TAKE A moment to recall the family names that have held national political power in this country over the past two decades. Do these names sound familiar? Cayetano, Lapid, Binay, Villar, Angara, and others. Over coffee at a mall, this became the topic of our afternoon discussion.
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“What are these families really after? Why are they so eager to stay in politics? Are they truly sincere in serving the people, or are they just there to serve their own interests? It seems exhausting, dealing with people constantly asking for financial assistance, medical services, and more,” remarked the robust businessman.
“Well, as you know, it’s rewarding to be a politician. Once you’ve had a taste of it, the money starts rolling in. Believe me, their goal is not to serve the Filipino people, but to line their own pockets,” said a disgruntled contractor.
“Look at our roads and highways. Every three years, they tear them up and pave them again. It’s because there’s money in it. We contractors are even forced to cut corners on materials because we have to pay a share to the politicians. Whether you believe it or not, that’s the reality,” the contractor added.
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“Why do senators keep running for re-election, even when they hardly do anything? Look at that one movie star who’s still in the Senate. He just stays quiet all the time. We’ve never seen him speak on television. Maybe he’s too busy eating chicharon,” the doctor chimed in.
“Well, you’ve got a point there, and the ones to blame are the Filipino voters who sell their votes. There wouldn’t be any buyers if there weren’t any sellers,” the teacher remarked.
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“That’s exactly why politicians prefer to keep the Filipino masses poor. This way, voters will continue to sell their votes to hungry candidates. So, who’s really at fault? The voters,” the businessman concluded.
“And now, we have the Duterte clan entering the scene. At least Digong delivered on his promise to crack down on the illegal drug trade, even eliminating some drug lords, as many believe. Now, politicians are worried that if Inday Sara becomes the country’s third female leader, she’ll mean serious business,” said the doctor.
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“They’re terrified of Sara because she’s sure to uncover all the corruption involving public funds. Sara is a fearless woman, and as a lawyer, she won’t be easily taken down. Politicians are scared of her,” added the contractor.
“I agree, kumpare. Now Digong is running for senator, and he’ll undoubtedly be an active voice in the Senate, likely becoming the male counterpart of the late Miriam Santiago. That’s why corrupt politicians fear the return of Duterte blood in this country’s political circus,” the doctor quipped.
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“I’m even shocked that the current president hasn’t made a strong stand against illegal drugs. Why? We barely see him on social media or TV acting like a true commander-in-chief. Why? People are starting to wonder,” added the teacher.
“Well, even on the local level, in cities and towns, husbands and wives take turns ruling their communities. It’s really sweet to be in politics, they say,” the doctor joked.
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“We shouldn’t expect to become an economic leader in Asia anytime soon. Instead, expect more political leaders to grow richer and more powerful. It’s a pity for those who are genuinely sincere in serving the nation — they’ll never get the chance to take over and turn this country into an economic powerhouse. Greed, and I mean GREED, is the name of the game. After a single three-year term in local politics, they want another six years, and then they jump to another position. It’s not service; it’s greed. That’s what we think, and many people think the same,” the doctor concluded, taking his final sip of cappuccino. /PN
