TRADITIONAL politicians who pretend to care for the people to perpetuate themselves in power are said to be “Machiavellian,” their “goodness” stemming from selfish motives.
The late President Ferdinand Marcos, in declaring martial law in 1972 “to reform society and create a New Republic,” could have been influenced by Niccolo Machiavelli.
“Machiavellian” is the adjective derived from the name of a gentle 16th century diplomat from Florence, Italy. Niccolo Machiavelli authored the book The Prince (1513), which is still a favorite among power players.
We know a Filipino leader today who does not hesitate to use cruelty, deception and dishonesty to perpetuate himself in power.
As the May 13, 2019 Philippine elections draw near, we realize that we are surrounded by politicians who promise us free education, livelihood, empowerment and even happiness. Well, even nonagenarian Juan Ponce Enrile has been saying “Gusto ko happy ka,” no doubt without meaning it.
Machiavelli, however, had never intended The Prince to be “the text book” of politicians who thrive on the perception that “might makes right.” On the contrary, he had intended it to be read by only one person, Medici, the ruler of Florence whose passion was to unite Italians and restore their ancient glory.
Based on the conditions in Italy in his time, Machiavelli wanted Medici to do away with conscience in railroading himself to the peak of power.
But Medici, a devout Christian, not only turned him down but also condemned and imprisoned him as “spokesman for the Devil.”
Strangely, it was not until the 19th century that Machiavelli’s principles “ripened” as basis for a new school of political thinking with global impact.
One of the jokes whispered during the martial law years was that Marcos was a reincarnation of the abusive King Luis XVI who inherited the throne of France in 1776.
And for collecting 3,000 pair of shoes, First Lady Imelda was likened to the king’s wife, Marie Antoinette, who had accumulated 3,000 pieces of garments by the time the king lost his crown in the Fall of Bastille in 1789.
Machiavelli stressed in The Prince that the rulers who had succeeded were those who could cow the multitude into quiet obedience.
The Philippines, ironically the only Christian nation in Asia, has repeatedly been governed by Machiavellian rulers who would “serve the people” to achieve their ambition. The candidate who wishes to replace an incumbent official prefabricates dirty linen against the latter.
One recalls an epochal event in history: the mad scramble for leadership of the revolutionary movement pitting Andres Bonifacio and Emilio Aguinaldo in the 1890s. The power struggle ended with the sudden death of Bonifacio in the hands of Aguinaldo’s men in 1897. Thus, Aguinaldo moved on to become first president of the Philippine Republic in 1897. He never admitted having committed the crime.
Politicians struggle to be elected on the pretext of public service to the extent of spending more than what they would earn from wages. Any perceptive voter would decipher their true motive. Since their expected earnings would not suffice to break even, they would have to deal under the table with contractors and suppliers for a share of the projects funded by their “pork barrel.”
While promising to elevate the well-being of their constituents, most political leaders nurture personal aggrandizement, not their constituents’ welfare, in mind.
Alas, we conveniently forget that by voting for them, we abandon our advocacy of goodness over evil as we ourselves become second party to their treachery. (hvego31@gmail.com/PN)
as an academician and lawyer, I am privy to how the youth can make a whole lot of difference come election time. they still hold on to their values and moral rectitude that would point them to candidates with integrity, honesty and character! if the media, especially the newspapers would regularly write about elections as our potent weapon in thwarting candidates devoid of genuinely representing their constituents but rather use politics as the fastest way of enriching themselves, then, I am confident that the youth of voting age would be motivated to exercise their right to vote and elect candidates whose only purpose is public service! the may 13, 2019 elections especially with regard to senatorial candidates are indeed crucial to the Philippines as a democratic and independent republic. just remember that we, the people, are solely responsible for electing candidates as our representatives. “sovereignty resides in the people and all government authority emanates from them.” remember this mantra when we all vote!