Woe unto the turncoat politicians

Whenever we see droves of politicians who change party colors at the drop of a hat, not for principles, values, or ideology, but merely for political convenience, passing expediency, and for sheer and shameless opportunism, we confirm, sadly and angrily, our long-held beliefs that this country, alas, is going to the dogs. Well, I hasten to correct myself: The dogs might even be better, for they do not change their masters to suit their ambitions, to allay their fears of being left behind, and the abnormal fear of being eaten alive by their political rivals. This sudden exodus to PDP is symptomatic of a nation that has lost its ethical moorings, a people who have lost their self-respect, a country that is not built on moral grounds of dignity and honor.

Politicians take any oath before anyone, swearing allegiance to whoever when they smell the promise of the moon, the stars, pork barrel, election funding, organization, and the support of the administration. These spineless trapos do not even ask what the fundamental principles of the PDP are. They do not bother to examine party constitution and bylaws. All they are after is whether they can get some public works for their towns and districts in order to have something tangible to show, "ad ostentationem" to their constituents and to claim credit for. I am saddened by our local politicians who have not shown the lightest shade of any moral values.

As rare exceptions to this spectacle of political turncoatism, I single out with high awe and respect our Governor Hilario Davide III, who, like his father Hilario Davide Jr. remained faithful to the principles of the Davides. He may be left standing alone. All the mayors in his bailiwick, the second and the seventh district, might be abandoning him and the LP. But in the eyes of righteous and honorable men, Governor Davide didn't betray the people. I also salute Mayor Tomas Osmeña and I abhor the words of a nonCebuano who told the trapos just to ignore Tomas. People accuse Tomas of many things, but no one can accuse him of political opportunism. Like his father Serging, he remains true to Cebu and the Cebuanos.

Also, I salute Mayor Mike Rama whom they falsely accuse of drug links, an accusation that is entirely baseless. I admire Mike for not insisting to join the bandwagon of political butterflies. Like his grandfather, Don Vicente, and his uncles Governor Osmundo and famous writer Napoleon, Mike is really a good and honest man.

Now, the curse of the turncoats is that they and their enemies are already in PDP. Like the Petillas and the Romualdezes in Leyte, how shall they divide their turfs, their kingdoms, the spoils? In Cebu, PDP will ultimately have a big problem; the towns are too small for too many little Indians trying to vie for the same turfdoms and lordships. Not too far is the possibility that PDP will implode in the faces of Senate President Koko Pimentel and Speaker Bebot Alvarez. Good for them.