After the deadline of candidates’ registration set by the Commission on Election in the Philippines, Filipinos back home were not surprised to see the same usual smorgasbord of candidates that made our election, national or local, the most coveted event. For a while it gives the common tao something to talk, discuss and most of all, watch with gusto because it gives them the happiest moments in their lives, the most humorous “fiesta” in our government affairs, starring children or families of those in office already, criminals trying to cover-up their crimes through running for elective positions, comedians, movie actors and actresses, and any Tom, Dick and Harry who thinks he can be the messiah our people are waiting for to uplift their livelihood and give antidote for poverty and hunger.
We can say now that barber shops and pondahans in the barrios and remote barangays will be alive again. Years ago, I was amused listening to our folks in the barrio during their discussions. Most often than not this, led to fistfights and misunderstanding in defending their candidates or “manoks.” A candidate’s visit to the barrio was a most awaited event during which the folks can wear their old ramie or khaki pants to shake hands with the politicos trying to court them for their votes. At times, there was instant baptism in order to make the candidate a compadre, or a kasalan.
Ka Juan always said “Pag halalan tayo ang hari, kanya kailangan samantalahin na natin. Pag naupo na ang mga iyan, adios patawarin hindi na tayo makikilala.”
In the Philippines we have no shortage of candidates. What we do not have is a pool of thinkers or qualified ones. Iyong mga nag-aral para magsilbi hindi para mangurakot o magnakaw sa kabang-yaman ng ating bayan.
Years ago, during the time of then Senators Claro M. Recto or Eulogio Rodriguez, candidates running for offices were well respected; not only for their demeanors but also in having reliable degrees making them perfect candidates for office. Lawyers have the most appeal to the voters; followed by engineers, professors and holders of related professions which can be used in their search for elective positions.
We seldom heard about dynasties; families running for all the available elective positions in their towns; no bold stars or actors and actresses No children who cannot even interpret the Constitution; nor bold stars wanting to be called.”consejala, chairman or mayor.”
Recently we read the names of candidates forced by their parents in the government to run for office; the “kabits” or paramours of government officials; the wives, sons or mothers-in-law of some candidates. Even bold stars and beauticians. May panaderong nanalo dahil ang ibinabato sa mga tao habang nangangampanya ay pan de sal, hopia, ensaymada at empanada.
And that is what makes election back home a comedy. Kahit na sino gusting humabol. Isang senador na hindi maka-pag English para makipag-usap sa mga sugo ng ibang karatig na bansa ang nagsabing kakanta na lamang daw, o kaya si bold star ay kekembot na lang daw sa ballroom habang naruruon ang mga panauhin.
Senator Miriam Santiago made an expose of the fat allowances and community or development funds of our politicians; from senators, representatives, congressmen, governors, mayors down to barangay chairmen. No wonder the Philippines is a poor country and could hardly move forward. The coffers of the government are emptied already the moment the elected officials asked for their allowances and budgets, sans liquidations or paperwork. And that’s the reason why every time there is a calamity in the Philippines, government officials immediately make SOS overseas calls to Filipinos abroad for assistance.
It’s a shame, but in the real world, one among the causes of our poor economic developments for lack of budget is the government money siphoned to the officials in the forms of funds and allowances which literally become their pocket money.
This situation will continue to exist unless the Filipinos gather their acts together and refrain from being victims of these clowns. Do not vote for abnormal individuals, whose only qualifications to be elected are their
parents’ influence and their wealth.
This coming election, we have enough of the clowns to choose from. And in order to pick the best, simply shout and say “Send in the clowns.”
More on Pampanga’s Wonder Woman, Gov “Nanay” Baby Pineda
A reader from Pampanga called to say that Wonder Woman had devoted also her time on endorsing sampaguita culture, bamboo planting, carabao raising, goats distribution in the barrios and a focus in improving tourism projects for Pampanga.
We heard that Among Panlilio had filed his candidacy against Gov Lilia Pineda. From the grapevine, this last act of Among Panlilio totally banned his return to priesthood.
We remember Among Panlilio did not even endorse PDCC during his short-lived term as governor of Pampanga. I cannot address him as governor because he lost the recount of the government position.
Posted by 
You must be logged in to post a comment Login