The Values of Our Politicians

This is a commentary to the articles written by Mr. Artemio V. Panganiban and Mr. Isagani A. Cruz for the February 25, 2007 issue of The Philippine Daily Inquirer

Convenient turncoatism; that is how our politicians switching sides is being referred to. One of the main issues in the coming May 10, 2007 elections is the changing of the political affiliations of most of the senatorial candidates. Mr. Cruz cited as examples were Edgardo Angara, Vicente Sotto III and Tessie Aquino-Oreta. The three were formerly associated with the opposition lead by Joseph Estrada, but are now running under the banner of Team Unity, the administration’s senatorial slate.

Is this political disloyalty? Experts say that the line-up presented by the administration made them weak because of the presence of what the public calls balimbing.
But do we really care? For years, the people have not really cared about the moral implications of who they are voting. I do believe that who we choose as leaders reflect the moral values we have in our country; because, those we place into position become our representatives. They become the icons with which other countries look at us. They are the images that carry our countries reputation. Therefore, they affect the prospects and economic ventures of our country. If it is so hard to trust our own politicians, how can you expect foreign investors to trust us even?

Moreover, the constant bickering between our political leaders and our tendency to carry every issue out into the streets scare away possible opportunities for economic expansion. We, the people and the leaders alike, disrespect the institutions in our country. Whenever nobody is keeping an eye on us, we tend to disobey our laws. Then whenever something bad happens we blame it on our laws and institutions; totally forgetting the fact that we also played a part in allowing that something bad to happen. The rampancy of graft and corruption cases in our country is a great clue. The high rate of road accidents, also serves the same. I will quote the words of Mr. Panganiban: “Our problem is the lack of visionary leaders who – by their own example – obey our laws, respect our institutions and place the public interest of the public above theirs.” Given that our leaders serve as icons, what do you think do other countries think of us, given that we lack leaders as such?

Allow me to leave out the issues regarding the inefficiency of our government due to the corruption and abuse of power done by everyone in position; it will never lead us unto anything, and aren’t we too tired to hear about it? Furthermore, do not make me talk about our political instability that hampers our economic growth, because we are immune to it already.
We are a nation grown tired of watching. The common notion nowadays is to vote for the lesser evil. We look at the harms; we choose the one who can harm us the least. Can’t we look at the other side of this all? Can’t we vote for the better good? Can’t we choose the one who can provide and serve the country the most?

We are a nation grown tired of caring. We focus only on our self-centered whim, which is good based on the principle of the invisible hand: “Let each pursue what is good for him alone and the common good shall follow.” However, aren’t we forgetting one thing? That as a nation we all should be moving forward together? Isn’t it that in our pursuit for personal fulfillment we tend to look down and step on others? That we leave others behind; or worse, we prevent them from pursuing their own happiness?