Is there hope for change in Cebu politics?
My heart says yes in response to this question, but my mind says no. It is easy to dream of a new Cebu political landscape where voters finally reject the dirty old "trapos." But the hard realities are that traditional politics controlled by family dynasties are here to stay for a long time. It is idealistic to imagine that some young, dynamic, and purpose-driven Cebuano shall emerge in the political arena and gain the respect and support of an enlightened voting populace. That is easier said than done. The facts on the ground point to the sad reality that reforms in Cebu politics are still an impossible dream.
Positive reforms in Cebu politics should start with a well-informed, independent-minded and forward-looking citizenry, a voting populace whose votes are not for sale, who are disillusioned with traditional, transactional, and personality-based politics. Those arrogant, corrupt, inept ''trapos'' who wear the embellishments of knights in shining armor, cannot remain dominant if the electorate gains enough integrity, wisdom, and courage to insist that they can no longer be hoodwinked or be bought by some kilos of rice or a promise of a casual job.
If we have today a bunch of elected scoundrels in business suits and morons in barong, or imbeciles in business attires, they are the result of stolen, bought or rigged electoral systems. Public officials who are corrupt or inept are the choice of a corrupt and corrupted voting populace. There will be no graft in government if voters would take a stand against graft. The kind of government we have is truly a reflection of what our voters are. Voters today do sell their votes, do not mind voting for a mindless, lazy, notorious rascal for some cans of sardines. If poverty is not a crime, then stupidity in the polls should be outlawed.
That is why I am not optimistic about the future of Cebu politics. Evil triumphs because good men are afraid to fight. The less-qualified but more-moneyed trapos shall continue to dominate Cebu politics because the more honorable and competent men do not want to soil their hands in the dirty game of local politics. I wish to remind myself that in the 80's there was a Don Quixote named Evelio Javier who had no money, no organization, nothing but his firm determination. He fought alone and defeated the giant Pacificador of Antique. Evelio was inspired by Ninoy's song: "To be willing to march into hell for a heavenly cause."
Is there a Cebuano Evelio between now and 2019? I have my serious doubts, but we can never be sure. Who knows?
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