by Edcer Escudero
CHANGE?
Yes, there is a chance after the May 10 general elections. We now have a new president and a new vice president. That’s the clearest change that we can have.
But, there is no fundamental change in our country’s political landscape. We still operate on our 75-year old presidential system of government. We still have a bicameral legislature consisting of an Upper House called the Senate, and a Lower House called the House of Representatives.
A 23-yearl old constitution, framed by hand-picked individuals, serves as our basic guide in running the government. It is an imperfect political bible that needs immediate revision to suit the changing times.
This early, we don’t foresee any dramatic and substantial change in the much-anticipated Aquino cabinet. Disgruntled former Arroyo alter egos, collectively called the Hyatt 10, have been prominently mentioned as future Aquino cabinet officials: Dinky Soliman as DSWD head, Cesar Purizima as finance chief, Avelino Cruz as defense boss, Florencio Abad as education secretary, and Teresita Deles as adviser on the peace process.
These “recycled” characters turned their backs on President Arroyo and made public their betrayal at a press conference at the Hyatt Hotel less than 24 hours after they pledged via a song, to stick together with GMA.
I prefer to call these people Layas Ten for abandoning their boss on doubtful and inconclusive evidence of guilt.
Aquino should watch his back. What they did to GMA, they can easily do to BCA. Traitors are loyal only to themselves.
Change? Not in the Senate. The May 10 election saw the return of old, familiar names and faces – Franklin Drilon, Serge Osmeña, Tito Sotto, re-electionists Miriam Santiago, Juan Ponce Enrile, Jinggoy Estrada, Ramon Bong Revilla, Lito Lapid. Hold-over senators are Gringo Honasan, Loren Legarda, Chiz Escudero, Francis Pangilinan, Joker Arroyo and Panfilo Lacson (who is a fugitive from justice being wanted for murder and is out of the country).
Now, what positive and dramatic changes can we expect to take place in the Senate with an assemblage of recycled, mediocre and senile lawmakers?
I’m afraid there’s nothing much to expect that would be beneficial to the life of the nation and the well-being of the greater mass of our people. One thing is certain, however, and that is the usual grandstanding antics during Senate hearings and investigations “in aid of legislation.”
There could have been had our fundamental charter succeeded in 2009. Some sectors, including the Catholic Church, opposed charter change for the wrong reason: They suspected it was a grand design to perpetuate President Gloria in power.
Of course they were all damn wrong.
Those who spread lies about GMA’s sinister plan to hold on to power via Charter change must apologize to the people in general, and to President Arroyo in particular. That’s the least that they can do to show that they know what fair play is all about. Politics may be dirty, but politicians should not peddle speculations elaborately disguised as gospel truth. Lies do not a credible politician make.
