The circus continues

Ben Contreras

SINCE we’re moving toward the national elections next year, it is important for us to be reminded of the basic function of the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

“The Comelec is the principal government agency tasked by the Constitution to enforce and administer all laws and regulations concerning the conduct of regular and special elections. It is a body that is designed to be constitutionally independent from the executive, legislative and judiciary branches of government to ensure the conduct of free, fair and honest elections.”

From this alone, we can glean why we have become a “Banana Republic” when we should be among the best in Asia and perhaps, the world.

Since when have we had a Comelec that live up to its mandate to “ensure the conduct of free, fair and honest election”? When political patronage is the only vehicle to get an important position in the government, we can never expect an election without favor if not, without cheating.

Money is another factor that decides who wins and who loses. No wonder when politicians spend a lot of money, they use their positions to get back what they invested and with premium benefits and profits.

Independent from the executive, legislative and judiciary, you say? I dare challenge anyone who could say Comelec has been running its affairs without interference from politicians or the powers-that-be.

One thing funny about our electoral process and its governing laws can be seen from what former Sen. Nene Pimentel said of the candidacy of a certain personality. This person was deemed a nuisance candidate because he couldn’t possibly sustain the amount involved in running for the position. For that, he is facing disqualification. But what does the law says of a candidate? As long as one is a natural born citizen of the Philippines, a registered voter, able to read and write, and at least of the age required for the position and has met the residency requirement, then one is qualified to run. It didn’t say that one has to have lots of money and capable of sustaining an election campaign.

If it is all about money, then only a few families will be able to run our country from one generation to another.

Our elections have always been marred by the “3Gs”–guns, gold and goons. Let’s add a Bg F for “fraud,” and the dishonest Comelec personnel or machines.

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The day, Nov. 8, 2015, will see the launching of “Champ” or Clean, Honest, Accountable, Meaningful and Peaceful 2016 elections. Honestly, I am not optimistic about it simply because people behind this movement have political colors known to everyone.

What the people should do is help investigate erring government officials, and bring them behind bars. When this becomes successful, only a few would think of serving the people; only those who really have the heart to do so without considering self-aggrandizement would run.

This is a role people hope the Church would take. But even our Church has its own agenda, political leanings and preferences. And so, the circus continues!