A different kind of potpourri
By Rolo B. Cena
Pulp Bits

A quick look at the political and economic arena of the country today would reveal that the Philippines has still without a stable government. Actions attempting to avert stability were carried out in the guise of bombings and unwanted salvaging by the authorities and liquidation by terrorists.

The disputed Glorietta blast and the recent Batasan Hills bombing are among those listed in the contemporary records.

The administration claimed we are stable now and that it’s the opposition that is making raffles and waves of instability within and among ourselves.

The Philippine economy, according to PGMA registered impressive growth rates since she assumed power; banking industry begun to lend in controlled penal rates; business process outsourcing (BPO) companies flourished; political and social conflicts resolved.

Just last week prices of oil and its by-products increased thus consequently increasing the basic commodities. Transport fares would soon increase if their requests are not attended to favorably by the administration.

In March this year, an ex-marine officer hostaged several people in Taguig Courtoom that resulted to his untimely demise. The drama was due to land dispute that was preceded by economic starvation.

Time again, “the call to resign” from “nationalists” becomes the by-word in the Philippine politics; a threat our political leaders has to resolve. Secretary Remonde belittled such act though and instead called on people to support the administration’s economic program.

If you may recall, the leftists during the Marcos Era did call for the great dictator to resign; reason why martial law was declared. Another concerned group called for Cory Aquino to resign, several months after she assumed power brought about by the popular People Power in 1986. Ramos was threatened by the same move; Erap fell prey to the same fate although later he was removed by “constitutional process.”

History would time and again repeat itself. Whoever sits in the dirt-controlled Pasig Palace, the same call, the same oil-price-controlled price increases of commodities, the same power grabbing and electoral problems, and the same termination of lives of the innocents would always surface.

Obviously, we are not improving; we are not moving forward. What a pity, Philippines?

Under the democratic principle we moved flawlessly after EDSA 1; under the same democratic principles we are divided by our own demonized activities.

Time and again, we will move in the same old-fashioned techniques. Sadly though, these techniques have become our passion of making Philippine politics and economy a trial-and-error affair.

Arguably, we always prepare a concoction of economy and politics to make a different kind of potpourri.

What a waste of time and money?

Published, Dumaguete Sunstar, 19 November 2007