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BY OSCAR CRUZ
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Integrity, competency, industry
THERE’S a saying that people is what makes a country or the country is what makes a people.
While there is some truth to both maxims, the fundamental reality as well as the practical truth nevertheless is that the ruling government is what makes a country and a people.
In other words, the triad of integrity, competence and industry of those in government is the down-to-earth reality of what builds a country, what animates a people. So it is that the contrary reality more concretely in term of corrupt, disabled and indolent government guarantees in more ways than one, a stagnant and pitiful country, a suffering and restless people.
So it is that graft and corrupt practices in government, incapable and inefficient governors, idle and indolent public officials unmake a country, bring about a discontented and even disgusted people. Take away integrity in government and there is anger and discontent among the people. Do away with competence in government and this brings about dissatisfaction and lamentation among the people. And so it is too that laziness, idleness, easy going in government alienate people, make them angry if not in fact urges them to rebel.
Now comes the well-publicized option that federalism is the answer to the one too many debacles of the Philippines, that a Constituent Assemble to change the Constitution of the country is thus the fast and ready option of the legislature, that the socio-economic development of the country is wherefore readily assured, and that the common good and public welfare if the Filipinos thus become certain and certified. To say it with a dreamy spirit, to point it out in dreamy words, a federalized Philippines is seen as the cure-all response to the misery and discontent of the Filipinos.
But some questions are certainly in order. Who are those in pursuit of federalism? Who are the politicians who will govern a federated Philippines? Who are those aspiring for political offices in the supposedly confederated country?
These are the pivotal questions – not really whether the Philippines is composed of federal states or not: It is not simply the form of government that matters but specially so the kind of politicians manning government – particularly in terms of their personal Integrity, competence and industry. In other words, while the form of government matters, those running the government matter much more.
No! This is certainly not asking for super honest competent plus super industrious political leaders in government. It is but saying that what are basically wanted and categorically needed are politicians who are honest, able and diligent individuals running the government.
When those in and behind the government are liars and cheats, unable or even disabled, lazy and easygoing public officials – even in a federated or confederated Philippines – the over-all eventual result is the same, viz., the Country basically remains in stagnancy and its people by and large remain in misery and discontent.
So it is that if the Philippines is what and where it is now, when millions of Filipinos precisely have to leave the Philippines behind in order to earn a living, to fund their family needs and the like, then it becomes quite evident that their country has not been in good governing hands – as very well exemplified by the immediately past one./PN
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