Consumers Domain
By Ian Seruelo

A transitional revolutionary govt

“Social reforms are never carried out by the weakness of the strong; but always by the strength of the weak.”

—Karl Marx

This article is in pursuance of the previous article in this column entitled “ What do we do now?” Now that the country is again plunged deep into another political turmoil, we the public are faced with a familiar situation which appears to be a playback from a damaged tape recording. It's like a déjà vu of sorts.

Most Filipinos all over the country, not only in Manila, is fed up with the Arroyo administration. Most of us believe that Gloria has lost the public trust and the moral ascendancy to govern. Though we may have different stresses as to our reasons, we believe that a corrupt and dishonest president has to go. This is supported by the various surveys and public opinion polls including internet-based surveys.

Despite of these though, why is it that the movement to oust Gloria seem to be gaining not enough momentum? I believe the main reason why this is so is because the rallying calls that are prominently carried in the media and that which is communicated to the public don't appeal much to the people.

Simply put, while most people believe Gloria has to go, the call to merely oust or force her to resign does not promise a better future to the population already burdened heavily with economic hardships and worn out by elite politics and governance. People are wary that this struggle will only be for naught again. That in the end, another set of trapos will simply substitute Team Gloria and the same system of trapo governance will persists.

Indeed, the public is presented with several options but let us start by asking ourselves some basic questions. What do we think is the root of this crisis? Is Gloria the only problem here? What do we really want, simply change Gloria or change this system of elite democracy?

Now, with all the post-GMA options presented by different groups, this column is supporting a transition revolutionary government that will be composed of different sectors and groups, that which is being proposed by the coalition called Laban ng Masa.

Laban ng Masa seeks to “establish a popular and democratic government. As soon as GMA is out of power, a transitional revolutionary government shall be formed by all political forces, sectors and movements.”

It is “revolutionary” because it will not be constrained by legalities as opposed to the other options that tend to be restricted by constitutional succession of Noli to the presidency or simply the holding of a snap election thereby preserving the same political and economic structures. Further, it is “revolutionary” in the sense that it has the strength and political will to enforce fundamental political and economic reforms.

It is “transitional” because the revolutionary government will “pave the way for the drafting and ratification of a new constitution that will embody popular and democratic reforms in the economic, political and social life of the nation. Upon this new constitution that new structures of governance shall be established, including radical reforms in the electoral system as the basis for genuine democratic elections.”

According to the Laban ng Masa, this transition government “shall formulate short-term policy reforms on the vital issues and people's demands (on debt, taxation, wages, privatization, social and economic services, etc.) as a starting point for the long-term and strategic policy direction of the new government.”

The transition government shall also implement “a minimum and transitory program for political and institutional reforms aimed at addressing the long-standing clamor of all sectors for radical changes in governance.”

Who is behind this formation? A broad spectrum of workers and professional groups, farmers, urban poor and other people's organizations, NGOs, social and political movements, respected individuals from the academe from across the country comprise Laban ng Masa. Chaired by former UP President Francisco Nemenzo, other prominent individual members of this movement are Prof. Randy David, Reyes, Prof. Walden Bello, Ms. Maitet Diokno-Pascual and FDC National President Princess Nemenzo.

This column believes that this group is the only one so far with a comprehensive platform and a clear vision. This maybe sort of radical for some, but hell we do need radical changes here. We are not fighting to simply oust Gloria. This is an opportune time to call for an end to elite democracy.

We know that Noli's succession will simply be a replay of the failures of EDSA 2. This is what the elite actually want because it will not rock the boat but only bring in a new captain. Holding a snap election will not usher in real reforms too, as well as the Ramos' self-serving scheme that will perpetuate the same elite governance.

Bayan's “transition council” is a hollow call and these groups are towing the line of the United Opposition. Both the “caretaker council” of UNO and the “transition council” of Bayan will also be composed by a broad representation, however just as what happened in the past, people's representation would only be token.

As this column have asserted in its previous article, let us not forget that the Bayan groups have endorsed Gloria to succeed Erap in the struggle to oust the latter, “pretending as if they don't know Gloria enough. These groups have been known to play with the other faction of the elite to pursue Joma Sison's distorted aims at the expense of the people.” Contrary to their perpetual claim that it is only a tactic to “use” the other faction of the elite, history has proven that it was they who end up being used by the latter.

(For comments and reactions send SMS to 0919-348-6337 or email to ianseruelo@yahoo.com.)