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Snapping the Filipino's neck

The proposal of opposition Sen. Eduardo Angara and the minority block in the Lower House for a snap election is certainly the easiest way to settle Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s legitimacy but it is not sure that it will install a President duly mandated by the people who will promote the interest of Filipinos.

First, the integrity and partiality of the Commission on Elections remains questionable even if a revamp is to be undertaken. Revamping the Comelec without reorienting it as an independent institution can be compared to a person changing clothes — new look but still the same person. In this case, new commissioners, regional directors, etc. with the the same system and policies will have the same result — an election that can be manipulated by the highest bidder or the political party in power.

Secondly, even if there will be honest election, there is no assurance that the duly-elected President will implement policies that will be beneficial for Filipinos because repressive and exploitative laws are still in effect. There is the Oil Deregulation Law which allows oil companies to change (more often to increase) the price of petroleum products leading to more expensive goods and services. Labor will still be exploited as the Labor Only Contracting Policy exists unabated, even if prohibited under the Labor Code. Imported goods like the Chinese carrots, Japanese and Korean biscuits, Vietnam rice, etc. will continue to flood the Philippine market because of the government’s liberalization policy and its hesitance to pull-out of the World Trade Organization thereby jeopardize the livelihood of farmers, local businessmen and manufacturers.

Furthermore, the threat of large scale mining by foreign companies and the displacement of farmers as well as indigenous peoples will continue because of the existence of the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 and the government’s policy to revitalize the mining industry.

Third point, a snap election will not resolve the issue of electoral fraud in 2004. A Comelec commissioner has already admitted that cheating was indeed committed. And so, the perpetuators — from the precinct level to the masterminds — should immediately be put to trial and relinquish their government positions.

A snap election is indeed the easiest option considering the fact that an impeachment will not materialize in Congress, where majority of congressmen are subservient to the dictates of GMA. However, there is a better option for Filipinos, the formation of a transitional council that will ensure economic and political reforms including the realization of an independent Comelec whose integrity is unquestionable for a fair elections to be undertaken. #

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