Cha-cha and Corruption: A Shallow Solution to a Deep-Rooted Problem
The current ?people?s initiative? for Cha-cha is itself a mockery of the essence of genuine people?s governance because it reportedly involves bribing voters and local government officials — a classic example of graft and corruption.
By Antonio Tujan Jr.
Ibon Features
MANILA — The shift to a parliamentary system under the proposed charter change (Cha-cha) would ?significantly reduce? corruption in the political system, according to House Speaker Jose de Venecia.
De Venecia said the proposed shift would set elections on a five-year cycle and provide state funding to move the country towards a strong two-party system. He added that a parliamentary government tainted by corruption could fall through a no-confidence vote introduced in parliament but a presidential system offers only the difficult process of impeachment to remove a president.
But the proposed shift to a Parliamentary system is a shallow response to a societal problem that is more deep-rooted that government realizes, or cares to admit.
(more…)