Thursday, July 14, 2005

Change in form of government won't solve our Gloria problem

Ninez makes a good point:

Already, even before the proposal took off, there are already claims of just what changes will be coming about, such as the shift in form of government on grounds that this new system will usher in political stability as the Edsa-types changes of government would be a thing of the past as a no- confidence vote will immediately effect a change in government peacefully.

What a hoary tale. It doesn't matter what form of government is in place. People who are disgusted with their government will move to change that government in the way they believe upholds their sovereign will — especially when their representatives and their officials aren't listening to the people's voices.

Just look at the Eastern European countries that operate under a parliamentary system whose people have moved, in people power fashion, to remove their leaders from office.

Besides, just who are likely to become our parliamentarians under a new Charter if not the same prostituted members of the new Congress.

Say a scandal has erupted and the government in power, in control of parliament, should theoretically be voted out on a no-confidence vote from the majority in parliament. Would this likely occur in the Philippine political context considering the fact that even as Gloria Arroyo is now mired in the biggest political scandal of having stolen the sovereign will of the Filipino people, just what are the administration congressmen — the future members of the new parliament — doing and saying? Are they even listening to their constituents?

No such thing. They even go into a staunch defense of Gloria and her administration, and even brag that an impeachment of Gloria is going to be quickly dismissed.

And here's another reason why not to do Cha Cha with FVR/GMA:

Already, it is being admitted that we have a serious fiscal, economic and debt problem and yet here they are, talking about another expensive round of elections, a federal form that will definitely bring about more taxes, as there would have to be a state government and a federal government, both of which will have to survive on taxes. So where will they get the funds? And that's just a tiny fraction of the problem.

And in the meantime, as the new Charter is being drafted, what is expected to happen with Gloria still there in MalacaƱang? Will the problems suddenly evaporate? Will the protest and resign movements suddenly die? Will Congress continue to stonewall the many probes of the Gloria scandals?

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