Much, much later, when the manner of changing regimes in this country was done through a less garapal way, the elites discovered another set of G's. The all powerful three G's of Philippine elections — Guns, Goons and Gold. Guns and goons were basically one G. One is just more effective with the other. Gold is still there shimmering in the glow of its yellow magic. With guns and gold employed in the hugely popular and festive electoral game, oligarchs, landlords and warlords claimed the formal seats of power and created the illusion of legitimacy in raping our motherland.
Today, there really could be three G's after all. Guns, Gold, and Graphs. Presenting, the oracles of the modern age of Philippine politics: SWS and Pulse Asia. These two firms have been keeping the political elite on their toes, praying to whatever gods there may be to bless them with favorable public opinion as regards their most cherished concerns.
With the 2010 elections just around the corner, SWS and Pulse Asia surveys on the Presidentiables are becoming even more precious to the wannabes. It's good propaganda to be at the top of these public opinion surveys. With Ms. X at the top, she can:
1.Fill herself up with hot political air to rise to the political heavens, i.e., begin to think that God is giving her a sign to run.Consider this latest piece on the SWS... Favorites are leading the prexy pack. But let us must not make too much of a fuss of these results. Let's not be carried away by the bandwagon, as it were. After all, the graphs only suggest a certain direction and not a CERTAINTY.
2.Use that popularity as a leverage in negotiations with possible supporters and edge out other claimants.
3.If she loses, especially with a narrow margin, claim that she was cheated.
It would be more important for us to know how these Presidentiables stand precisely on the issue of Charter Change. If we knew how they stood on this matter, then perhaps we can make a more intelligent choice, especially if we take into account these interesting findings from PULSE Asia (February 2009):
Most Filipinos (57%) know little about the 1987 Philippine Constitution
A big plurality of Filipinos (42%) is against charter change now while a sizeable majority (64%) does not think it is appropriate to amend the 1987 Constitution at this time
Economic improvement is the top reason cited by those favoring charter change while those opposed to amending the 1987 Constitution think it is good enough and would like to avoid any chaos that may arise from changing the country’s supreme law
Filipinos favoring the constitutional convention mode to amend the 1987 Constitution outnumber those supportive of the constituent assembly option (69% versus 31%)
Nearly six in ten Filipinos (59%) do not agree with proposals to shift to parliamentary and federal systems of government
Huge majorities (77% to 84%) oppose specific proposed constitutional amendments having to do with term extensions and foreign ownership of lands. Nearly four in five of Filipinos (81%) are not in favor of extending the term of office of national and local elective officials, and 77% do not support moves to allow elective officials to run in the elections as many times as possible. Both proposals are opposed by considerable to overwhelming majorities across geographic areas and socio-economic classes (68% to 92%), with non-support being most pronounced in Metro Manila. In contrast, these proposed changes to the 1987 Constitution have the support of 19% and 23% of Filipinos, respectively. Visayans are most supportive of these proposals (28% to 32%). As for the proposal to allow foreigners to own residential and industrial lands, majorities ranging from 81% in the rest of Luzon and Class E to 90% in Metro Manila are against this proposed amendment.
The use of surveys as instruments of social science must be considered properly.
Truly,public opinion polls can help us make more intelligent decisions. But let us not turn the elections into a popularity contest by simply basing our choices on who are more popular in these surveys.
If we believe these polls blindly, why still hold elections? Bakit pa tayo magsasayang ng oras at panahon. Let's just commission the SWS and Pulse Asia to do the surveys and let them declare the new president. No need for automation. Less corruption.
Graphs are not there to scare us to a forced choice like Goons, or to tempt us into a sumptuous spot like Gold. Graphs are a guide. Let us be guided accordingly and put people's issues at the top of the electoral discourse.
Comment by: Paolo Magpayo, DLSU Student.
ReplyDelete*There's Gold of course, and then there's God. We can't tell if they came in any particular order of importance
- Coming from a country that is indeed rich in both (Natural Resources and Christianity); I would want to agree on this notion that we really never knew what came first. Was it the quest for more land and as stated in HEKASI classes, “spices” or the push to have more potential Christians under the name of God or was it a combination of both? I’d like to think of it as a way of hitting two birds with one stone but if ever there was a circumstance that we get to find out the true motive of the Spanish Colonizers, then it could probably (hopefully) change the way Filipinos think and in extreme cases, the way we all live – i.e. a general change of perspective in viewing the Reproductive Health Bill.
*The all powerful three G's of Philippine elections — Guns, Goons and Gold.
- The candidates of any election, especially this coming 2010 electoral period suggest that they should have a good share of all the three G’s. Probably more Gold so as to provide for their Goons and their Guns plus a backing to their campaigning. I would like to think that this is the only country that needed such petty, TEMPORARY things. Comparing our elections to the ones that had been just concluded in the United States of America in 2008, all candidates from both the Republican and Democratic parties did have the money to support their campaign. They also had men following about them but they are just your everyday body guard who may even look like Brad Pitt(s). Guns? They got their voice and ethics which was shared upon the US and the world. Their set of equipment over our own.
*With the 2010 elections just around the corner, SWS and Pulse Asia surveys on the Presidentiables are becoming even more precious to the wannabes.
- Recently, I was lucky enough to be a part of the Leadership Conference Series 2 where Tony Blair was the guest speaker. He said a great many things on peace-making processes and how we can solve any problem that we are to face if we are to remove the boundaries of religion and begin to accept the culture of other people. But upon thinking about his answer to current political issues here in the Philippines, he just laid back and gave safe answers to point out that these are the concerns of the Philippines in itself and no foreigner should partake of it. True enough, with current political issues such as the 2010 elections, everyone must take a part of it – EVERY Filipino. This will affect the outcome of the future of the Philippines in the years to come.
- Having presented his own set of graphs, Former Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban presented his own graphs and charts care of SWS and Pulse Asia also. Showing to the crowd how corruption is a definite inevitable force that lives within the internal organs of the Philippine government system. Quite shocking to some, but nothing new to those were sitting there -- who were believers of “Ms.X”
*If we believe these polls blindly, why still hold elections? Bakit pa tayo magsasayang ng oras at panahon. Let's just commission the SWS and Pulse Asia to do the surveys and let them declare the new president. No need for automation. Less corruption.
- Life would be easier this way. People being apathetic and let things happen to how the higher-ups would have wanted the elections to be. But doing so may mislead the mother land, destroy it in the wake of this election.
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ReplyDelete(Take 2 of the comment. Sorry Sir!!)
ReplyDeleteMy opinion on this is that, there’re just not much young people who care about the elections as mush as the adults do. Most of the young people today haven't even registered yet (yes, including me.) The thing is, I believe that in the midst of all that is happening, we - the youth, are clueless most of the time. We also lack the passion.
What happens usually is that, children become biased by how parents view Philippine politics. It is only in College wherein their eyes are opened and they begin to view the world differently as the teachers impart their knowledge to the little "puppies".
Some are not as lucky and a part of those wrong ideas from the parents are retained and become permanent. In the future, these people are then easily fooled when the politicians dangle the "gold" and at most times; rely too much on the surveys.
Well we all know that from there it becomes a cycle. They marry someone, create little gremlins that would be the "future" of our country, and the next thing we know, we have a new president with a humongous "beauty spot."
Cher Alcantara, DLSU Development Studies Major
ReplyDeleteJust this thursday I delivered a debate for my Speecom class regarding the Charter Change. Prior in doing research, and supported by my common sense, I personally chose to not favor Charter Change. I am not in favor of Charter Change because:
1) The Filipino mindset is not ready.
2) It would magnify political clanship and intensify resource control in the different proposed states.
3) It would not change the system of our country.
- The FIlipino mindset is not ready.
THe Filipinos are used to, as what had been mentioned in the post of this blog's author, the circus politicians and their use of Guns, Goons and Gold in running the country. The concept of truth is then being altered by these in position and the Filipinos would then be swayed as to how to engage themselves in any political right. The FIlipinos are easily convinced to act based on what they hear and see in media or wherever. The FIlipinos are not even aware of their rights in this current constitution for even rights as embodied by laws are maneuvered in favor of those in power. Charter Change can definitely not work in a country wherein the people are already too numb to decipher any difference.
- It would magnify political clanship and intensify resource control in the different proposed states.
With the proposed eleven federal states in the Charter Change, much of the bureaucracy is laid on the hands of the local government. WHoever is taking control of that particular region can take maximum control without the federal national government realizing. Any financial or means of resources would then be manipulated by those in power, in this case the political clans controlling the lands. Land reform then would then be not an easy task to be implemented for lands would most likely be the asset of the controlling leaders. I do not believe that such change in the constitution would create a balance in the bureaucracy but rather it would continue to feed the nasty situation of the political culture of the country. Elections is the only time the people are equal, setting aside the labels they have in society, each vote is worth the same as the other. It is the only privilege most know and exercise, taking that away would only create a country that would continue to feed itself only to those who are privileged.
-It would not change the system of our country.
Charter Change would definitely not change the system of our country for it would only continue the political process that hasn't contributed to total development. There wouldn't be any development considering the increasing grant of personal interests of those in power. Most especially, with the implementation of CHarter CHange wherein the leaders in the different states would have no means of balaning their interests with other states. There would be no means of compromise that's for sure.
With that in mind, Charter CHange is not possible. The structural change needed is the interest of the leaders. WHich would be impossible to change. Atleast with the upcoming election, it is vital for the voters to vote wisely. It starts with awareness. Knowing something can definetely aid in gaining a deeper understanding of the situation. Ignorance is not an excuse to be excused from the reality we are facing with. Just simply saying, "I don't know or I don't care", in the fate of our country leads to the continuous filthy system that is present in politics.
Ang popularity survey ay nagpapakita lamang kung sino ang may maraming pera. Para maging popular ang isang kandidato sa mga tao, kinakailangan niyang ipaskil ang mukha nya sa dyaryo, mga commercials at billboards. Para magawa ito, kinakailangang magwaldas ng maraming pera. Pag-lumabas na ang mukha ng kandidato, dun na siya simulang makikilala ng mga tao.
ReplyDeleteDi naman nangangahulugan na pag sikat, siya na ang karapat-dapat sa posisyon. Ang kasikatan ay nasusukat lamang sa madalas na paglabas ng mukha ng kandidato sa dyaryo o mga commercials. Matapos ang eleksyon, wala ng dahilan para sa mga kandidato para magpasikat pa. Kinakailangang ibase ang pagboto sa kakayahan ng isang kandidato at hindi sa kasikatan sapagkat sa bandang huli, kung mali ang ating naging desisyon, tayo ang TALO!
You have a point in the graphs should serve as a guide part. I totally agree with this especially since the coming election is a crucial one for the country's future. If we elect a candidate based on their fame then we can expect to see nothing new in our country just like what people did in past elections. We need change in our country and clearly the government now will not provide that, that is why we need to start thinking for the upcoming 2010 elections. The reason why these agencies conduct these survey is to inform the public on who is leading the race and show them if their candidate is doing well NOT to tell them who to vote. We should choose the candidate who can change the country. Don't just believe on what they say but also take a look at the things they have done it the past, if there is any, which would reflect who they really are. Simple thinking like this by every individual would surely take us to better places.
ReplyDeleteSurveys are indeed political tools used to propagate political interests. What is new? nothing. Philippine politics is still very dirty and disgusting. And it's a good disguise for "democracy".
ReplyDeleteWhat is worse is that we are all complicit to it. Whether we are the first time voter, the bought voter, the non-voter, we are all part of it. We are all part of the disgusting process of this politics. We are all part of a crime continually being committed evrey single day, we see it, but we just dont care.
What if the world was upside down? those who live lifestyles who permit them liesure such as playing PSP, who regularly travel out of the country etc, would suddenly lose EVERYTHING? Yes, its you! the elitist. Move, do something, you have blessings, share it, consider it as an advantage and help. Dont just sit around pretending tha you care, even if you really dont. What a shame.
i believe that in our country, since a lot of people are having a hard time living a lifestyle that they deserve. i believe that this coming elections is very important since we would be needing really good leaders with the world going through a crisis.
ReplyDeletei think that people in our country should know how to work around the ways so that they would be able to choose a good leader. some of them just choose the president according to the popularity count but that is the wrong way of doing it. some of them are greatly affected with the Guns the Goons and the Gold.
These three G problems would never go away. people most of the time power and by getting power you have to earn money and that is what the politicians do. they should do it to serve the people rather than for themselves. the elections this way come out as whoever can manipulate the masses more into making them believe that they will work for them
Actually,if I remember what my teacher taught me before, the Spaniards are motivated because of 3 G's, and they are gold,glory and God. Anyways, politicians nowadays use popularity as a way to gain votes. They think if they are famousmany would vote them and they were right. Because Filipinos always see them,their minds are being brainwashed. For example,Manny Villar who has commercials saying that he helps OFWs and poor people. Of course,many will think "Ay, ang bait naman nya" or "Ay,makamasa pala siya." Because the people see Villar as a helpful man,they would vote him but let us not be blinded in his image only. Let's ask ourselves, did he made a contribution for the betterment of our country? Let's think about it before voting because it is where our future depends on.
ReplyDeleteJan Bernard F. Lejano CBE/MMG POLISCI C37
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ReplyDelete"The more realist among our Philippine history teachers taught us that the Spanish were motivated by 2 G's in conquering these islands."
ReplyDeleteIf I remember correctly, our history teacher during high school said that the Spanish had three G's. God, Gold and Glory.
P.M.C (CBE, MFI,C37)
Spaniards were motivated because of God? Isn't it that the Spaniards used faith as a cloak so that they may be able to invade us? With that, i believe that they used God to motivate us. It was their first step towards domination. Upon reading Noli me Tangere and El Fili, I clearly saw that characters in the story are indeed scared of the priests and they even treat them as if they are the almighty God. Governors their were somewhat the same as ours right now, they are inclined into the misuse of authority.
ReplyDeleteIf i relate the settings on those books with our present condition, I won't see any differences would I? In the same manner, if we relate it to the upcoming 2010 election, people with more money is equal to more votes. If Ms. X can do such things up there, why can't those who are below?
Speaking of voting, we are all aware that if we vote, we get benefits right? People who are on the lower class are dominant and telling you now, when they vote they are after the benefits. So they simply vote, vote and vote. After all, they will get what they want after which. As they vote, they only try to recall the one's who are famous and sounds good to their ears. Tragic really. (Well this is based on what I heard and saw from different Cities.)
People here in the Philippines think that we are developing, but in fact we're not. The system(fear, fame and fake) that infected us way back during the Spanish colonization is still on the go.
Jeremy Yu Caunca CBE Polsci C33
It is shocking to discover that most of the Filipinos know little about the 1987 Philippine Constitution. How would Filipinos make the right decisions when they don't even know what they are 'dealing with'? I must say, this is a problem that must be looked after hastily.
ReplyDelete"The use of surveys as instruments of social science must be considered properly."
I totally agree to this sentence. A survey is just a general view of something, not some kind of great 'oracle'.. Nobody should make their decisions entirely based on what they see in graphs and polls-- they should be thinking of things that are hidden deeper inside, such as what the person or thing would do for the good of the mass. In saying this, I really wish this country will gain some (more) 'dependable' leaders in 2010 who will be able to satisfy at least the majority of the Filipinos.
Jin Hwa Choi [DLSU POLISCI C33]
People should not base their beliefs on graphs or whatsoever they must base their votes on the candidates who have actually done something rather than following the most popular candidate.
ReplyDeleteJacqueline Shi Ong [DLSU CBE POLISCI C33]
We as filipinos tend to have the mentality that we vote more on personality wise than what the candidate actually stands for.
ReplyDeleteSo the so called "new" G actually is relevant to our society today. Graphs tend to sway most of the voters because they want to vote for the one who is more popular or the one who can actually win not for what they can really do if they win.
[DLSU CBE POLISCI C33]
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ReplyDeleteI agree, we mustn't be swayed by petty graphs. These graphs aren't even that accurate. They usually just survey a couple of hundred at a time and they probably rigged some of them just to favor their employers. But sadly, there are those who are persuaded by these graphs and vote for the guy at the top of the graphs.
ReplyDeletePowell Lu (CBE POLISCI C33)
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ReplyDeleteIn our time, I think that gold is the reason why people are ready to hold guns, want to have glory and make use of their goons. I think that almost all of the people (especially politicians) want to have money and winning the election is one of the best ways for them. Winning the elections is like saying, "Hello millions and millions of pesos." In order to win the election, they are ready to kill and bribe people which make them sometimes forget the values that they have learned throughout their life.
ReplyDeleteElection nowadays are based on money and popularity. The winner is either the one who gives out millions of money to the people and let them know who they are or the one who makes the craziest commercial (swallowing their pride in singing and dancing crazily just to get attention). But putting them together is the best method. Sometimes, I think that if these politicians win, how will they get their money back? Wouldn't it be on the people's money also?
I like what sir said in the last paragraphs. I agree that polls and surveys should not be the sole basis of voting. It should serve only as a guide. In voting we must not choose who is popular but choose the ones who can truly represent the people. The ones who know and can provide the people's need. Sometimes being different is essential if we think that it is the correct and right way.
Maria Theresa M. Nogoy
C33 POLISCI
ID #: 10935746
All the way I thought the 3 G's were God, Gold, Glory, but looking at how the society is changing and especially people in power, it is scaring me. Nowadays, it is mostly about money and power. Who has the money has the power. It is like honor and reputation and a second thing. All they care is to stay in position and in power.
ReplyDelete"The use of surveys as instruments of social science must be considered properly."
I agree that we must not really depend on what is there. Those graphs are just a guide for us to choose better. However, we can never say that those graphs are precise. What really matters is what you believe is CORRECT. Following what is "on-trend" isn't always right. I think it is best for us to think for ourselves.
Da Eun K. Lee (CBE)
C33 POLISCI(DLSU)
It all ends up with " POWER". people would do anything just to become the most powerful creature in the world, whether in the good way or not. Like the spaniards, they colonized our country for resources/gold for them to became more powerful and in the end sold us to the americans when we fought against their power.
ReplyDeleteBringing it to the 2010 election, many candidates would use thier money to threaten or fool us..(spacially those who are really in need of money) we should not let this happen, because
it is like when buying clothes, poor people tend to buy those clothes that are being sold at ukay-ukay because they are much more cheaper, just that they are being fooled, because the quality is not worth the price.people thought that they have save a lot not knowing that they actually spent more money because those clothes were easily damaged. Like when we choose to accept their offers, in the end they would just rob us and make our lives even more worst.
So, we filipinos should care about our country by knowing and doing what would be best for our country. we should stop on being ignorant people who doesn't care about what is happening in our country. we should stand up now and stop the hold of gold in our lives.
(garbin, carmela) POLISCI C33
I agree that goons, guns and graphs really serve as a tool for the politicians who are running for certain positions in 2010. Despite of all these publicity, Filipinos shouldn’t be blinded by it all. We, should know what’s behind all these propaganda.
ReplyDeleteThese powerful people may disguise their goons as bodyguards or campaign managers and could even make them dress as social workers giving grocery items in every household or as livelihood operatives to encourage people’s sympathy and trust. Beware! These people are not spending money without taking it back with100% interest! Think 100 times Filipinos! Don’t be lazy! Think!think!
Jo, Hyun Min, Lee(AnYeong)
POLISCI_C33
ID:10192756
I agree those 3g's are the best weapon of politician. That's the main reason why we don't progress because of so much greed for things...
ReplyDelete"Mga taong utak talangka" na wala ng ginawa kundi manghila para makaangat..
Either they BRIBE you or KILL you.. That's the reason why we are down here.. many chose to live in this murky place..
All three add up to absolute power... that is the golden key in winning the ball game. Gone are the days when a big time politician could walk the streets without any bodyguard or protective armor for that matter. And only when this day comes can we truly say that our leaders do serve the people, what do they have to fear if they are considered as normal as every other individual despite the position they hold in government.
ReplyDeleteDarlene Co POLISCI C33
In the Philippines, nobody loses in the elections. Every loser was just cheated. Thus, the polls and surveys don’t really matter. Yeah, the election might be just a popularity contest at times. But if we all cannot rely in the validity of the election, then why should we care about the polls?! These politicians should concentrate on their how they could make the Philippines a better place to live in rather than spending their money (or their pork barrels) on the campaign. Moreover, once seated, they must practice good governance. They owe their power to the people who elected them so they must return the favor. After all, it’s their job to serve the people. It’s sad, but these days, nobody fulfills their promises anymore.
ReplyDeleteApr 22 http://aghambayan.blogspot.com/2009/04/earth-day-and-some-parochial-concerns.html
It's hard to depend on other people nowadays. So, I think the best thing to
do is act personally if we wish for progress. Like the cliche "great
things start from small beginnings", we can begin to work on simple
things to help ourselves become progressive and not be a burden of the
country. If we would all act this way, then the small things that we do
would make big differences.