The politics of today in our country is in a very real sense in disarray. The political squabbles among our national leaders give no real promise of national redemption. A closer look at this “disorder” reveals that it is common at the higher echelons of government. In my view, this has become a chronic problem embedded in our political culture. We need to save this country from this present political malady. I suggest a paradigm shift in politics.
Why are there so many who wish to run for Congress? One obvious reason is the considerable earnings and perks that the congressmen and senators receive. I recommend that the salaries of these national legislators be radically reduced. I opine that they should be paid on a per diem basis; they get their pay for every congressional session they attend, which means that they are absolutely not paid when they absent themselves from such meetings. Their being there should necessarily mean their physical presence inside the legislative hall—from roll call to adjournment.
Meanwhile, let us reasonably increase the salaries of municipal, city, provincial and barangay officials. Let us also increase the LGU share of the internal revenue allotment. True national development means the development of LGUs. This can be made possible by rightfully “incentivizing” them.
But then, with the next elections due in less than a year, I dread that those who are raring to run for Congress would be driven to reconsider going after an LGU post instead. I can imagine their dilemma.
If this proposal pushes through, we can expect lesser political crisis in the country.
—REGINALD B. TAMAYO, assistant city council secretary, Marikina City