“We had the experience but missed the meaning.” — T.S. ELIOT

SOME people are saying that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is determined to prolong her stay in office “by hook or by crook.” On the contrary, there will be general elections in 2010 by hook or by crook as the masses look forward to the windfall bonanza from massive political spending; the United States wants it to preserve democracy in their own image; and the nation itself has been brainwashed into seeking new faces and fresh blood.

No doubt that sinister scenarios can be conjured, scripted, and crafted to throw a monkey wrench into the electoral process in the next nine months to make it impossible to hold elections, or by other means. It will not happen.

First, this early, whether the polling will be fully or partially automated, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is already running against time and deployment.

Thus, the lesser the time available, the greater the probability for fraud and “NO-EL,” and there are parties for elections at all cost, and there are parties working for postponement, or Cha-cha.

Alas, the future consequences of our actions cannot be quantified or foretold.

The political cost of no-election scenario will be unmeasurable, and the collateral damage to political stability can lead to deeper consequences and coup attempts, and the demise of democracy.

Second, without constitutional changes, all candidates for public office in 2010 are confined to the box of the existing political system, and cannot undertake innovations outside of the box in the fight against corruption, expensive elections, party-hopping, political dynasties and business oligarchy.

That is, constitutional reforms, as a whole, is the lesser evil, notwithstanding the fear that Cha-cha will open the way to extending the term of the President, than the constant threats of martial law, military adventurism, emergency powers, and no-elections.

When all is said and done, the presidential elections in 2010 will go through by hook or by crook, as they say, since their suspension or suppression will lead to dangerous consequences that may be unmanageable and counter productive, especially to economic recovery.

You be the judge.
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HERE AND THERE

It’s a free country... When elected governor of Pampanga, Fr. Ed Panlilio became a political iconoclast and breath of fresh air for defying political odds... Why not therefore the presidency?... Nothing to lose but his cassock... On the other hand, if America is famous for doing the unexpected and beating the odds by electing the first Catholic President, John F. Kennedy, in a Protestant nation, and the first Afro-American President in Barack Obama, let us not write off heavily sunburnt Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay for the presidency as he is one of the more qualified, gutsy, experienced, and truly pro-poor leader... Meanwhile, it is hoped that it was a misquote... We cannot believe that Sen. Richard Gordon would recommend amnesty to the Abu Sayyaf groups that are nothing but brigands and bandits who are giving the Philippines a bad name... In the meantime, Pagcor Chairman Efraim “Kuya Efren” Genuino observed his birthday last July 18th, and a big bash on Tuesday, July 28, 2009... Incidentally, why are people saying that it is too early for Sen. Chiz Escudero to aspire for the Presidency while it is a bit late in the day for Defense Sec. Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro to join the race, albeit probably the most qualified and the most Presidentiable-looking...

But then, the Philippines is a young country with nearly half of the total population below 30 years of age... Sen. Chiz Escudero, according to observers, projects an image of arrogance, theatre, and abrasiveness while the majority of the Presidential candidates lack the endearing personality and charisma, except former President Joseph Estrada….Abangan….(For comments and views, please e-mail: chaff_fromthegrain@yahoo.com.ph)