The great comedian Dolphy and I were sponsors in a wedding. Unfortunately, he was not paired with me. Since it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me, I grabbed his hand during the processional. While walking, I asked why he did not consider running in the coming election. I remarked that he would surely be a frontrunner. He flashed a smile and said, “Ayaw ko nga, baka ako manalo.” (I will not run because I may win.) That was the wisdom of the great Dolphy. He knew his greatness and his limitations.
The Senate is intended to be made up of “individuals with honor, personal character and of absolute independence.” (Daniel Webster) I had always considered the Senate as my salvation. When the Lower House mangled our tax reform proposals, I looked forward to an intelligent discussion in the Senate. It served as a “Court of Last Appeals.”
And the Senate did not disappoint. Discussions on issues were deep and pointed. We had to prepare extremely well to respond to the questions of Senators Enrile, Roco, Angara, the two Osmenas, Saguisag, Drilon, and Defensor. They asked about the effects of tax measures on prices, growth, tax burden distribution, incentives to work, and fairness. Some of them, like Senator Maceda often dressed us down. Fortunately, Senator Flavier was always there to help soothe frayed nerves and shattered egos. Another Senator, Jun Magsaysay, made up for the lack of kindness of his peers. Like his father, Senator Magsaysay asked questions and gave his comments with respect.
The Philippine Senate used to be the venue for intelligent debates. The speeches and insights of great men like Manuel L. Quezon, Claro M. Recto, Jose P. Laurel, and Juan Sumulong reverberated in the august chambers of the Senate. However, through time, the Senate has become a venue of colorful characters. And if surveys were correct, it could soon become a collection of individuals who are more popular rather than competent. A former US Senator, Mark Pryor wryly observed that being elected in the Senate does not require passing an IQ test.
Given the awesome powers and great responsibilities of Senators, we should be equally concerned and passionate that we elect the best, the brightest and the most honest. Unfortunately, there are not many venues and opportunities for voters to evaluate their competence, record, and experience. What is sad is that voters will choose candidates based on name recall, their mass appeal, the persona that they have projected, and voters’ misconceptions on the roles that they are expected to perform. They are judged based on the “goodies” that they can bring home and not on their ability to take part in evaluating policy proposals. These limitations should challenge us to do our own research and campaign vigorously for those who deserve to be called “Your Honor.”
The Senators decide on rules that we have to obey. The controversial proposals that are up for their decision include the legalization of divorce, the SOGIE bill or the anti-discrimination bill, and restoring the power of government to control oil prices. All these require deep research, intelligent study, and objective judgment.
The Senate decides on how much taxes we should pay, who are to be exempt from paying taxes, and how our taxes will be spent. For several years, actors, basketball players, and lawyers were exempt from the VAT courtesy of Senators who were their colleagues. There are many other preferential treatments in the tax law introduced by Senators who protected their own.
The Senate controls the purse. The Senators have to decide which is best for the country amidst intense lobbying by government agencies. The Senate will decide whether there will be more funds for health instead of allocating more resources for insurgency. Which will create a greater impact: more resources for infrastructure or more resources for cash transfers? These decisions are Solomonic and require an objective and intelligent judgment.
The Senate can create a better government by providing oversight on how funds are spent and how programs are implemented. They can initiate investigations on abuses of power. Senators can be our voice in airing our frustrations on how government is run and our objections to the lack of justice. Being a true fiscalizer requires courage, research and a good conscience.
If Mang Dolphy were alive today, he would probably share his wisdom with many of the senatorial candidates. “Huwag na kayong tumakbo. Baka kayo manalo.” (I beg you not to run lest you win.)
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