Dynasties, Celebrities and Political Hell

By Reni M. Valenzuela

Imagine the probability of the Senate being composed of 24 Tulfos, 24 Villars, 24 Binays, 24 Revillas, 24 Estradas, 24 Cayetanos, 24 Dutertes or 24 Marcoses at a given time in our nation’s political life—or death.

Such a scenario is not far-fetched with the kind of opportunistic, narcissistic and, yes, often foolish politicians we have today. Though there are a few good men and women among them, they are too timid to stand against the wrong. Alas!

Isn’t that haywire—not just a probability, but a symptom of an equally demented government and people? Every nation must have leaders, not just voters. But where are ours?

Alden Richards is reportedly being urged to enter politics. My unsolicited advice: “If you want to enter Heaven someday, why enter politics? Do you know that many (not all) of our politicians have lost their souls? Pardon the bluntness—and the shibboleth.”

You’re still at the top of your game as an actor and earning significantly as a celebrity. So why consider politics? From what I know, “celebrity politics” is usually for celebrities who are already laos, jobless or penniless—though Rep. Dan Fernandez and Mayor Vilma Santos could be rare exceptions.

Vico Sotto is the son of celebrities, but not a celebrity himself. Guwapo lang siya, tulad mo at ni Fernandez. Vico is the current mayor of Pasig City. But Alden, if you are strong, godly, principled, pure, upright, fearless, compassionate, wise, and full of common sense and pure intentions—enough not to blend in with “traditions” or be consumed by a rotten system and cast into everlasting punishment as a “public servant”—I beg you, my friend:

Forget politics. Or, try politics—but emulate Mayor Vico, the kind of leader we need as a public servant, maybe even president. Who knows? You may even become his vice. Not bad if you possess the qualities of a good leader that I mentioned.

Meanwhile, as early as the 8th Congress in 1987, there have been calls to ban political dynasties. But for goodness’ sake, those calls have always fallen on deaf ears.

It is heartening, however, that the call has been renewed recently. What’s even more heartening this time is that the appeal is being addressed to the Supreme Court, which has the constitutional—and some would say, “divine”—power and the “ace” to finally make things right.

On top of that is the refreshing news that “several lawmakers say they support the renewed calls” to ban political dynasties. This seems impossible. So perhaps this is God at work in the hearts of our leaders. “Yes, I personally want that,” said Rep. Ace Barbers. Rep. Raoul Manuel added, “It is a long-overdue task of Congress to enact that.”

But how about this, dear Supreme Court: Exactly a year ago, a group of lawyers from the University of the Philippines already asked you to compel both houses of Congress to pass a law defining and prohibiting political dynasties. What happened to the petition, honorable magistrates?

“It has been 37 years since the enactment of the 1987 Constitution, and yet Congress has sat on its constitutional mandate under Section 26, Article II, to enact a law on political dynasties and define what political dynasties are,” lamented Rico Domingo, a UP College of Law graduate.

Nobody outside the Supreme Court can compel Congress to act—especially on this matter—and that is certain, my dear countrymen. But for the High Court to remain silent or refuse to act on petitions urging lawmakers to wake up and make straight the way for themselves and the nation is incomprehensible.

Political dynasty is too juicy an issue to be left in the hands—or mouths—of Congress, because the majority of our lawmakers can only be compelled to bless their own political, parochial, business, family and personal interests.

While there are a few (just a few) political dynasties whose members are not all bad, the fact remains that political dynasties are harmful—detrimental, injurious and fatal to the well-being and future of the country.

“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” — Jesus Christ (John 10:10)

The ball is in your hands, dear Supreme Court. Why is it in your hands now? Because it cannot, should not, and must never be in the hands of the self-serving.

We, the people, want heaven—not hell.

P.S.
The High Court may also issue a ruling against the “forbidden fruit” in the government budget—both national and local. I’m referring to the confidential and intelligence funds, and pork barrel funds in various forms, such as the AKAP or Ayuda Para sa Kapos ang Kita (or Kulimbat) Program, which is feared to be used in election campaigns.

I, for one, am aware that massive vote buying is already prevalent in several areas—more notably in the provinces. People are scrambling and lining up for ayuda and 30 pieces of silver in broad daylight. Bulag po ba ang ating Commission on Elections (COMELEC)?

Email: renivallenzuelaletters@yahoo.com