BONG-BONG MARCOS AND GRACE POE: AN IRRELEVANT ISSUE FOR THE FILIPINO NATION

    The media wants to inspire the focus of the Filipino audience by presenting issue which are rather irrelevant to the nation's welfare or development. And the people tend to focus on subjects which seem intriguing but not practical; because other than what is realistic and important; the masses are also inclined to focus on what tickles their fancy.

    Years ago, Princess Diana experienced an accident which took her life as well as that of her lover's. Of course the Filipino people were glued to their television sets and focused on the articles in the tabloids and newspapers which narrated information of the mentioned topic. During the present, this pointless fervor is repeating itself in the form of another current topic of intrigue: the possibility that Bong-Bong Marcos and Grace Poe are siblings from a common father.

    What is the point to all this?

    If Ferdinand Marcos was a father to both individuals, or not; it does not change anything in Philippine politics. The two individuals apparently do not like to ally themselves with one another for the upcoming elections; and they still hold different ideals and goals. Moreover, whether or not they are brother and sister; this does not solve the current social problems and burdens.

    What do the people think? That a person can evade extortion concerning the "laglag bala" scam if he or she told the surveillance officer that Bong-Bong and Grace were siblings; maybe develop a cordiality with the official which will cause the latter to disregard the bullet discovered in the tourist's suitcase? Or that one motorist will be given way by another in a traffic jam if they open their windows and say "Did you know that Ferdinand Marcos had a bastard daughter?"

    Nothing is gained, and nothing is altered for the good or the bad, by learning of something that is not significant for the Filipino people and their country. Perhaps the media should report more relevant issues and, eventually, inspire the people to set their attention on matters that make a difference.

WHY VOTING IS POINTLESS IN THE PHILIPPINES

“SO TRUE; FUNNY HOW IT SEEMS…”- Tony Hudley, Spandau Ballet

Why do people have to vote; or participate in elections?

The answer is very simple: to appoint leaders expected to function for the good of the nation. Without these individuals in designated offices, chaos and disorder is inevitable. Or such is the accepted premise in democratic countries. But does voting really have any relevance in the Philippines?

People sacrifice their time and energy at overcrowded venues; the names of their favored candidates floating in their minds or listed in a sheet of memo pad. They cast their votes, and offer prayers for their prospective candidate. Some vote because they have subjective opinions of personalities and believe that doing so will sate their ‘nationalist’ ideals. Others do so because they were influenced by gratuities such as petty amounts of cash or goods; or were enamored by colorfully romantic, but empty, speeches. However, they eventually learn that the person they voted for did not win; or that they were mistaken about the same.

In 1965, reputed war hero, Ferdinand Marcos became president of the Philippines. But because of his tyrannical demeanor; he was overthrown by a woman who would succeed him as the first female president of the country. Corazon Aquino merited the enthusiasm of the Filipinos for being the widow of an anticipated savior; their fervor the instrument for her successful overthrow of the despot. She was cherished until accused of being a puppet of the United States; and suffered the criticism of the very same people who sang her praises. Fidel Ramos, Joseph Estrada, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Benigno Aquino III, likewise began terms revered as prophets at the outset; and condemned for their faults and shortcoming later on.

It is a pathetic reality for Filipinos to be adept at finding something to use against politicians who have fallen, or are, out of their favor. Woeful are those who fall short of their expectations; more so are those whose fraudulent conspiracies are exposed to the public eye. If Pope Francis ever became a valid candidate for the elections, his beloved image would most likely be lost after the Filipinos make him head-of-state.

It is probable that ardent voters judge this commentary as anti-social or non-conformist. That is because they refuse to admit the truth regarding their character. Elections are merely a formality of assigning persons to office by what is assumed as a democratic, ‘orderly procedure’. That is unarguably its sole purpose. However, the conventional attitude of Filipinos hinders it from having any other logical, or rational, meaning.