Political butterflies

If our politics is a garden, you would see butterflies changing their colors depending on the season. In this country, politicians seem immune to embarrassment when they change political parties. It is baloney to hear them say they entered politics because they wanted to serve the public. The truth is, they are there for the money and influence. At least, for many of them. They think they can take everybody for fools.

They switch political parties as if they are only changing neckties, depending on who is the tenant in Malacañang. The current president, Rodrigo  Duterte, carries the banner of Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) so many want to be in this party.

In the early years, there were two main political parties: Nacionalista Party and Liberal Party (LP). Now with the multiparty system, many of them go to where the side of the bread is buttered. During the many years under Ferdinand Marcos as president, the majority were in the powerful Kilusang Bagong Lipunan. When Marcos went into exile in Hawaii and Corazon Aquino came to power, many became chameleons.

Fidel Ramos was partyless but wanted to run for president against Ramon Mitra, a close associate of Cory’s husband, former senator Benigno S. Aquino Jr. Ramos got the support of Cory; of course PDP-Laban members were furious. Many thought Cory should have supported Mitra instead. But just like in any drama, there was a twist.

Ramos was in need of a party so supporters founded one for him: Lakas-NUCD (National Union of Christian Democrats), a brainchild of his cabalen, Speaker Jose de Venecia. Those “furious” PDP members switched their loyalty to Ramos.

Then came Joseph “Erap” Estrada. From the vice presidency, he was catapulted to the presidency

under the Partido ng Masang Pilipino. Many jumped ship and wanted to be identified with Erap. Erap was ousted by Edsa II and was succeeded by Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who stayed in Malacañang until 2010. Arroyo’s party was the Lakas Kampi (Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino). More than two-thirds of those in Congress sided with Arroyo.

When Arroyo’s administration ended, Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III became president.

The outpouring of sympathy of the people was translated into votes for Cory’s son despite LP

being a small party then. It only grew when Noynoy won the presidency.

Meanwhile, PDP-Laban has recently served notice that it will impose a cut-off in accepting members after many politicians—big and small—wanted to join. The reason is obvious.

Can our country move forward with this kind of “leaders” we have in our midst?

MAX L. SANGIL, [email protected]