Viewpoints
The Political Community
By +Oscar V. Cruz, JCD
IN few and simple words, the political community is the composite of individuals called politicians precisely by practicing politics. The politicians, in turn, as commonly known and repeatedly said, are public officials meant for public service for the good and welfare of the general public. It then becomes an obvious contradiction when the political community is actually after its own advantages and benefits, precisely brought about by its tenure of authority and the power that goes therewith. So it is that when the political community has in fact become pro-self instead of being pro-people. Such is the cause of public dissent which can lead to social unrest.
The fact is that the above observations are not simply according to reason and wherefore enter but the realm of ethics. The truth is that same observations are founded on faith and therefore ascend to the order of morals. So is it that nothing less than the Social Doctrine of the Church (SDC) itself holds and affirms the following teachings – to cite but a few.
“The human person is the foundation and purpose of political life.” (SDC no. 384 a).
Man is the basis and finality of the political life and activity in a country. Just as politics is not for itself, so too, the political life is neither but for an ego-trip of politicians. Such would be a betrayal of politics and a curse to man.
“The political community originates from the nature of human persons.” (SDC no. 382 b).
Every human person has a body that needs food, shelter, and clothing, a mind that seeks formation, education, and work, and a spirit that has designs and aspirations. All these brought about politics/political community in society.
“The political community finds its authentic dimension in its reference to people.” (SGD no. 385).
How attended to and protected are the people? Do they live in justice and peace? Do they have development in their country? If the answers to these questions are in the negative, then the political community equals betrayal.
Let it be said that the above cited teachings of the Social Doctrine of the Church are but scholastic in nature or simply speculative in reach, it is enough to look at how politics is done in the Philippines, how politicians treat the Filipinos. No wonder then that the People of the Philippines by and large look down at Philippine politics and even hold in despise a good number of Philippine politicians.
Share your Comments or Reactions
Powered by Facebook Comments
