Some last words on Pacquiao’s next fight
Thanks to Frances for this poster of the Pacman’s next fight!
It has been great discussing the pros and cons of the Pacman’s candidacy and at the end of the day, I just find it funny that no matter how we split hairs over the issue, most of us won’t be able to vote for him anyway.
All politics is local. I want to believe in democracy so I will put my trust in the voters of General Santos that they know what’s good for them. Good luck.
Nonetheless, I find it necessary to discuss this particular candidacy. By singling out Pacquiao, I am not taking the heat off anyone else. But in the end, this inevitably opens up the discussion — Who do we think deserve to run our country?
Pacquiao is a good discussion point since he is a very polarizing figure. From most of the comments, I have gleamed that there are those who want to give Pacquiao a shot for a change hoping that he would do some good. These people would rather have the Pacman politician than the Peks-man politician. There are also those who don’t want him to run because his ability to be a committed and effective legislator is questionable, considering his ability and his line of work. These people also see that his candidacy is just all politics.
This, my friends, is the essence of a democracy. We won’t always agree but in agreeing to disagree we hopefully widen our perspectives on the issue. I have learned a lot, especially from those in a position to vote for Pacquiao, but I maintain my stance. Yes I am against his candidacy but not in how you may think. My work, The Fall of Manny Pacquiao, summarizes all my insights in a far more nuanced way as my ‘shameless post‘ would suggest.
Right now there is a need for us to have a genuine discourse on who are politicians and public servants must be. There is a reason why celebrities continue to run for office and that has been articulated well by Randy David in Why movie actors get elected. It is not a case of ignorance or miseducation really, but a case of need. It is my hope that in analyzing this need, we compel those who must run for public office to really run for public office. This will be a topic for another time.
Until then!
[...] Manny Pacquiao and the definition of shameless (updated!) April 15, 2007 at 12:52 pm | In Government, Philippines, Controversy, Filipino, Culture, History, Blogging, Announcements, Commentary, Rant, Sports | [NOTE TO THE READER: While the discussion remains open, I have stated some concluding remarks in this post.] [...]
[...] follow up less seriously on my Pacman post yesterday, Martin Perez has a splendid little title card from Frances, for Pacquiao’s next bout in the Philippines [...]
hey sir, medyo naguluhan po ako. in his article, Randy David said that the “quality” of a law maker is determined by how many projects he made/proposed, not by how they do on law making. .. err.. so ano po tlga ang trabaho ng congressman? hindi po ba job din nila yung gumawa ng projects..?
Jestine, Randy David is stating an observation of how politics happens in the real world. True, a lawmaker should make laws, and a good lawmaker is one who is good in making laws. That is the common sense, textbook answer.
However, did you know that it was Loren Legarda who co-authored the bill on making Ramadan a national holiday? She also co-authored a bill on women’s rights, as well as the clean air act.
But despite all this, people still ask exactly what Loren has done. As a matter of fact, people don’t see her beyond the snarky image she has.
(I’m not campaigning for Loren by the way, just stating my point.)
Why is this?
Because in the Philippines, the people demand clear and tangible signs that their lawmaker works for them.
Kailangan may napapakita sila. Kaya tuwing panahon ng eleksyon, dumadami ang mga kalsadang ginagawa, mga basketball court, mga waiting shed, mga tulay, etc. People want clear, visible and tangible signs. Wala sa kanila kung ilang batas ang nalathala mo hangga’t di nila nararamdaman ang paghihirap mo para sa kanila. In a sense, hindi sila makapaghihintay and we understand why that is.
That is what Randy David is saying. It may run against logic but well, that’s Philippine society for you.
So to answer your question directly, the job of a congressman is to make laws. They also have an oversight function (ie. inquiry in aid of legislation) to ensure that the laws they make are being followed.
But due to how Philippine society is, our congressmen are also compelled to undertake infrastructure projects such as roads, schools, hospitals, plazas, etc — anything that is visible to the people. This is not in their constitutional mandate, but it is their duty as an official elected by a people who have nothing yet expect everything in return.
okay..gets ko napo.. thanks.
btw sir.. did you know that some law making person in gen.san. formerly said that no hero’s welcome will be given to pacquiao once he goes home? but now.. i think they’re planning to do exactly the opposite… what do you think of that?
Jestine, the only way I read it is this: pampapogi lang yan. They might as well do something that will be popular with the people that isn’t. Talo na naman sila, eh. Might as well cut their losses.
It’s all politics.