After the election dust settles

Every three years, our people’s expectations are raised to the skies. The regular elections have always brought some level of hope to a country that is confronted with challenges and problems that hinder our growth and full development.

For an instant, we felt empowered that somehow, our fate is determined by our collective decision as voters. For a moment, we believed that our constitutional right to elect leaders would pave the way to our country’s progress towards joining the world’s respected and progressive nations.

But the truth is, elections, even if we’re able to select the ideal political leaders, could hardly be the proverbial panacea that will cure all the illnesses that afflict the “sick man of Asia.” It takes much more to end our travails, and requires more if we are to end the vicious cycle of poverty and continuous backwardness.

Long term solutions needed

There are no short-cuts to nation building. Instead, there are pitfalls and blind spots that would confuse us. Elections are one of them. Though not deliberate nor by design, these exercises can create false hopes. A mirage in the desert. A quick rush of adrenalin that would fizzle fast and fail to sustain a prolonged quest for economic emancipation and freedom from social degradation.

We must put all available talents, hands and resources on deck to strategically set up a vibrant inclusive economy. Legislated incentives, and possibly disincentives too, must be introduced by our economic planners, independent from the patrons and benefactors that bank-rolled the candidacies of many victorious political leaders.

Top of the list is a road map that would substantially lower the cost of electricity so that our manufacturers can decrease their production expenses and be more competitive versus their global rivals. The Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (EPIRA Law) has not plugged the loopholes in the uncompetitive environment which was supposed to be resolved by this two-decade-old legislation. Will the new members of Congress have the courage to overhaul the power generation and distribution systems towards a truly competitive regime that would make our electric bills more welcome and not a burden to our manufacturers and households?

Another game changing decision is modernizing Philippine agriculture. Fully link the market to the producers. Apply technology, expand the areas benefitting from efficient irrigation systems and provide enough infrastructure for post-harvest facilities and robust logistics such as cold storages and more inter-island connections. Have we made our agriculture a means to systematically enrich our farmers and also achieve our much-coveted national food security aspirations? End the further impoverishment ofthe more than 11 million farm workers in the countryside. Right now, the light at the end of our agricultural tunnel flickers dimly. We must also evaluate whether or not our Comprehensive Agricultural Reform Law (CARL) is weak or effective enough to improve the lives of our farmers while at the same time increase productivity.

So, will the new members of Congress deliver the needed blow that will indeed destroy the so-called shackles that enchained our agricultural sector?

Time to improve our organic law

To secure the legal framework that will ensure continuity of the reforms that we shall undertake as a country, we must support the reshaping of our political landscape, where the best shall be given the chance to govern. Where talents and competence shall be accorded the premium for winning. Where integrity to stand against corruption is paramount. And leadership will be the main factor for a seat in government, both in elective and appointive positions.

The current political system has not delivered the results. Why stick to it? Common sense dictates that we must move on with a different platform because the old carriage stalled. Let’s debate and decide on the merits and advantages of a parliamentary system, federal form of government, two-party system or whatever is necessary, but not the present because of its clear failure. Statistics on poverty, criminality, even mediocrity stare us in the face as evidence of the anathema of our old ways of governance.

We must also amend the restrictive economic provisions of our Constitution and catapult the country to the current century of global competition and integration. Investors must be bestowed with the same privilege and protection that our neighbors have accorded to them with respect to equity shares and land ownership.

Lastly, we must immediately address and resolve the issue on informal settlers. More than 40 percent of urban residents are in the slums and other vulnerable communities. Nationwide, we have more than 4.5 million Filipinos struggling inside the informal settlements in sub-human conditions. These areas are prone to breed criminality, cause health and tourism concerns and other social issues.

Delayed impact of solutions

Our dilemma: the stark reality that the effects and outcomes of such solutions will only be felt way beyond the three-year cycle of our electoral arena. Thus, the political cost that a genuine patriotic leader will carry is high. Meaning, difficult and unpopular decisions will have to be done even at the expense of short-term political gains.

Elections are essential in our democracy. But these must be augmented by structural reforms in our economy, governance and the Constitution. Otherwise, elections are mere festive activities that will just pass by.

*      *      *

Email: [email protected]