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One of the main
reasons behind the shameful corruption in the Philippines is expensive elections.
And
the reason why politicians expend great amounts of money for guns, goons and gold
- is the unfortunate fact that elective public positions often dispense enormous
power and influence and quick access to public wealth. The return on investment
is very high.
This
is where the vicious never-ending cycle feeds on itself.
Expensive
elections beget corruption that begets more expensive elections.
And
this also forms part of the reason why the Angara Bill for government to subsidize
media and propaganda expense of candidates never got off the ground. It is recognition
of the fact that Philippine elections is never won on the basis of media and propaganda
alone.
The
cost of maintaining an organization that gets a candidate identified, liked, voted
for, and proclaimed is a lot more expensive than just media and propaganda cost.
What are the others?
Community
organizing from the "bottom-up" was what brought USA president -elect
Barrack Hussein Obama to the White House. Obama's slogan "Change, yes we
can" attracted 2.5 million volunteers and used the internet to solicit as
low as US$1 to US$3 from supporters deposited to an Obama depository Account.
The
American people trusted Obama's organization - pooled from the best there was
among the rich, middle class and poor sectors. They were trusted because they
were trustworthy.
In
the Philippines - the tested triad of guns, goons and gold - remains a potent
combination for electoral victory. That is why before elections, crimes like robbery,
kidnapping (for ransom) and crimes against property escalate to a high degree.
This is fund raising time - like 2009 is.
The
drug lords and gambling lords become kings - because national candidates never
have enough cash to support local politicians and big businessmen can only apportion
their kitty among many solicitors; some of the businessmen even escape abroad
- to avoid huge expenses. But by and large, Big Businessmen contribute because
as Manuel Quezon IV said "they are prey to regulatory pressures" from
both legislative and executive departments.
Thus
these sources of illegal money become the darlings of politicians - if the politicians
themselves are not directly involved or benefit from the illegal trades. These
shadowy can rule the country by proxy of their financially anointed candidates.
The
Ateneo Institute of Studies had surveyed that the families and the Church are
two of the most powerful influence factors in electoral decisions. In this respect,
it seems much has yet to be done to re-channel these forces into a common force
to reflect true Christian and democratic values - that therefore for them to push
for like-minded candidates.
Even
administration semi-mouthpiece Alex Magno who doubles as a columnist will admit
as much the following four major sources of illegal funds during election: (a)
drug money (b) gambling money (c) quotas from the BIR and Customs and (d) Philippine
National Police.
That
is quite revealing from an administration insider.
Nonetheless,
with election of 2010 just lurking behind the corner, it is best for citizens
of this land to become slowly aware of the presence and pernicious effects of
these illegals funds in their localities and who the candidates they are sponsoring
- in both local and national elections.
It
is in the country's interest that Filipinos reject these scoundrels and lackeys
of evil.
Because their loyalty and allegiance will always drift towards those
who butter their bread. Enough said.
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