In 2018, I had the opportunity to meet former President Fidel Ramos at his Ramos Foundation for Peace and Development (RPDEV) office. It was then that I realized how astute the former President is, or was, when he described the Filipinos are the most “political animal” in the world. He humorously noted that with three Filipinos, at least four or five organizations would be established, highlighting their inherent propensity for political engagement.
Indeed, with a political culture anchored on personalities, it is not surprising that the Philippine political system has evolved into the multi-party landscape we see today. From a two-party system composed of Nacionalista and Federalista in 1903, the number of active registered national political parties increased to 24 in 2022 based on the records of the Commission on Elections (Coemelec). Add to this the 172 accredited partylist parties and organizations and at least 100 unregistered as well as inactive political parties. This shift highlights the need for reforms to transition from personality-based politics to a more principle-based and stable party system. By focusing on collective decision-making within parties, internal disagreements can be minimized while ensuring the development of a more cohesive political environment.
This observation is particularly relevant in light of the recent infighting within PDP-Laban, as chronicled in a Rappler article, and the latest news of enmasse resignation of PDP members in Victorias City and in the province of Negros Occidental. The party has been plagued by internal conflicts and legal battles, reflecting broader issues within the Philippine political party system.
The resignations of PDP-Laban members in Negros Occidental and Victorias City underscore the urgency of substantial political reforms. Prominent figures such as Rep. Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez, Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer, and about 100 members from Victorias City have left the party, signaling internal party struggles and potential shifts in political alignments. To address these challenges, several political reform proposals can be considered, aiming to foster a more stable and principled political environment.
A key issue highlighted by these resignations and the infighting within PDP-Laban is the instability within political parties. To address this, a law can be enacted to transition from personality-based politics to a party-based system. This would ensure that political actions and decisions are made collectively within parties, thereby enhancing stability and reducing the likelihood of mass resignations. By strengthening the political party system, the focus will shift from personality-based leadership to principle-based decision-making, minimizing internal disagreements and fostering a more cohesive political environment.
Frequent party switching, or “political grasshopping,” undermines the integrity and stability of political parties. Implementing strict laws to punish political grasshoppers would encourage loyalty and commitment to one’s chosen party. This measure could prevent abrupt shifts in party membership, which often lead to instability and confusion among voters.
One of the root causes of political instability is the high cost of running for office, which can lead to corruption and undue influence from wealthy backers. Providing government support for election expenses can level the playing field, allowing more qualified candidates to run for office without relying on questionable funding sources. This reform would promote fairness and transparency in elections, reducing the influence of money in politics.
The resignation of prominent PDP-Laban members in Negros Occidental and Victorias City highlights the urgent need for these reforms. By strengthening the political party system, punishing political grasshoppers, and supporting election expenses, the Philippines can create a more stable and accountable political environment. These measures will not only address the immediate issues arising from the resignations but also pave the way for long-term political stability and integrity.
Conclusion
The mass resignation of PDP-Laban members and the ongoing infighting within the party are symptoms of deeper issues within the Philippine political system. By implementing the proposed reforms, the Philippines can move towards a more stable, principled, and transparent political landscape, ensuring that future political realignments are driven by genuine public service rather than internal party conflicts. These reforms are essential for restoring public trust and fostering a more effective and accountable government.
For a detailed discussion on these political reform proposals, you can read the full article on Polevu.
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