What a country!

“Never a dull moment.” This is how one foreign observer described the Philippines, and rightly so because there always seems to be something happening in this country. There is never a moment of prolonged calm. Whether it’s a real typhoon or a political storm, there is always something going on that is sure to ruffle any period of relative harmony. Even as we are still reeling from the effects of a global crisis with prices of food and basic commodities gone sky high, and just as oil prices are dropping in the world market, here comes the secret MOA deal with the MILF which literally blew up in our faces. Because of that, Mindanao is in turmoil once again with thousands of hapless civilians displaced by the fighting.

Add to that the continuing controversy involving the Court of Appeals with justices accusing each other of bias, bribery and other wrongdoings. Even the PCGG has been dragged into the fray with revelations that PCGG Commissioner Camilo Sabio made a phone call regarding the Meralco-GSIS issue to his brother, Associate Justice Jose Sabio, who is now in the eye of the CA storm. As if these were not enough, along comes revived calls for Charter Change and a shift to a federal system of government.

At the rate things are going, we don’t even have to go elsewhere to watch the Barnum and Bailey circus. The political circus in this country never stops. Maybe Ace Durano can use “What a country!” as the new DOT slogan to attract more tourists, because really now, it’s “only in the Philippines” where all sorts of things happen almost all year round.

I understand the president is considering canceling the MOA. However, this contentious issue involving ancestral domain has not only sparked a lot of controversy but has triggered violence and renewed fighting in Mindanao. And now it has even segued into calls for federalism, with the administration having ostensibly turned the tables against the opposition by suddenly endorsing Senate Joint Resolution No. 10 which calls for the creation of 11 federal states through a constituent assembly, plus some changes in the term limits of senators and congressmen.

Although the economy is a little precarious, it’s fortunate that it is still doing well even in the wake of all these controversies. Nevertheless, some business analysts have expressed concern that the issue could affect the country’s political risk rating and result in a slowdown in the economy.

I believe anyone in his right mind would like to see some changes in our flawed Constitution, especially the overprotective and outdated economic provisions. But the timing of this renewed call for Cha-cha is something that is raising the hackles of a lot of people and sowing even more suspicion and distrust.

Be that as it may, Charter Change is inevitable. Sooner or later, it will have to happen. The GMA administration insists that the push for Cha-cha is for the future and not for the benefit of any incumbent official. Yet at the same time, GMA’s advisers want Cha-cha to take place before her term ends in 2010. I am certain that this is something that a lot of people — even those who agree that we need to change the Constitution — will be totally against. As it is, the issue has stirred a hornets’ nest with senators backing out of their previous support for Senate Joint Resolution No. 10. As a matter of fact, it has become a very contentious issue that even party lines are being crossed, with staunch GMA political allies like Camarines Sur Congressman Luis Villafuerte saying any proposal for Charter Change in Congress will end up “dead.”

A more acceptable compromise would be for Cha-cha to take place after 2010 as the CBCP suggested, but discussions and debates can be initiated now. In any case, the debates will most likely take more than a year for every contentious and questionable provision to be dissected and scrutinized by legislators, constitutional experts and representatives from various sectors. One thing should be clear, however — any changes that will eventually be put into place should not benefit any incumbent from the president down to the last mayor or barangay captain.

If the administration persists in pushing federalism or any other form of government before 2010, the ones who will most likely be affected are top presidentiables like Noli de Castro and Loren Legarda — who had definitely said “no to Cha-cha until 2010.” But for others like Manny Villar or Mar Roxas who are ready to spend billions, Charter Change may prove to be a “cheaper” option to get into office.

With a new Constitution, Joseph Estrada and FVR can come out of retirement and once again throw their hats into the political ring. Even GMA can come back after her term is over and join the parliament or whatever new political system may be adopted in the process. But one thing should be made clear: any change at all should be done with full openness and transparency. There should be no secrecy, and the process must be conducted in a manner that people will be able to accept, with every provision thoroughly and conscientiously discussed and debated. Otherwise, this could trigger another explosive situation where there will never be a moment of relative peace.

But in this country, the political storm never really stops. And as one exasperated businessman exclaimed, “What a country!”

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