IT WAS an exciting afternoon. I got invited to a “coffee day” in a simple coffee shop. I could not say no.
I became a listening figure. My friends’ “pulutan” on the coffee table was political – to postpone the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections this December, or not.
***
A retired teacher started the ball rolling: “The country spending billions for the barangay elections is not an excuse for a postponement. We are losing more money from entrepreneurial barangay leaders.”
“I agree with you, amigo. No offense meant for saying the truth. Check the leadership in your barangay. Are they fit for professional and sincere leadership? Are they fit to really serve the people and not there for some personal interests?” asked the sportsman.
***
“I am not in favor of postponing the barangay elections. Although we are not sure if better kapitans and kagawads shall replace the unproductive ones, at the least we could see change in the barangay leadership. I am actually not in favor of this barangay system – it is a waste of people’s money. Let the mayors do the job. There was less corruption before the barangay system existed,” added the golfer.
***
“The problem with our country is the absence of professional qualifications in selecting those who will sit in the political chair. It is more difficult applying to be a security guard or driver (who are required to secure clearances from the National Bureau of Investigation, police, judiciary, etc.) than to be an elected government official. Politicos are merely required to know how to read and write and prove that they are residents of the place where they live. Wonder no more why this nation is inutile,” lamented the senior citizen.
***
While sipping his black coffee, the retired teacher said, “In our country no one has ever been convicted for corruption.
They all get away with it if they have good relations with the Ombudsman, as someone whispered to us long ago. So let us not complain about where we stand as a Republic. Even under the administration of Tatay Digong Duterte, corruption abound.”
***
“If only politicos would go for Charter Cchange and remove the barangay system…this is a better change for our country. But politicos look at the barangay system as a mechanism for political power,” the golfer stressed.
***
“In the recent election, Iloilo City retained its city mayor who is really a worker. Bacolod residents, on the other hand, sought a change in leadership,” the golfer pointed out.
***
“You know, if you stay too long you have no more productive ideas to contribute. You will have different motives already,” said the senior citizen.
“Yes my friend, you are right. Maubosan ka na nang pag-iisip for your constituents. So there must be change,”, said the golfer.
***
In politics, change is constant. The wheels of change and progress must continue to roll for a better community./PN
