The Beauty and the Beast relates a touching story of two
characters who is simply opposite in every description. The author wants to
show that even in situations where there is an impossibility because of
irreconcilable differences, good outcome can still be possible. This will now
make us realize the difference between fantasy and reality. Straining our
imagination to move further and erase the marked difference between the two,
i.e. fantasy and reality, is necessary to arrive at a bizarre outcome wherein both
cannot possibly bring out a product that is humanly possible. Imagine Beauty
and the Beast in procreation as a result of a union. Of course this is just a
figment of an imagination, but what I mentioned is still believed by many and could
be a possibility in our society.
The Philippine system of governance has evolved into a
beast that is characterized by lack of participation, transparency and
accountability. Necessarily, the system has its own rules, code of conduct and
ethical standards apart from the laws and norms that everyone observe in their
daily living as well as their association with others. Wittingly or unwittingly,
it’s powerful influence envelopes every neophyte who enters its halls. Sad to
say, the neophyte politician is now the influenced instead of being an
influence.
Like Beauty who is attracted by the subtle power of the
beast, the poor new politician finds the system an opportunity for power, honor
and wealth. His brain is now open to new possibilities and his body loves to
adjust to the tingling touch of the beast. Staying in his position will now
become his obsession and by all means he works day and night to pursue it. He is
now equipped with the power to convince his family, relatives and friends that
the beast is indeed good contrary to what others say. With money and influence
they make themselves powerful in the community. The teaching of the beast,
mandates them to be seen as benefactors in order that beauties will be
attracted. I say this because by now they have manifestly been transformed into
a Beast and Beauties are the incoming recruits. I interchange Beast and the System
because in my discourse I see no difference. These two are one and the same.
The succeeding move is to create a political dynasty in
order to continue the office in the hands of family members after his term. The
system is overly protective and anyone who tries to take away beauty from him
are ruthlessly destroyed. From the system the politician is given all the
resources and prerogatives of power. It is equated to holding the power of life
and death in his dominion.
The simple vision that the community wanted their
politician to work out a simple practical system is now a diametric
contradiction. His original vision for the community and his direction are
traveling opposite paths. The people who voted for him are caught in a dilemma for
they cannot differentiate between truths and lies. Their bias for him is
greater than the sum total of common sense every sensible person ought to have.
The system is fast creeping in every fiber of the
community to make the story of Beauty and the Beast a reality. It is alive,
using honorable men and women who unknowingly work in its favor. To combat
these, the people must come together and be a pressure group to advocate
changes. The NGO’s must be together in fighting against evils of the system instead
of bickering against one another. The academe must be more vigorous in demanding
change before the irresponsible officials will squander all our resources.
Ultimately the
System of governance in the Philippine context is systemically polluted.
There
is a need to overhaul the Constitution by a new breed of people who are
oriented on sustainable development and environmentally immersed mindset. Anti-corruption
staunch advocate must be the majority of the delegates whose task is to make
changes of corrupted and ambiguous laws. The laws passed by lawmakers who are
not the true representative of the people must be abrogated. These laws were
never intended to promote socioeconomic and political concerns of the majority
of Filipinos but for the interest of the elite only.
