Another kind of “NoEl”

NOEL – as in No election has become a by word of politically aware, politically inclined and bystanders along the political scenario as well as those environmentally aware tsimoso and tsimosa. Frequently, I was asked if I am running again to be one of the city councilors, sometimes I answer “Oh yah, do you think there will ever be an election in these present times?” others are shocked, some nod their head in confirmation “oo nga” and some just look baffled for they received an unexpected answer to a question they throw expectantly for not knowing what else to say when they see me. And that was scenes replayed for the past two years, but now it seems to be a reality that this present national government is not inclined to call for any type of election.

The barangay elections are past due but the present powers remain there, some faithfully doing their barangay duties with an extra mile. Others abuse their mandated powers and we see unabated squatting, bingo sa barangay, basura and parking violations and more. But at least I heard one who said, “we ended our term so why are we still there, either they elect us again or appoint us.” So if they get appointed, the mandate is not of the democratic process of a people’s vote but by the appointing body or person. Then more often than not, the loyalties and accountabilities tend to be towards the appointing body. Well, though with some elected officials, when elected they show partiality based on the votes they get from a barangay. So the way it is now, looks there’s not gonna be any election in the very near future.

The unappealing and un comprehended Federalismo seems to be talked more and more these days then in the past decade. The United States is a federal government, it’s a huge country and has concerns that needs to be addressed in the