mongster's nest

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Brokeback politics

There are 106 first termers in the House of Representatives today. These lawmakers never received past favours from Speaker Jose De Venecia. They have no compelling or even sentimental reason to remain loyal to De Venecia. In fact, the new members of Congress are more likely to complain that senior members of the Lower House are prioritized for membership in juicy committees. The neophyte solons are easily persuaded to support the “Oust De Venecia” plot.

Ever since the 14th Congress opened its first session last July, Kampi has always challenged the leadership of De Venecia. But De Venecia managed to secure the speakership since he had the backing of Malacanang. De Venecia’s ouster was sealed when he lost the vote of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

It is ironic and tragic that De Venecia’s political fortunes will end this way. De Venecia is often referred to as the quintessential trapo in post-Marcos Philippine politics. De Venecia perfected the art of political compromises, otherwise known as the “win-win solution.” The same system of unprincipled wheeling and dealing has now caused the downfall of De Venecia as one of the most powerful men in the country. What happened to the master politician who could make impossible things possible?

De Venecia has every right to feel slighted. He was correct to hit back against his enemies. He should concentrate his attacks against the ungrateful president.

De Venecia made Arroyo his running mate in the 1998 polls. He was the campaign manager of Arroyo during the 2004 presidential elections. When Arroyo was almost removed from power in July 2005, it was De Venecia’s decisive leadership which saved the president. For three times, De Venecia has thwarted impeachment attempts against the president. Since 2001, De Venecia has proven his loyalty to the president and Lakas-Kampi coalition. The De Venecias and Arroyos are close family friends. Indeed, there are no permanent friends in politics.

A few months ago, De Venecia had many allies in Congress. Now they are nowhere to be found. De Venecia could not rely on allies whom he had appointed in different strategic positions in the Lower House. De Venecia suddenly lost the confidence of politicians whom he supported in past elections. De Venecia is disappointed that the Cabinet members whom he had recommended could easily abandon him today.

De Venecia is a dangerous enemy. He has brokered too many deals with past and present governments. He knows too many embarrassing state secrets. He could expose more political scandals involving the First Family. De Venecia is not a stupid politician. He will refuse to become a lameduck figure. He can hit back; he can humiliate the president; he can cause the downfall of the administration.

But De Venecia should recognize that in order to be more credible, he should admit his shortcomings as a leader. He should confess his sins to the people. He should not deny his corrupt and criminal activities. Chavit Singson became a reliable witness because he admitted that he was an accomplice in pocketing jueteng money. Will De Venecia do a Chavit Singson? Is he the right person to lead a moral revolution?

De Venecia should start reflecting about his role in perpetuating a corrupt political system. He should probe his weaknesses as a leader. He should ask why some of his kababayan in northern Luzon voted for his ouster.

De Venecia is confident of his achievements as leader of Congress. But he should not brush aside the accusations that were hurled against him. Is there really no transparency in the disbursement of funds in Congress? What was his real involvement in the controversial Northrail project?

De Venecia should clarify his legacy to the Filipino people. If surveys are to be believed, Congress has very low public trust ratings. De Venecia’s image as a trapo could be a major factor why many Filipinos have negative perception towards the Lower House. For the new generation of Filipinos, De Venecia is almost the only recognizable and known Speaker of the House of Representatives. De Venecia should make amends and clean his tarnished political reputation.

If De Venecia intends to fight Arroyo all the way, he should first stop underestimating the political shrewdness of the president. Arroyo will not drop De Venecia if she knows she will not survive the political backlash of her decision. De Venecia has met his match.

De Venecia’s fall from grace should teach others about the harshness of politics. In particular, this should remind Rep. Prospero Nograles, the new Speaker of Congress, that he will also be in danger of losing his position if he decides to antagonize the First Family. Nograles should remember that in spite of De Venecia’s numerous contributions to the Arroyo administration, the latter was still abandoned in the end by the ruling coalition. What has Nograles accomplished in behalf of the president? How long will Kampi tolerate the dominance of Lakas in Congress? Where is former president Fidel Ramos?

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posted by: mongpalatino at February 05, 2008 00:30 | link | comments |
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