Lessons from the past

 A decade ago on October 24, a text circulated to about 20 recipients resulted in what became known as the Citizens for Judicial Independence. The loose network organized in Cebu was against the impeachment of then-chief justice Hilario G. Davide, Jr. and the not-so-subtle attempt to dominate one branch of government by another.

Three nights later a Mass was celebrated at the Redemptorist church. About seven thousand people joined. From there the faithful proceeded to Fuente Osmena to do a Jericho march - seven rounds along its circumferential road in imitation of the dramatic manner in which the Israelites overran the ancient city.

The advocates felt that the fire ignited must be kept burning. Other activities followed. Modules were developed to provide education on the issue particularly among the urban poor. Statements to media were released.

A vehicle caravan - at least a hundred - was hastily organized with many motorists honking their horns in solidarity even as riders made noise to express their displeasure. A live television debate was even held at ABS-CBN Cebu.

Finally a huge rally - estimates run from 80 to 100 thousand Cebuanos - was organized at Fuente Osmena with no less than former President Cory Aquino in attendance.  Meanwhile a signature campaign was undertaken with media and a text brigade providing support. A hundred thousand signatures were gathered. Momentum was building. Photocopies of the signatures were sent to both houses of congress as well as to President Arroyo.

Other provinces were about to start their signature campaign when, on November 11,   lawmakers by a vote of 115 to 77 supported a Supreme Court ruling that the impeachment of the chief justice was unlawful.

Perhaps the coming elections of 2004 reminded many congressional candidates that their political future hung in the balance if they go against the will of the people. The voice of the people had prevailed.

Last Monday August 26 people once more took to the streets calling for the abolition of the pork barrel.  This system of patronage has been the same dog with the different collars of CDF and PDAF. This is the source of much corruption and many evils in the country. Despite the billions poured into it, the fund has failed to bring about development in the countryside. Many rural folks flock to urban areas to find themselves without work, shelter, and other necessities of life. More children, even families, roam our streets.

The fund also gives the executive branch an edge in shoving down its legislative and other agenda. How else did the RH bill get passed?

Yet what do we do with the enormous financial resources meant for development? Why not take away the pork barrel from lawmakers so they concentrate on legislation and put the resources under the budget of appropriate departments and line agencies? After all these departments and line agencies have offices in every province, city, and municipality. Would not this system enable easier monitoring of the flow and usage of public funds since it is easier to discipline the officials from the executive department and line agencies than senators and congressman who hold the power of the purse? Why not appoint honest, competent and patriotic individuals to head these agencies and further strengthen the COA?

This is the system followed in Singapore, Taiwan, France, and the UK.

Yet this system requires citizen participation, from multi-sectoral watchdogs to needs and project identification with budgeting and monitoring on the grassroots level. Why not shift to participatory budgeting through "Bottom-Up Budgeting" requiring grassroots assemblies, as pointed out by noted economist Cielito Habito?

In short, are we ready to roll up our sleeves and really get involved - for the long haul? Can we prepare for the 2016 elections so that more competent, honest, and patriotic servant-leaders can get elected?