Comic ‘palabas’ with tragic ending

As politicians scamper for more media mileage, putting up their “best” image and antics through circus-like ads or stars-studded shows, one could not help but wonder if elections, Filipino-style, have generated into some comic “palabas” with the same tragic ending. Which is: the poor getting poorer while the rich (and the corrupt) becoming even richer and more powerful!

After years of ineffective governance, endless politicking and relentless posturing, here they are again — these “trapo” (traditional politicians), clowns, even felons — coming down from the corridors of power, fame and wealth, deservedly gained or otherwise, and edging each other into the political arena as some “knights in shining armor” out to “free” the masses from the bondage of poverty, ignorance and idiocy.

These politicians, with a few exceptions, would spend a great deal of resources, time and money, public or otherwise, or cheat — or have others lie or even kill for them — to ensure their victory in the elections.

And for what? To serve their constituents? Or, actually, to get richer in office and protect their vested interests and those of their family members?

If elections can’t bring about any decency, reform and prosperity in our way of life as a people, what do we go to the polls for? Only to help perpetuate the “tyranny of a few” and the gullibility, if not stupidity, of the many?

Besides, the need of the hour is not to continue to “fool, buy and rob” the people blind. The need of the time is to rid society of rampant corruption, cheating and mayhem, which have penetrated all aspects of the nation’s life.

Drastic electoral reforms, among others, if only to ensure clean, honest and meaningful elections, have to be put in place first.

Putting up more political “circuses” at the expense of the long-suffering masses has to stop, and those responsible should be flogged at every Rizal Park throughout the country!

MANUEL A. COLLAO,

[email protected]