OUR POLITICAL MORALITY: IS THERE HOPE?

by: Norberto Betita

Taft Avenue, Manila Approaching Lawton Area 

Early 1960's

When I was in high school sometime in 1965 until 1969 the Philippine economy was still in its laurels. "In the 1950's and early 1960's its economy ranked as the second most progressive in Asia, next to that of Japan." (see Philippines-Overview of economy, www.nationsencyclopedia.com). The political environment was yet peaceable and our political morality was still securely settled on principles of righteous governance. Although corruption was already an issue of concern during the previous administrations, it was not until President Ferdinand E. Marcos was elected in November 1965 and started his governance that the climate of political morality started to change. Slowly cronyism and corruption in government became a matter of grave concern particularly during the early 1970’s and eventually resulted to economic problems and social unrests. His second term created an even larger flame of political immorality resulting to greater social upheavals ultimately giving rise to the unwanted declaration of the infamous martial law.

For 20 years---from 1966 to 1986---our political life was in shambles and almost always we read in the news media reports of continued corruptions and killings. Yet for ordinary citizens like me and the rest of my colleagues, life seemed to go on just smoothly. I worked as a security guard in a mining company and later worked with a government corporation as a working student eventually completing my college degree. It was during my employment in the government when I realized that the sting of corruption has gone viral even into the smallest twig of government entity. Despite my two Civil Service eligibilities I deplored working in a government office. But providence allowed me to find a seat in the Philippine National Bank---a government bank. I accepted this government job with the understanding that the banking sector is far from being influenced by graft and corrupt practices.

For years, radicals and political activists made continued protest in the streets of Manila and many found themselves incarcerated in jail. The unrests were intensified after Benigno Aquino Jr. was assassinated in August 21, 1983, until the Martial Law Regime was toppled by the popular people power revolution and the dictator was sent on exile in the United State where he eventually died. 

After the death of the dictatorial regime, I thought that there will be a change in the political climate. However, the words of Manuel L. Quezon which our high school history teacher quoted on several occasions appeared prophetic: “I would rather have a country run like hell by Filipinos than a country run like heaven by the Americans, because however bad a Filipino government might be, we can always change it." These were spoken in the light of Quezon’s great trust on the religious values of our people and our most fundamental belief in Christianity. He added: “The vital lesson we must learn from our past is that we can triumph if we only persevere. The Filipino people, by grit, hard work, and faith in God, will march forward to fulfill their destiny." (Manuel L. Quezon, Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia). He did not question the Filipino’s capabilities to govern and lead, yet He failed to foresee the creeping evil in the inner man of even the most brilliant of Filipino politicians. His vision for the country to be run like hell by Filipinos has been continually evident and fulfilled, but the predicted change remains only as a continuing dream for every Filipino. 

There is no question about Filipino perseverance, determination, hard work and faith in God, but these virtues good as they may seem only become personal political apparatus ostensibly exhibited to promote the collective welfare of the governed but inwardly are pangs for self-gratification and personal enrichment of the ravening wolves in Philippine politics. For this I find significance in Ambrose Bierce’s definition of politics as, “A strife of interest masquerading as a contest of principles; the conduct of public affairs for private advantage” (The Devil’s Dictionary, 1911). Since the transition from dictatorship to the present, the economic laurels and peaceable political atmosphere experienced by our forebears seem ever far from being restored. And we are left to learn that “History is full of instances when people have waited in vain for [political] pendulums to swing back” (Neal A. Maxwell, “Insights from My Life,” p.196). 

Overtime our political morality is continually marred by the clout of corruption and plundering of which the lawmakers become subjected to the laws they help enact, and the accusers becoming the accused. Our political history is tarnished by such unending evils despite our Christianity that I am lead somehow to believe the words of Socrates that, "A system of morality which is based on relative emotional values is a mere illusion, a thoroughly vulgar conception which has nothing sound in it and nothing true." In our politics there has to be an absolute moral conviction that changes the inner man and not the boorish propaganda of righteousness to defraud the electorate. 

While the Philippines is currently ranked “13th out of 42 countries in the Asia-Pacific region and its overall score is above the world and regional averages… index of economic freedom” (see www.heritage.org/index/country/philippines), only the rich seemed to benefit and the level of “imbalance between rich and poor” which according to Plutarch, “…is the oldest and most fatal ailments of all republics” remain relatively higher and excessive. Cronyism which was vehemently denounced and condemned during the dictatorial regime is still gaining momentum following every change of administration. No wonder that lawbreaking and delinquency have become a common view and subject in our daily national newspapers and television news for while our political incumbents are enriching themselves “poverty” which according to Marcus Aurelius, “is the mother of all crime”, reigns in the lives of our people. In our political system we kind of give meaning to Aesop’s words, “We hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public office.”

In a year we will be having our national elections. We fear least we will have another six years of political wickedness, for while Thomas Jefferson said that, “whenever a man has cast longing eye on offices, a rottenness begins in his conduct”; some of our prospective candidates to the highest office were already reported possessed with rottenness even before they have long an eye for an office. It seems quite true that the best men do not participate and neither have any interest in politics. They would rather have their good name preserved than be tainted with the trashes that are ever present in the political arena. While we have the highest conviction that this country will again rise up to its blessed estate, yet we are short of loyal statesmen of whom we can position our trust.

Is there hope?

The abundant potentials of our country are hopeful and very encouraging. Hope and faith creates in us a never ending desire to reach to the summit of our worthy goals. Hope is the motivating power and faith is the moving force to action and both are the link that connects our performance to every desired achievement.

Although the current political theme of “Daang Matuwid” has been flawed by the U-turns of even its professed adherents, yet we can move forward and emerge victorious if we change, as President Quezon anticipates, and choose to follow the patterns of righteous governance and uphold and sustain the rule of law in our political life. I believe we still can invite and choose worthy, honest, upright, and good men to compete for a political office and position. Let us not mistake, however, to put the upright and honest on the stand and the immoral and iniquitous on the seat of sovereignty. 

We boast of being the only Christian Nation in Asia with almost 92% of our people professing Christianity and a belief in God. From this we can gain momentum and stand tall as we move forward to battle against political evils and glitches in the government. We need not have to walk the streets and cry foul and burn effigies. All we need is for all of us to live what we profess. We need be taught by George Washington, the first president of the United States of America as he delivered his farewell address to the American People. He said:

“Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens.

“Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in the exclusion of religious principle.

“Let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion.” [See “George Washington: Farewell Address,” in William Benton, pub., The Annals of America, 21 vols. (1968–87), 3:612, quoted by Heber J. Grant, In Conference Report, Apr. 1931, 79.]

While many endorsed patriotism as a pivotal remedy to our political ills, I believe our centuries of religious heritage and deeply rooted Christian faith and values are more laudable and indisputable hope for the most needed change. There is hope for our political morality to recoil and provide a lift back to our country’s destined national peace and prosperity, if we as a people remain true to our religious faith and convictions and live in accordance with righteous principles and Christian identity.