One order of elective position, please

In my province, where the only thing growing faster than the population is the debt, it seems that securing a political position is as easy as ordering your favorite meal at your favorite restaurant. Simply call up the family patriarch, specify the desired position, and voila! It’s served on a platter, complete with a side of nepotism, and a piece of dynastic power.

In this land of deep poverty, political positions are family heirlooms passed down from generation to generation. So, you want to be a politician? Well, first, make sure your family has been in power for at least three generations.

In this land of limited opportunities, it is almost impossible for outsiders to break into the political arena, regardless of their qualifications or merit. The patriarch of the dynasty would simply bribe you to stay out of politics.

The ruling families here have a unique definition of “public service”: serving themselves while keeping the public in poverty. Their business model is as sustainable as a Ponzi scheme where they keep the people poor to keep themselves rich.

If only there were a new item on the menu for aspiring politicians: a quick bite of power, followed by a commitment to serve the people. A dish made with the ingredients of merit, transparency, and accountability.

Queen Natalie L. Tuason,

[email protected]