The 'ifs' for Philippines to take off
Inquirer News Service
OUSTING Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo from office is not the magical solution to our problems. It will not pull our nation from the morass of poverty. But replacing our system of government through Charter change will be worse. Her state of the nation address was dismaying but, at least, I agree with her on one thing: "Ours is a country divided."
Yes, our country will not be able to take off because we are not united as a team. There is a Philippines of power-hungry leaders living in luxury; and a Philippines of a starving people whose power to vote has been exploited and undermined by the first Philippines.
No, it is not our system of government but our leaders whom we must change. Charter change will only dance us to hell because our present leaders have no respect for honesty and justice. For what are we teaching our children by ignoring the "Hello Garci" scandal? That it is OK to cheat?
Ms Arroyo said: "Perhaps we politicians have done our best; but maybe our best is not enough, given the present system. Perhaps, we have strained the present political system to its final limit." Yes, our politicians have done their best to keep themselves in power illegally. Their best in this is more than enough. "Tama na!" [Enough!]
What more sacrifice do the Filipinos need to make? Two-thirds of the Filipinos are living below the poverty line while Mike Arroyo doesn't care about staying in a $20,000-a-night hotel suite. What more does Ms Arroyo want Filipinos to do? Miss breakfast and lunch just so they can afford to pay more taxes?
For as long as we have dishonest, corrupt and wasteful leaders, our country will never move forward.
If only the present administration stopped the use of luxury cars by government, then our people wouldn't have to pay more taxes on their meager income. If only Congress abolished the pork barrel, then the government could allot more funds for roads and education.
If only our courts wouldn't sell their decisions to the rich and the powerful, then the poor wouldn't feel oppressed. If only our journalists could be given protection, then we could preserve the sanctity of democracy.
If only the nation's sacrifices were shared by the ruled and rulers alike, our country would now be on the verge of taking off.
MILES RABIE, Tucson, Arizona, USA (via e-mail)
