Dancing Cha-Cha

What's wrong the the current Philippine Constitution? OK, let's admit it, its not perfect but the way things are going with regards to the discussions on charter change is simply not what needs to be changed.

Is one-chamber parliamentary system better? Would having a prime minister be better than having a president? Is there a need for terms to be defined for the incumbent elected officials if ever this change in constitution does take effect? These are what usually highlights the newspapers, and tv and radion news. This is what most politicians "intelligently" debate about or should I rather say that this is the subject most are more concerned about.

It is easy to refute each one. A one chamber system will remove the check and balance between the house or representatives and the senate. A flaw we can see is the possibility of passing mediocre laws not really relevant or beneficial.

A prime minister would be one coming from the winning political party from the elections. However, we have a week party system wherein no solid ideology exist for a party. There is also no party loyalty among politicians in a party. Every election, we see them switching sides depending who has the best offer. God, and we call them public servants! Elected posts are not supposed to be made into careers. Its service to the country; a willingness to give and contribute something good and worthwhile. Idealistic as it might seem, but if we do not determine the root purpose of a thing, I doubt that we can ever move forward.

And what is this about having the incumbent end terms by 2007 or 2010? Is this even relevant to the topic of charter change? I mean, this is a political issue that would be relevant once there exists an already ratified charter. We are wasting our salivas on pointless debate.

But the fact of the matter is that these questions would not answer the questions of the ordinary Filipino. Will I be able to eat tomorrow? Will I afford school for my kids? Will I be safe in the streets? Do I have a future in this country? I believe there is nothing wrong with the constitution even if it was built in reaction to the 1971 version to support the Marcos martial law. I believe that what is wrong is the people we continue to put in office. And I know everyone agrees with this.

Filipinos have to return to the basics; to what is more important, to what will be good for us and for our country in the future. It's not that hard to imagine that we are progressing well in all aspects. It's just a matter of focus. Just doing the right thing. Can't we just do that for once?