by Jan Michael Yip

Created on: September 07, 2009   Last Updated: September 09, 2009

The Circus that is Philippine Politics

Some loud and very obnoxious noise woke me the other day. It was some politician's desperate attempt to get voters attention so that he would be known and remembered come election day. They were of course using nasty and unpleasant jingles coupled with cheesy lines that even the most credulous won't believe. I'd very much like to tell them off. I'd scream and shout at these 'tards, tell them to shut up and let decent people get some more sleep, it's a Saturday for crying out loud! But I can't do that since it's election season and people expect this kind of thing. I'd be the one looking like a 'tard if I complain. You can see why I like election time.

The circus that is Philippine politics includes, but is not limited to, annoying the heck out of the citizenry via the said jingles. It also includes visually and auditorially repulsing us with their dancing and singing. I'd love nothing more than NOT see and hear them but that's kind of hard to do when they've got money to advertise the talents they wish they had.

Celebrities have been part of the political scene ever since I could remember. They either support a politician or run for office themselves. I don't know what's worse, a cruel and calculating seasoned politician or a dense and untested famous personality who thinks that his flailing career gives him the right to run for office then cover the decision to run under the guise of "love of country".

Shameless. The common denominator of these would be politicos and those seeking for reelection is their total lack of shame and blatant disregard for anything that has to do with humility. They advertise their said accomplishments and brag about how they authored this law or that nationally recognized project but they always seem to forget about the anomalies and scams that they were involved in. I guess amnesia sets in when the truth is demanded.

I know that it's foolish to paint everyone with the same brush but with the way things are going here, I feel vindicated doing so. By the way, my vote not only goes to the candidate who does not have a trail of irregularities behind them but also to the one who is almost invisible with their campaign ads.

Here comes one of those roving political ads, I can hear it a mile away. Please! Busted speakers and faulty electrical wiring, now! Please!

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