'A man first belongs to the people before he belongs to his own party'

We have too many political parties in this country it has become quite irritating. The political platforms seem to be the same – having one idea but interpreted in many different ways.

A party must hold an ideal. They must stand together united as one. Usually, members of a party agree on their stand but even if they disagree in some aspects, they must still hold a common ground. Only if they disagree with too many issues, must they decide to leave. In this country, many of our politicians do not agree with one another. They have too much conceit and pride. Personal interest has gotten in the way of public service. There is too much need for self-gratification, we have lost the spirit of nationhood and so, new parties are formed left and right. To date, there are 16 major political parties and 30 minor ones which include regional parties and the party list organizations in the Philippines. That’s a world record!

With too many parties in this small archipelago, ‘energies’ become wasted. How can parties hold a strong ground? As it is, they need to form coalitions in order to gain power and strength. We have witnessed too many marriages and separations in party groups. Yes, it has become a game of tug-of-war. And it is a never-ending story.

I hope we get out of this phase in our history. Instead of fooling the Filipinos and confusing us – our statesmen should bring back the two-party system. We need to improve the ideologies of the parties. We need a better understanding and enumeration of the party platforms so we can choose our candidates wisely not based on personality but ideology.

Today, we can see that our political parties are essentially non-ideological vehicles for personal and factional political ambition. Since most candidates come from wealthy families, their parties do not tackle the fundamental problems of the nation. Instead they tend to work on issues related to the preservation of private interests.

In times of question and uncertainty, it is necessary that we pause in earnest and serious reflection. We do not put in doubt the sincerity of any Filipino. But we must think in terms, not of individuals, but of nation. A nation is such because it has a common destiny, a solidarity of interests and aspirations, tradition and ideals that are the bottom-rock of its existence — a soul. Without such unifying principle, without such traditions and ideals that unite the past with the present, a people is but an aggregate of individuals who live for the day and are guided by their particular interests and convenience. That is not the status of our people, for our nationalism, is firmly welded by the epic struggles and sacrifices of our ancestors, and it has been consecrated by their patriotism and their ideals.

My grandfather, the late Benito Tagorda Soliven, was an Assemblyman of Sto. Domingo, Ilocos Sur (in 1920 – 1940). He walked with great men of his time, President Manuel Quezon, President Sergio Osmeña Sr., and Senator Claro M. Recto. He even won over Elpidio Quirino in 1938, who was then a political rival in Ilocos Sur and who later became President.

Former Vice President Teofisto Guingona wrote in his book The Gallant Filipino, “Benito Soliven served with grace in the National Assembly – consistently voted valedictorian in the number and quality of bills he authored. He sponsored the grant of land in Basilan to the University of the Philippines which became a rich source of income and training for that institution. He espoused the act imposing national defense. He batted for social bills which provided wage and medical benefits to labor – and he pursued legislation with vigor – rising to defend rights, speaking to promote truth, to denounce wrongs.”

A very significant part of his political life reminds us how statesmen should behave especially when the going gets tough, in times of defeat. As Guingona in his book continues to write, “Soliven was a member of the Nationalista Party. Manuel L. Quezon was his leader. And in a bid to consolidate more power, Quezon and the party adopted a stand to support block voting in the next elections. Since this would ensure greater victory for re-election – most if not all members of the party gladly supported block voting. Not Benito Soliven. He could have kept silent. He did not. He could have played ball. He did not –because he sincerely believed that block voting was wrong. It was for democracy, wrong for value formation, wrong for the opposition. He stood against it… In a farewell speech to politics delivered in Vigan in September 1941, he said, I hold no regrets for the fight I fought, no rancor against those who stood against me, and no remorse for having defied my own party on this vital issue – for a disciplined party man reserves to himself the right to differ from the majority when that decision conflicts with the paramount interest of the nation. A man first belongs to the people before he belongs to his own party.”

Men like him are worthy of our admiration. The country may always rely on them in moments of needs, in times of great emergencies, for they would fight to the death with devotion and true heroism.

My grandfather who died after the Death March, like others in the field of battle, could have avoided death, and he could have waited to enjoy the benefits of peace. That he had ambition and unusual ability had been demonstrated by his rapid rise to fame. He was one of the foremost national figures at an age when other men were just beginning to get their bearings in life. But he preferred to sacrifice his life, his love, his family, his future, entirely and absolutely, without reservations, for his beloved country.

May the youth of our land be like him willing to consecrate their lives to the cause of their country. May they ever look up to the shining example of patriotism and unselfishness of this man, a model of honor.

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My family is forever grateful for the honor bestowed on my grandfather the late Hon. Benito T. Soliven by the University of the Philippines College of Law. We thank UP President, Dr. Emerlinda Roman, the UP Regents, Chancellors, the Dean of the College of Law Marivic Leonen and Associate Dean Patricia Daway for naming a seminar room, Benito T. Soliven in recognition of his laudable fight to ensure that everybody in this country, regardless of economic status gets quality education. An inauguration and blessing is scheduled on November 18, 2009 at the UP College of Law.