Glimmer of hope

Like water that is drying up or has dried up in many areas of our country, hope for good, participative governance may also be fading or may have completely disappeared from the hearts of many Filipinos.

Without any guilt or hesitation, GMA, by thanking DU30 for the dismissal of her plunder cases, confirms the absence of independence even in the so-called highest court of the land. Term-sharing of House speakership by those blessed by DU30 also corroborates the subordination of what should have been an independent Congress. No more separation of the 3 branches of government: sadly, the executive now rules supreme. Who is there to check and balance abuses in government?

Is our 1987 Constitution still followed? Even Du30 refers to this charter as “toilet paper!” Du30 gave the running orders to his newly blessed speakers of the House of Representatives (HORs) to work on charter change. Will the majority in Congress ram federalism through and have terms for themselves extended, a government of the abusers, for themselves, by themselves?

Social Weather Station’s recent commissioned survey shows a very high approval rate for DU30. Is that not proof that the Filipinos approve of Du30’s policies and programs? Perhaps, we all have to be reminded that while about 39% of Filipinos voted for DU30, a higher 45% did not. Are the 45% or more of these Filipinos who did not vote for DU30 represented in that recent survey?

Also, do the programs and policies of DU30 represent the interests of all Filipinos? The recent Recto Bank clearly showed Du30’s partiality for China rather than for our Filipino fishers. In his next SONA, Du30 should also be transparent and inform all Filipinos about all the deals, verbal and written, he and his government entered into with China.

Is the Philippines truly independent? With a judiciary and legislature beholden to the executive, is the path taken by a Du30-dominated government the way that our country and our people want to take? The families of the EJK victims and Negros killings, for sure, are crying out for justice from this present administration.

Is there still hope fort justice, transparency, good governance in the Philippines under the present regime?

Divisoria suddenly transformed from a very crowded, dirty area to a clean, orderly place. Plaza Miranda as well. Isko Moreno leads the way in demonstrating that genuine political will, with the people’s interest at the center, can liberate Manila.

Good governance can become a reality with genuine public servant leaders partnering with those committed to improving the lives of our people and our country. Like Isko, Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto has also been showing promising exemplary leadership for good governance. His call for freedom of information in the city is reassuring- transparency and truth are possible under the leadership of committed public servant – leaders.

Here in Cebu, we are heartened to see returning Councilor Alvin Dizon starting his service to the people with a productive consultation with various sectors about legislation and projects to propose and implement for the next three years for the benefit of Cebu City constituents. He informed those who joined his consultation about the resolutions he had already presented during the first session of the Cebu City Council.

If only all officials will start their term with a consultative dialogue among themselves as well as with their constituents!

Some glimmer of hope for better, participative governance in our country, for and with our people, courtesy of our young leaders, Isko Moreno, Vito Sotto, and our own Alvin Dizon.

May their tribe increase! Mabuhay and padayon, Isko, Vito, and Alvin!