An Open Letter to Sen. Francis "Chiz" Escudero

Source: http://www.newsflash.org

Dear Chiz,

You are up for reelection. You rank highly in poll opinions. You will win your second term as a senator.

These are all we know.

What we know too is that political parties are now positioning themselves for the 2013 election and beyond.

I hope, I really do that you take into account the electoral lessons of the past and political realities before making any decisions whether or not to get involved with the established political parties.

First, there are no more two major and powerhouse political parties in the Philippines (unlike in the US). The weakening of Nacionalista and Liberal parties in the past decades saw the emergence of personality-based parties that gained massive support and almost won elections. Illustrating this, Miriam Santiago and Raul Roco came to my mind.

Second, our democratic and political system allows the rise of political parties from scratch to mainstream sphere with the leadership of a personality. Remember that Filipinos do not vote on issues, they vote on persons. Leaders build their characters, and these are what Filipino voters see and believe that the characters will stand up for them on issues that matter to their lives.

Third, there is a strong aversion for grandstanding ("epal") on media by politicians. Filipino voters know better if politicians do grandstand. Politicians do talk a lot, but they do no say anything. People could not connect with what they say.

Fourth, Filipino voters are young people. Although people remember, they do selectively. In the 1990s, a Marcos could not possibly win a national election. Voters then still remembered the experiences under Martial Law. In 2010, a Marcos came to national scene by winning a seat in the Senate. My father (May God bless his soul) would have been appalled. What the youth do remember now is GMA. And the name herself is enough to scare votes. Believe me, there is a youth vote.

Fifth, preparations are essential in election. Ironically, Filipinos have no love for early birds. In fact, those birds will be the first to be shot down. Remember Mitra in 1992, Roco in 2004, Villar in 2010. FPJ burst into the presidential scene just in time, but was robbed of the victory. Noynoy was an accidental candidate that defied timing.

Sixth, performance is a gift that people expect to get from you. Give a gift that people deserve. And people will reward you for that.

Seventh, smile is a charm; but please do not smile a lot. People take you seriously, and by smiling a lot, you take things lightly. Our national problems such as poverty, corruption, crimes, and conflicts, are not to be taken lightly. People want a strong leader. This is the reason why Lacson would always be able to garner at least 3-4 million votes.

Eight, be independent. Yes, people forgive "utang na loob"(debt of gratitude). But politicians and government officials are not expected to forgive this kind of debt. People despise politicians and government officials who make obvious decisions favoring someone for the sake of this "utang na loob." Please, do not put yourself into this situation. Be independent and pay your debt of gratitude to the people, and not to specific people.

Chiz, there are people who believe in you not because of what you can do for them, but what you represent them - hope.

Faithfully yours,

Chescudero Quita

Edsa Dos Story 3: Impeachment Trial in the Senate

             An impeachment complaint is officially brought to Senate for a trial. Of course, President Erap denies the charges, among others, of receiving payola from jueteng, of owning a bank account where millions were deposited. A trial would be able to determine the culpability of the accused. The whole country is treated to an afternoon of legal and political drama on television and radio. 

          Prior to the trial, there was a suggestion of having the President to file a leave of absence not to exert undue influence on the process. For me it should be a leave of conscience. However, neither should be a question nor an option. Which is which is not purely a selection of greater returns to the peoples. It must be a decision founded on the aspiration of our dear nation, based on the call for justice, truth and probity.

            While the senate holds our eyes of interest inferring altogether, each senator tries to come up with a brilliant idea of dubious display of impartiality. Two senators have suggested the filing of leave of absence from any political parties that categorically identified itself either pro or anti of which a senator a member. Others already bolted from the administration party hoping those act alone signified singularly impartiality. And a solitary yet stentorian voice boldly predicted the fate of the trial, and in a way the doom of the disgruntled masses in the hands that rocked the nation.

            In the world of possibilities, these are welcome prefaces. In the preface of the world, this is possible. And in the possibility of prefaces, welcome to the world.

            No matter what we, the people do, either on the street, Internet or elsewhere, the entire affair of critical politics and economics is reduced to simple mathematics. In the Senate, it’s eight and in Malacañang, it is one.

            The sorcery of eight votes in the Senate that means acquittal is less intricate than the magic of fifteen which spells guilt. Never there will be a dramatic close than the senators’ votes sealing the end of a Constitutional process or selling the people’s trust and perseverance in the process.

            If all of us are wise as much discerning just the same, we need not drag the controversies besieging the country into the bottomless pit of shame and crisis. Unfortunately, all of us include someone in Malacañang. One noble resignation will have sufficed the discontent and dissatisfaction of the growling masses.

            It is reported that the defense team is hatching to quash the impeachment case even before it files its answer to the charges. What a way to say that the president is not guilty!

            Let us expect more of intellectual spectacles from the luminaries of our law regarding the issue. Like in the movies, we will grope in the dark, we will be entertained, we will learn and we will pay. Each day that passes by, may we master the art of optimism, hoping and endurance and the “power of one.” For these, as we wait, we pray.

            On December 7, the historic impeachment trial begins.

            Whether history will be good or otherwise to us, let us keep the words of Candid that all things are for the best, for now.