The CYNOSURE
BY CRIS DIAZ
Partly, we have discussed the Machiavelli principles about political power. But, Machiavelli failed to tell us why politicians want to stay in power.
In today’s article, we will try to dissect one of the most interesting subjects in politics – staying in power.
What egged on politicians to perpetuate political power? There might be a thousand reasons.
In fairness, a politician runs for an elected position with a mission to serve the constituents.
Serving the people and the community is an obsession that all of us, especially the politician, would certainly want to fulfill.
You bet, no politician will disagree with the proposition that one of the reasons to run in an election is to serve the community.
However, looking forward, one could see that, for some politicians, running in an elective position is a compelling interest to perpetuate in power.
It now behooves to our minds that staying in power means maintaining respect among peers, friends and supporters.
For many politicians, staying in power is protecting family interests in businesses, political contacts, influencers and access to the corridors of power.
Some argued that staying in power means protection of political legacy, control of the constituents and supporters.
Truth is: Power is addictive and intoxicating. Unbridled power is also the root of corruption and political evil that most people who drink its poisonous madness are also infected.
Thus, it is common to observe those closer to the politician’s family to also have the feel of the power that be.
Certainly, the lawmakers have adopted measures to control unconstrained political power.
In the Philippines, there is a limit to holding elected political positions.
It would be enlightening should readers share thoughts on the effectiveness of the Philippine law limiting the term of elected political position.
At the moment, skeptics share the thoughts that the law limiting the term of elected political position is only in paper.
In the local elections, three terms of three years for every term means a succession of nine years. That is, if the elected politician is fortunate to be reelected twice in a row.
While the elected politician is barred from running the same elected position after three terms in a row, the politician is not barred from running a higher or lower position in the succeeding elections.
Obviously, the legislation allowing the politician to seek elected post after completing a three year term in office is a window to perpetuate political power.
Blame the democracy because running for an elected post is a right guaranteed to every legal and qualified citizen.
In a democratic state, a politician also exercises the “birth right” to perpetuate in power by passing the baton to family members.
Whether the passing of political power to the immediate members of the family is justified, the anti-dynasty law is definitely a legislative mockery.
