Abp. Oscar. V. Cruz, DD
Views and Points
PHILIPPINE Politics is curious and intriguing, interesting and entertaining—and particularly detestable as well as disgusting. Philippine politics is not simply for the vicious but also for the avaricious, not merely for those wanting to serve but the more so, for those wanting to be served much and well. Philippine politics is the origin of wonderful promises and as well as the cause of big disappointments productive of misery and poverty.
Philippine Politics is not simply the purveyor of hope but likewise the cause of despair. It is the jumping board of gross graft and corrupt practices instead of a response to the call of what is right, proper, and just. Philippine politics is anything but admirable even for those harboring optimism—if not hallucination. Would that it were otherwise. And would that following thoughts and impressions were but in the realm of fallacy:
It is a great business. While there are exceptions, most, however, enter the sphere of Philippine politics not really to render public service but to ascertain fast and fruitful self-service. This is precisely why it is very much worth making all the required capital investments in seeking elective public office whereas politics in the Philippine is a very profitable investment. Poor Filipino politicians are a rare breed. They are the picture of few small needles in a huge haystack.
It is a distinctly advantageous way of life. Philippine politics is not only a convenient and advantageous way of making a living. It is also a highly profitable means of livelihood. This is why it is primarily the wealthy who aspire for, who hold on and cling to political positions. They have many family interests to protect, a good number of clan concerns to promote. Politicians need only talk much and act well—and the beneficial returns are many and spectacular.
It is an addictive adventure. It is not true that the maxim “Once a boy scout, always a boy scout,” is an exclusive claim and principle of scouting. There is the living and vibrant reality that once a politician, always a politician. Otherwise, it would be hard to explain the so-called “political dynasties.” How true it is that Philippine politics is very addictive indeed. Husband and wife and kid, father and son and daughter etc. etc. all in politics—these are but few examples of the living proofs that politics is addictive.
Would that Filipino politicians think of and work for the country—not for themselves! Would that they dedicate themselves to the socio-economic development of the Philippines—not that of their family and clan! Would that Philippine politics be for the public welfare and the common good—not for dynastic well-being and progress!
The People of the Philippines can dream, can’t they?
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