Carousel of Self-Interest

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

In the kaleidoscopic world of Philippine politics, the lines are not just drawn but are constantly redrawn, often blurring the ideals of loyalty, trust, and service to the community.

The recent political schism in Iloilo City, where Mayor Jerry Treñas acknowledges the end of his alliance with Representative Julienne Baronda, is a testament to the transient nature of political alliances which, rather than fostering community building and sustainable development, often serve to propel personal agendas.

Politics, as seen in the local landscape, appears to be a game of chairs more than a noble cause.

The reshuffling in the Iloilo City Council, affecting Rep. Baronda’s father Councilor Urminico Baronda, is dismissed by Mayor Treñas as ‘a natural course of politics’. This casual treatment of alliances reflects a broader issue: the lack of philosophical and human loyalty in politics.

There are some who claim that Baronda herself showed disloyalty to the mayor who admitted bankrolling her political career in the past two elections. But her ardent supporters say it’s just another day in the office.

Nowadays, political loyalty is a commodity to be traded when convenient, rather than a principle to be upheld.

Treñas’ own political trajectory – from the Liberal Party to PDP-LABAN, and most recently aligning with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. – echoes the reality of shifting loyalties that is all too common in the Philippine political arena.

Indeed, Treñas’ assertion that “lines have been drawn” in politics, and that deviation from these lines inevitably leads to ostracization and replacement, lays bare the inherent cynicism that pervades our political system. In this zero-sum game, where power is the ultimate prize and loyalty is a disposable currency, the interests of the community often take a backseat to the ambitions of the political elite.

What is lost in this shuffle is the potential for true public service. Politics becomes a pursuit of power, not a platform for progress.

As alliances shift and councils are reshuffled, the public interest often takes a backseat to the strategic machinations of those in power. The story of Iloilo is not unique but a microcosm of a larger narrative prevalent across the Philippine archipelago.

What is sorely lacking in this landscape is a sense of philosophical and human loyalty – a loyalty grounded not in self-interest, but in a genuine desire to serve the common good. Instead of fostering an environment conducive to the emergence of fresh leaders and innovative approaches to governance, our local politics remain mired in a cycle of patronage, favoritism, and cronyism.

The case of Treñas endorsing his daughter for a political position also buttresses concerns about political dynasties that crowd out potential leaders who may bring new ideas and perspectives. It’s a familiar script: leadership positions become familial heirlooms rather than offices earned through merit or public trust.

Treñas’ discussion of his lineup for the upcoming local elections, characterized by vague criteria such as “competence, performance, and integrity,” does little to inspire confidence in the prospect of meaningful change. While incumbents may be deemed “safe” based on their track record, one cannot help but wonder whether they owe their positions more to political allegiance than to genuine merit.

The genuine development of local communities and the promotion of sustainable policies require more than just transient political alliances. They demand leaders committed to the welfare of their constituents, leaders who place the needs of the many above the ambitions of a few. It requires a new breed of politicians – ones with the courage to maintain their course despite the changing tides of convenience and self-interest.

As the residents of Iloilo City, and indeed all Filipinos, look toward the future, they must question whether those who claim to represent them are truly invested in their community’s long-term growth or merely in the next political victory.

As another election looms on the horizon, the electorate is tasked with scrutinizing the carousel of candidates and selecting those who will genuinely serve the public good. The path to innovative leadership and fresh leaders may be arduous, but it is essential for the Philippines to forge a future where politics is synonymous with progress and integrity, not self-interest and expediency.

In the end, the true victims of this political quagmire are the Filipino people, who deserve leaders guided not by self-interest, but by a steadfast commitment to the principles of transparency, accountability, and genuine service.

Until such time as our political culture undergoes a fundamental transformation – one rooted in trust, integrity, and a genuine concern for the welfare of all citizens – the cycle of expedient alliances and self-serving politics will continue to perpetuate itself, to the detriment of our nation’s progress and prosperity.