The Philippines’ “Bucket List” – a vision for a better country

Before we get into the meat of this post, I think an explanation on the term “bucket list” is owed towards those out of the loop. A bucket list is a list of activities a person intends to do before they die or, idiomatically speaking, before they “kick the bucket.” This is not to say that the Philippines will die soon. That will be overly dramatic. I simply fancied calling this piece a bucket list just because. Walang basagan ng trip.

Moving on.

If the PH is to move forward to prosperity, it must prioritize the following:

1. Elimination of internal State enemies (i.e. CPP-NPA and its legal fronts) and enhance security.

2. Decentralize government power to ensure equal development of other regions. To ensure this, shifting to a Federal-Parliamentary system is necessary.

3. Liberalize the economy by opening it to Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs), coupled with continuous development of infrastructure to accommodate incoming investors, and amending/revising the Constitution to remove economic provisions therein. It is rather shortsighted of the framers of the 1987 Constitution to include economic provisions in something so rigid and resistant to change such as the mother law of the land. Such a measure has been proven a hindrance to economic growth as subsequent economic legislation must adhere to those provided in the Constitution. This in turn makes economic policies suffer a quick obsolescence without an efficient workaround.

4. Continuity in policies must be observed. This has been the complaint of investors in the country as with every president, the Philippines is taken into a new direction which either weakens or altogether nullifies the predecessor’s efforts. To do this, term limits must be removed. The Philippines is a democratic republic and as such, should not be worried of baseless fears of political dynasties since this is a mere by-product of democracy. The shifting to a Parliamentary system ensures that an erring MP or PM is removed from office through a simple and efficient vote of confidence. As it stands, the process of impeachment is too tedious and costly that weathering an incompetent president is seen as the more practical solution.

5. Effectively, the Philippines must be put under a strong rule. Stronger than the current administration, if possible. Heavy investment must be poured towards the military and law enforcement. This ensures that Philippines can flex its own political muscle against future foreign aggressors and internal threats. Strong military ensures that we have a voice in the international community. One that will be heard and respected.

6. Press freedom must be curbed. As shown in the previous years, the media enjoyed too much freedom in maligning the administration to the international community. This gave interveners (such as the USA) the free pass to disrespect our sovereignty. Press freedom is overrated and unneeded in nation-building. We can worry about such lofty ideals once we reach first-world levels. Lastly,

7. Yellows and Reds must be eradicated from our political landscape. People from both leanings have exhibited political immaturity in that they are unwilling to work with anyone outside their clique toward a common goal. The Yellows have been proven to be nothing but self-serving politicos willing to politicize even the dead for their own political gain. The Reds, estranged bedfellows of the Yellows, indoctrinate the youth into a Cold War era cause that struggles for relevance in the 21st century.

The Philippines needs pragmatic politicians—ones that are willing to set aside political colors, and come up with concrete and quantifiable solutions which may be deemed neither ideal nor popular but necessary.

On the other hand, idealistic bozos must be, if not altogether shunned, be treated with suspicion as idealism has historically caused more than half of the world’s problems.

All in all, if the Philippines is to prosper, it must do away with motherhood statements and look for hard solutions. It must discard its obsolete government system as “voting wisely” has clearly failed time and time again.

And for the love of the gods, just get rid of the Yellows and Reds.

PulbuRonn

Who am I? None of your business.