant political parties. While the existing parties’ platforms contain general declarations and motherhood statement, this new party on the block, known as "Ang Kapatiran" presents to the electorate programs, tackling real gut issues that are pro-life and pro-family like creation of a gunless society and its staunch anti-abortion and anti-divorce advocacy. In fact, it is the only party anchored on the gospel values of Christ and requires all its members to adhere to its platform. Ang Kapatiran therefore deserves a long hard second look this coming elections.

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E-mail at: [email protected] or jose@sison ph.com