Musical chairs in the Iloilo City Council

The Iloilo City

Council playing music chairs, resulting in several allies of Iloilo City Mayor Jose

‘Joe III’ Espinosa III losing chairmanships, should not be considered earth-shattering.

With midterm elections next year, the discord among city officials is natural (to some extent, necessary).

When two elephants are feuding, their underlings must take sides and call for arms – a “Hobson’s Choice.” When the art of political survival is at play, nobody remains a spectator; it’s how democracy works.

The act also dispels the widespread misconception claiming the city council is a rubber stamp. When there is insurrection, that means freedom of expression and freedom of choice are alive and kicking. Warring factions indicate diverse viewpoints.

Baloney

Claiming key political personalities being stripped of chairmanships (a.k.a. “reorganization”) was not tainted with politics is baloney. Of course politics was involved, with major political players giving prior notice about the plans. When anybody claims the mayor or Iloilo City lone district Rep. Jerry Treñas had no hand in it, tell them: “Tell it to the marines!”

Despite City Councilors Eduardo Peñaredondo and R Leoni Gerochi losing the majority floor leader and assistant majority floor leader posts, respectively, they have nothing to worry about. With elections seven months away, voters will remember their contributions that benefited constituents and not whether they were ousted from a leadership position.

“Survival of the fittest”

English sociologist Herbert Spencer coined the phrase “survival of the fittest,” the process by which less-adaptive organisms tend to perish as better-adaptive organisms tend to survive. In political combat, only those who are mentally and emotionally fit survive.

“Onion-skinned” characters aspiring for public office can never survive if they win; they self-destruct when members of the press scrutinize them. They begin to feel uncomfortable and, as a result, develop animosity.

The press and characters in public office should work handin-hand for the nation building.

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