Light and darkness: Politics in the Philippines

The problem with politics lies not in the system itself, nor in the philosophy of what politics is rather, the problem lies between the people who vote and the people they vote for.

In short, the problem lies within the politicians, within the voters, yes, even within the voters.

The problem with politics is like a sickness unto itself, and the sad, miserable thing is, it comes to the point when it becomes incurable already.

On May of this year, two months from now, we will again, face one of the most crucial voting period in Philippine history. The future of this nation lies in the votes we will cast, in the votes that will be counted. Assuming, of course, that they won't be rigged. *shaking head*

I have never been much of a cynic until lately. In all truth, I have always been inclined to believe what politicians say after all, I've never been in the receiving end of their corruption, their selfishness.

Or so I thought.

You see, I may not be benevolent, per se, but my heart does go out to people who are more unfortunate than me. There are many times when I wanted to curse the people sitting way way "up" there because of the things, the people, the scenes I see on the street. So, whenever I see a man shivering from cold, a blind woman knocking on car windows, a child dying of hunger, I think about the coffee I take (which probably costs more than what those people will eat for the next weeks or so) and see myself as part of the society that excludes them from comfort, from their rights as human beings. However, my generation precedes me and my feelings of sympathy. I give but only to the extent that I can have both worlds-of giving to the less fortunate and still having those long, luxurious coffee breaks. Then, I go home, switch on the TV and saw our politicians in a party, gathering, or in a simple meeting served with foods from five-star hotels. Luxury lies at their feet, waiting to follow their every bid. What I would feel is contempt... for myself, for Filipinos, and more so, for the government because at the end of the day, the responsibility of answering the basic needs and security of every Filipinos lie on their doorstep. Not on mine.

I have never hated the Philippines. In fact, I cry for this nation, and I pity the people who are heartless enough to turn their backs on it. They do not know what they are missing. Beyond the traffic, the hot climate, the pollution, the poverty, the corruption, and the losing morals, are the immeasurable and innate love of Filipinos for life itself. No matter the situation we are in--natural calamities, economic disasters, political chaos--Filipinos will still find a way to smile and to make life worthy of living.

The problem with politics lies within the heartless voters who will cast their one important vote for corrupt and self-centered politicians.

The problem with politics lies within the people in the government who think more of themselves than the country.

The problem with politics is that Filipinos are slowly losing ground, forgetting that we are, ultimately, one people living under one flag,

The problem will persist if Filipinos will cease to see the hunger, the coldness, the sickness that is slowly killing every Filipino.

The problem will continue if we fail to see that hope lies within each and every one of us and not on the hands of some world-weary, power hungry politician.

So, on May 2007, make your choice and make it well. Maybe, after that, if we're lucky enough, we can see a light at the end of the tunnel.