By: Mila I. Barquin
Legendary American comedian Groucho Marx said: “Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it everywhere, diagnosing it incorrectly, and applying the wrong remedies.”
The past months, we have been witnessing the heavy drama of Philippine politics: former President Duterte’s arrest, the impeachment move of Vice President Sara Duterte, the issue against President Marcos, the country’s outstanding debts, just to name a few.
These seemingly unresolvable problems make us cringe and ask ourselves when will this end. But as I go over news, social media posts, these are all problems that has “diseases” manifesting for many years now. These are the diseases that are seen almost every day of our lives.
ACUTE ENTITLELITIS – The symptoms of this disease is the feeling of being entitled for almost all if not all of the projects of the politicians: DOLE TUPAD, AKAP, medical assistance, educational assistance, there are those who complain that their names are not listed when in fact, they are “tinawo or people of a certain politician.
CHRONIC CUT-TITIS- It is during these times when we hear comments and feedback that that the listed beneficiaries allegedly have to give 20 to 50% of the amount they receive to the person or leader that gave them the CHANCE to be one of the beneficiaries. The enlist when their or the leader allegedly gets a “CUT” from the amount given to beneficiaries.
EXCUSESITIS – The people who complain that they were not listed as beneficiaries when they are according to their knowledge qualified to be listed. The leaders in-charge of gathering names and having them listed make EXCUSES on not enlisting certain beneficiaries. It is as vague as “Hala! Nalipat ko ya mag add!” to “Sa sunod ka galing kaya kun bala utod ginlista ko una”.
ACUTE BUDOTITIS- I have observed that politicians resort to dancing budots to gain the love and support of voters. It is during these time in the campaign period when inhibitions of some politicians are relegated to the background as they dance their way to winning votes through BUDOTS.
SELFIETITIS – these times, we see politicians gamely making themselves do selfies with the voters. The voters enjoy these attention from politicians. After elections, these voters would rarely or not even see them again.
- ACUTE HUG-IT IS- It is during campaign period and election season where we see politicians hugging the voters. These gesture wins the hearts of voters.
I am happy seeing politicians going around meeting the people in different barangays, showing their concern. However, it is my hope that when they are elected into office, they would go back to these barangays, talk to the people, give them the projects that these communities need. When these needs are met, when communities are developed, when there will be livelihood and employment opportunities provided, there will be no need for financial assistance, emergency employment like TUPAD or food assistance. When all these “band aid” programs are no longer implemented, only then, can I sincerely say that Capiz has improved, Philippines has improved.
Happy ELECTIONITIS season to all!
