ARMM A FAILED EXPERIMENT: AN ANTITHESIS
(In response to PDI news article titled: Palace says ARMM failed experiment
February 16, 2011, page A17
- The President is proposing major reforms to address causes of rebellion and hopelessness in ARMM
Postponement of elections is not the penultimate answer to address major reforms in ARMM. History is testament to the fact that in a period of 21 years, there has been 8 election postponements in ARMM to suit pressing political exigencies. What is the guarantee that these reforms be implemented in the next two years?
- Synchronize elections for the “ sake of economy”
The COMELEC has already categorically stated that it has the needed budget of 1.8 B to undertake the ARMM polls. There is no need for another budget appropriation. If we really want to save our country’s economy we should have elections. If we want save our economy, we might as well proceed with ARMM elections and collect the revenue from non-performing bureaus, trudge the path of “daang matuwid” and cleanse the bureaus and agencies that have been recently implicated in massive corruption like the BIR, BOC, GOCC’s and the GFI’s. This is a better way of achieving economic efficiency in our government. We fulfill the mandate of our constitution and stop corruption.
- ARMM is a failed experiment in terms of the aspirations of the Filipino to give justice to our Muslim brothers. The history of ARMM is a failed substate.
If we say ARMM is a failed substate, it is tantamount to saying that the FORMER PRESIDENT CORAZON AQUINO whose administration fought for the genesis of autonomy and democracy in ARMM is likewise a FAILURE.
If we want to put things back in order in ARMM, then we should proceed with the elections to install a new mandate elected by the people through a plebiscite to reflect the true will of the electorate. With the promise of “daang matuwid” under the tutelage of our President, we are optimistic that this time, a new mandate in ARMM will better its present state of governance, under HIS SUPERVISION as mandated by RA 9054( Expanded ARMM Organic Act).
- How do you appoint officers in charge who have “clean slate” to oversee reforms in ARMM and by whom?
Without prejudice to the question of legality in respect to the appointment of interim officers in ARRM, “ who will compose the proposed caretaker government of ARMM? “, and what are their qualifications?
It is also noteworthy to mention that the President has the power of GENERAL SUPERVISION in ARMM and over its ELECTED OFFICIALS. He can see to it that all laws be faithfully executed therein. So, why the need to appoint a caretaker government. Setting up a caretaker government is obviously a political move and would only subject the Office of the President to a possible judicial controversy, which is the least that we can afford these days given the plethora of national concerns the President must focus on instead.
Appointment of OIC’s will further weaken the autonomy of ARMM. Elections are essential to strengthen the autonomy of ARMM and give it its rightful self-determination. The government should instead focus its role in ensuring that ARMM elections are conducted fairly, accurately and peacefully.
- Elections in ARMM are determined by traditional warlord and politicians who use, goons, guns and gold to cling to power. ARMM do not reflect the true will of the people
Is this not common in other political territories of the Philippines as well? This reasoning deserves scant consideration.
If ARMM did not reflect the true will of the people, then why did P-noy win even without the help of traditional politicians there?
No matter how imperfect ARMM is, we are bound to protect it. We can make the institution work , without compromising the people’s right to suffrage.
- No real election and democracy if questions of massive electoral fraud and corruption are still prevalent
For the first time in 21 years, an opposition president, in the person of Our Excellency, emerged in the ARMM despite claims that ARMM is a political bailiwick of the administration. What does this suggest? That the people of ARMM have spoken. That finally, they are freed from the shackles of ignorance and indifference.
So why are we insinuating electoral fraud in the ARMM now? If the government insists that ARMM elections were conducted unfairly, inaccurately and chaotically, then why did P-noy win in last May 2010 polls, with a total votes of 324,689 in the five (5) provinces of ARMM without the help of known politicians?
