Reforming “colors” in politics
Jose Ceralde
14 Feb 2010
Most Philippine political analysts have the answer to dogs with different colors or different collars, which is strengthening of our political institutions and structures.
But as several political leaders, presidents, had found out the entrenched oligarchs’ were harder to change. Although early on in their presidency they had tried and introduced baby steps and changes only to find out they were “out gunned, out moneyed, and out lasted” (quoted from oligarch opposed to Marcos right after martial law) to the seasoned political handlers of the powerful.
The booty capitalism that these guys practice is well tuned. Cronyism and patronage are all manifested in the color of the collars or the shirts these guys wore now in their campaigns. Follow the trail where these guys get their cash for the campaign.
We should start the initial step in election reform by monitoring the cash these guys spend during this carnival season. Since the country does not have limits to election spending, you think we should now hand it to the billionaire Villar? It is like handing the presidency to Bill Gates, is it not?
During the king days of one of our district politicians, he tried to pass election financial reform but failed because limiting private spending give the moneyed handlers the pick of who becomes king.
To sustain the reform, we should make these guys wear those color shirts to include the moneyed rich behind the chosen color after their appointed pick are elected so we know exactly who to talk to or deal with. That would cut the red tapes since as they say in business, cash is velocity and red tape is a roadblock to slow down profit taking.
In mature political countries at least the political parties supporters are out in the open with their political party.
Or should the reform be in minimizing the collars or colors? One that is still debatable in the pro and cons of multi-party system.
Political reform is the root and key to change in building stronger institution. The elite families should be part of the change because just as our district politician has found out you could always be asked to turn in your colored shirt or collar.
Just follow Lacson from senator to fugitive. Did he just lost his orange shirt? These guys should have made the changes when they were up flying with the Eagles.
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