The Philippines does not need a benign dictatorship in order to stabilize its growth, nor does it need an authoritarian-esque government in order to maintain political purity.
We have to be realistic on the situation at hand, and Ate Ging summarized the realities. Politicla corruption is already ingrained in the psyche of politicians, the processes of such isn't 'new' as many of us believe, rather it has been on play since the days of Spanish colonial control.
Who controlled the Philippines when we were still a military province in the Spanish Empire?
It was the Filipino aristocracy, the principales, the criollisimos, the gentry class. It was these so called gentry class that were once the regional lords, the Datus, the Rajas of the islands. In the spirit of strategic initiative, the Spaniards realized the regionalistic tendencies of the Filipino and realized the impossibility of totally controlling the Philippines (due to its geographical location) so therefore instead of wiping out the regional rajas, datus as what Spain did in its Empire in central and south america (as in killing the Emperors of the Incan Empire, Aztec Empire and with them, their heirs and royal courtiers). Spain decided to 'adopt' the regional lords of the Philippines and give them religious, political and military responsibilties that would grant them retention of their sovereign rule within the islands.
The Datus and Rajas, took advantage of this situation and acquiesced to the demands of Spain. By adopting the christian religion of the foreign Spaniards, and playing as the 'middleman' between the Royal Spanish Audencia and the Imperial beaurocracy; and the Filipino masses, the rajas and datus would be given power.
They were made gobernadorcillos (regional governors) and thus were the right hand men of the Gobernador General of the Philippine Colony. With the position of power, the former rajas, datus married into the Spaniards. The sons of the datus and rajas married Spanish women, or the daughters marrying Spanish men. As a byproduct, the Mestizo class (Criollisimos) were born.
It was these class members that constituted the Philippine Aristocracy, which lives to this day. An example of them are the Ayala family of the Philippines. Which are decendents of Spanish conquistadores, and were part of the Principales class.
Within this classed society, the people in power, the gobernadorcillos were corrupt to the core. Taking in bribes, etc, etc, as they themselves learned from the Spanish beurocracy that controlled them. They learned this early on during the 16th and 17th century when rich Filipino gobernadorcillos would bribe Spanish friars, politicians and military officers to send their children to be schooled in Nueva Espana (Mexico) or even Espana. Corruption was pragmatic and a reality within the empire, one of the reason for its downfall. It was too large of an enterprise and too loose in its control for it to last completely.
As you can see, political corruption stems back not only to the post independence period, or the Marcos period. It stems back to the colonial society. It is a product of Spanish-Filipino political enterprise. Passed down from those in power to the next generation. And it lasts to this day.
Who can change it?
The youth. The youth and those of the new generation that sees this reality, and wants change. They have yet to be indoctrinated into the corruption of politics. Their goals and aspirations are still pure. It is with the youth that change can come about.
It is imperative that the future polticians do not follow the nature of their predecessors. How can this be optimized?
By implementing anti-corruption laws and FOLLOWING these laws to the teeth. The Philippines, is the first republic in Asia, and a nation that has supreme potential in rocking the Asia-Pacific region. Our people are one of the most educated in Asia, and our nation's population and growth rate precedes others. This country has the potential to be a regional power, not only in terms of economics, politics, but military as well. If changes were made, within 4-5 decades from now, this country would easily be the leader of the ASEAN region. I guarantee it, that is IF anti-corruption laws are followed appropriately.
Why compare ourselves to little nations such as Singapore, Malaysia, etc. When EVEN now, in the current state we are in, our GNP is the 3rd largest in ASEAN. Our country, for a 3rd world nation, produces almost $500 Billion a year. Can you imagine when it isn't in such a paralysis?
Greatness, my friends, Greatness awaits our precious Philippine Fatherland.
With over 90 Million citizens, and growing, we would be able to exert our will and mandates in the region and the world. And our dependence on foreign powers would hopefully subside. I dream of a time, perhaps in my children or my grandchildren's time, that when nations speak the name of "The Philippines" they will tremble in fear. In respect and awe at the power of our country, and our growth.
And in my heart, I know this will be so.
Believe and it will be so.
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Topic: WHO SHOULD INITIATE THE CHANGE? (Read 1158 times)