Redemption in the offing

EVER since former President Ferdinand Marcos’ reign as leader, politics in the Philippines is being felt to be dismal and troubling that the fate of the country hangs on such a precarious balance.
With many of its key players having questionable reputations, the government is a place where corruption is rife and controversy is at large.
Once again, the country’s political scene is in a huff over the accusations against Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. The former president is facing yet another hurdle in her political career after a series of allegations thrown at her.
Two prominent figures, former Maguindanao Elections Supervisor Lintang Bedol, and former ARMM Governor Zaldy Ampatuan Jr. recently surfaced and indicted Arroyo of instigating vote-shaving and vote-padding operations in the 2004 presidential elections and the 2007 senatorial balloting.
In House Resolution (HR) 1475, Bayan Muna party-list Reps. Teodoro A. Casiño, Jr. and Neri J. Colmenares asked the committee on suffrage and electoral reforms to probe poll fraud allegations against Arroyo.
The resolution stated that “Ampatuan’s testimony would be crucial not only in holding Arroyo and her allies accountable for the Hello Garci and other cases of electoral fraud as well as help lawmakers craft measures to combat cheating.”
The former president who hasn’t formally declared her side of the issue yet, has denied engineering election irregularities in the 2004 and 2007 elections.
Arroyo’s term as a president is arguably where Philippine politics’ has suffered the most tumult. With intrigues overshadowing her success as a leader most of the time, Arroyo suffered a dubious reputation. And as a representative of the whole nation, she unfortunately, let the country experience the shame.
Philippine politics’ latest travails have disrupted Rep. Arroyo’s political career. With her every move under scrutiny, the former chief executive would have no other option but to come clean, and provide an accurate conclusion to what the fuss has been all about. Her predicament certainly threatens other questionable officials’ stand in this arena. The Arroyo poll-fraud scheme guarantees anyone involved with serious consequences, their contributions now lie on the justice system’s verdict.
These latest revelations should not imply that Filipinos think negatively of how the system works. After all, even other countries go through the same fate.
As always, one should not base decisions from mere personal choice alone, but also on scientific gauges in order to determine the changes that should be implemented.
The Philippines is now under President Benigno Aquino III, a new face, with new ideals. Struggles may still ensue, and many influences will affect the flow and flaws of development. But with a new leadership, chances of a political overhaul are well on their way.
With the truth continuing to unravel right before our eyes and justice being served, the Philippines may well be on the road to redemption — one it rightfully deserves.
(www.asianjournal.com)
(LA Midweek July 20-22, 2011 Sec A pg.6)