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In the
recently concluded national political exercise, the
people sent a very clear message: traditional politics
is on the way out.
Millions
have repudiated the usual practice of guns, goons and
gold. And dynasties. Sure, we still have dynasties.
Okay, violence, cheating and vote-buying prevailed in
significant levels. Nonetheless, citizens have expressed
revulsion with these practices through the ballot.
The
public is demanding reforms in all aspects of national
life, particularly in politics and governance. The
concept of “new politics,” which has been bandied around
for two decades, is fast gaining ground. It is sooner
than we think.
New
politics, young politics
In times
of great crises and need, Filipinos have traditionally
turned to young people for hope, for courage and for
action. The call of our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal,
”to the youth, fair hope of the motherland,” still
resonates with Filipinos two centuries later.
It is
not surprising, therefore, that young Filipinos have
taken center stage in challenging the present political
order and state of public governance. They were thrust
into public prominence at this time in our history
because, like David of old, they dared to throw lethal
slingshots at the Goliaths of corruption and traditional
politics.
One
third of the newly elected senators can be considered
young in relation to the stature of their positions.
Among the younger senators, Chiz Escudero, Allan
Cayetano and Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes, have captured
the support of millions of voters for their audacity and
unflinching commitment to their advocacies.
Congressmen like TG Guingona, Joel Villanueva and
Darlene Custodio typify the many young congresspersons
who dared defy the traditional image of the doddering,
avaricious tradpols lusting for pork barrel and 50
percent of government contracts.
From the
ranks of professionals, we have Atty. Adel Tamano, who
effectively communicated to the voters burning
governance issues. He raised the level of political
debate from name-calling to reasoned levels by focusing
on policy, governance and accountability.
By
dealing squarely with the sensitive issue of
Christian-Muslim relations in politics, Atty. Tamano
introduced an emerging trend: increasing participation
of Muslims in national affairs. Along with other
prominent Muslim leaders, this Ateneo de Manila,
University of the Philippines and Harvard University
graduate is showing that the Muslim professional can
stand proud and tall beside those of other faiths. It is
only a matter of time when branding Filipinos as Muslims
or Christians will be a thing of the past.
What
does Young Politics mean for business and businessmen?
Concerns have repeatedly been expressed about disrupting
and destabilizing changes. Before the elections, there
were observations that the present status quo must be
maintained to protect economic gains. But if change is
toward lesser corruption, more accountability and
reduced costs of doing business in this country, surely
businessmen will join the millions of voters who voted
yes to change.
Truly,
the trend is not only toward New Politics but primarily
towards Young Politics. The challenge is to work
harmoniously with equally committed elders in bringing
about reform. The call is for these emerging young
leaders to remain faithful to their vision of good
governance.
As the
song of Bob Dylan does, “The answer is blowin’ in the
wind.”
On
balancing the budget
The
administration recently unveiled the macroeconomic
features of the proposed 2008 budget. The goal is for a
balanced budget. This goal can be attained by increasing
revenues and/or maintaining expenditures at current
levels. Civil society has raised the question: who will
pay for the cost of attaining a balanced budget?
It has
been noted that the revenue goals for the first quarter
of 2007 have not been attained. How will the government
increase its revenues? If the strategy is to further
increase E-VAT rates it is clear that Filipino
consumers, many of whom are poor, will bear the brunt of
balancing the budget. If the government’s choice is for
more direct taxation, particularly on income, then the
outcome will be a truly progressive system of taxation.
The
bigger worry is the expenditure side. If the budget will
be balanced by keeping expenditures just slightly above
the 2007 levels, then social development will suffer. As
repeatedly pointed out in this column, health,
education, agriculture and environment programs are
severely underfunded.
A
balanced budget, which consistently underfunds social
development, will surely result in an unbalanced
society.
The
details of the proposed 2008 budget will be unveiled
when the President submits this to Congress. In the
meantime, civil-society organizations are preparing
alternative budgets for social development.
The call
at present is for New Politics and Young Politics. Let
it also be for a New Budget, which will truly generate
and allocate resources for the well-being of our people.
Let it be a New Budget, which will be responsive to the
reforms demanded by Young Politics. Let it be a
transparent, accountable and people-oriented. |
