This story originally appeared in the Philippine Daily Inquirer on February 28, 2006.
I asked myself a long time ago how much our politicians value the youth, but up to this day I am still asking that question. In my search for answers, I instead found myself asking more questions. For it seems that every administration has disregarded the youth and ignored their voice.
The Arroyo administration completely misses the point. Instead of asking Fidel Ramos, Jose De Venecia, Cory Aquino or Joseph Estrada about their views on Charter change, would it not be more prudent to ask the youth what they think about these issues? Since we are supposed to be the beneficiaries of Cha-cha, isn’t it only right that our leaders ask us what we think?
I really do not care what our past presidents or what the members of sham Consultative Commission have to say. I care more about what my fellow youth have to say. I do not want to inherit a constitution drafted by unscrupulous politicians. I do not want to inherit a government that came to power by lying, cheating and stealing.
Unfortunately, the actions of the administration will create a big quandary for future generations. Our present-day politicians have been more than willing to sacrifice the voice and the future of the youth to pay off political debts. I hope they will not forget that it was the power of the youth that toppled two presidents and hopefully will topple the squatter in Malacañang.
The proposal to shift to a parliamentary form of government is based on flawed premises. There is no empirical basis to say that a parliamentary system of government will solve the problem of poverty. The problem does not lie with the system but with the people who run the system. What is needed is a strong political will to reform the Commission on Elections, strengthen our local governments, renegotiate our foreign debts, fortify our ailing domestic economy and reform the judiciary. Instead of exporting our engineers, nurses, doctors and our professionals, I think it would be more prudent if we exported our corrupt public officials.
For decades, Philippine society has been dominated by apathetic and politically mis-educated Filipinos. At times we blame the so- called masa for electing unscrupulous, untrustworthy and incompetent public officials, but we should in fact be blaming ourselves, the so-called “educated” citizenry, for failing to politically educate our misguided countrymen.
It’s time we shed our apathy. I do not want to hear someday that Manny Pacquiao has been elected president and that Pinoy Big Brother housemates have become senators.
The media have to take a more aggressive role in reshaping the political culture of Filipinos. I suggest that instead of showing during prime time those silly soap operas which don’t help reorienting the political culture of Filipinos in any way, TV stations should show the news and current affairs program, which today are shown when most people are already asleep. Before we can expect people to begin acting together, it is necessary that they be awakened and enlightened about the issues around them. To be informed is an essential first step in reeducating Filipinos.
An informed and vigilant citizenry is essential for change. Knowledge can incite people to rebel against a government or to recreate themselves as they try to recreate society. It enables people to transcend their limitations and excel.
The reason we have not toppled the squatter in Malacañang is that we do not see a better alternative—not among the leaders of the opposition especially. Unfortunately, opposition politicians are the same as those who are in power right now. We need a leader with vision and integrity, a person who will listen to the call of the youth for genuine change.
Let us rise above our apathy and political mis-education and awaken the secret chords which empower every Filipino to rise above his limits. We may not change Philippine society suddenly and completely, but we can save it one day at a time by doing the small things that can transform a rotten system into a genuine democracy. Our youthful idealism may yet move the people to participate in the reform of our institutions and the reconstruction of our political and economic systems.
I am praying for our future. I am praying for a time when our politicians will serve the public interest, a time when greed and corruption will not control the hearts of Filipinos.
I refuse to inherit a government corroded by corruption, a constitution which doesn’t serve the interests of the people, a society that has remained deaf to the desire for change. But I am afraid that one morning I might wake up to find myself disgusted, apathetic, tired and without hope for this country.
