A Modern Malolos Republic

Pia A. Kasaysayan 1 Philippine History Reflection Paper A Modern Malolos res publica A Reflection on M. Guerreros The Underside of the Malolos Republic Its generally acknowledged among Filipinos and some people around the globe that the Philippines is among one of the most debased countries in the world. In 2012, the Philippines ranked 105 with a 3. 4 Corruption Percentage Index in Transpargonncy world-wides compilation of data from 176 countries.The CPI score ranks countries from 0-10, with 0 indicating that a country is perceived to be highly corrupt, and 10 means that a country is perceived to be very clean (Transparency International, 2012). Corruption proves to be that longstanding problem that Filipinos and Filipino politicos always face. Of the many means of governmental degeneration in the Philippines today, believed to be among the most uncontrolled are graft, bribery, embezzlement, electoral fraud, backdoor deals, cronyism, and nepotism (Conde, 2007).Just by taking a look at the politicians currently holding office can the last type be evident. iodin family sometimes holds a seat in office for generations, ranging from barangay captain to the presidency. The political arena in the Philippines is largely comprised of and governed by ruling political dynasties, instead of political parties (Eder Vallarta, 2007). Corruption truly remains rampant in the Philippine society. What astounds me is the fact that it has been so rampant for so very long.According to Milagros Guerreros The Underside of the Malolos Republic, political corruption has been with the Filipinos since the very establishment of a republic in our country. Emilio Aguinaldos term as presidency seemed at-par with that of modern-day Filipino presidents like Joseph Erap Estrada or Gloria Macapagal GMA Arroyo in hurt of its cleanliness and transparency. Where Aguinaldos term exhibited cronyism, or appointing longstanding friends into positions of authority regardless of their qualific ations, so did Eraps and GMAs.Eraps infamous Mid darkness Cabinet consisted of shady characters with which he would spend the night drinking liquor with. These men were often powerful players in society, both from the public and private sectors. This group of men, from politicians to businessmen, often won favor and other perks from the Estrada administration. other example of cronyism is GMAs alleged midnight appointment of former Chief Justice Renato Corona just before she was to step down from office. This mirrors Aguinaldos own intervention of his former generals and comrades at arms in the revolution.These men were soon elevated into positions of high rank, taking advantage of the sudden absence of the Spaniards to prey on unsuspecting fellow Filipinos. It was also from cronyism that came graft and embezzlement, manifestations of a politicians greed for more power and personal belongings. Graft is the unscrupulous use of a politicians authority for personal gain. Embezzlemen t, in the context of political corruption in the Philippines, is basically taking money for personal use in entrancement of a trust, such as the tax law.Among Aguinaldos cronies and supporters, there were quite a few who used their name and political power to exhort Filipinos into gift up land and money. As governor of Cagayan, Daniel Tirona swindled the town of hundreds of thousands of pesos. This is no different from modern day governors who seek out the favor of the current president in office, in order to gain more power. Embezzlement, when committed by high government officials, becomes an even graver crime against the state. Pres.Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and some officials of her government were often surmise of embezzlement. There were a number of notable political scandals during her tenure as president, two of which were the notorious Fertilizer Fund Scam and the NBN-ZTE Deal. Even until today are Erap and his indulgent lifestyle become the stuff of urban legend and stigm atization. While Aguinaldo himself is mostly spared from such a demeaning legacy, as he is often lauded as the hero-president of the Philippine Revolution, his colleagues and supporters simply cannot be awarded the same protection.Jose Ignacio Paua, Aguinaldos brother-in-law and general, was not well received in Albay and other Bicol areas where he milked his constituents out of home and land. Mentioned above, the infamous Daniel Tirona was hardly also the symbol for political and financial cleanliness. While it is our politicians ongoing promise to eradicate corruption, its obvious that with its roots so deep into our history, it will be no easy task. In order to truly have a clean, just government its up to the people to vote for whom they think de dishs it and for those politicians to serve the people fairly and selflessly.As simple as it is, this conduct is often forgotten due to mostly selfish reasons. While corruption in the time of Aguinaldo and that of late(prenominal) pre sidents leave indelible stains in the history of the Philippines, our only solace is in the hope that future generations will not have to experience the same things. plant life Cited Conde, C. H. (2007, March 13). Philippines most corrupt, survey says The New York Times. Retrieved March 3, 2013, from The New York Times http//www. nytimes. com/2007/03/13/business/worldbusiness/13iht-peso. 891792. html? _r=1 Eder, E. , Vallarta, A. (2007, April 20). GMA News Research Political families obtain in almost all of RP News GMA Online. Retrieved March 3, 2013, from GMA News Online http//www. gmanetwork. com/news/story/39187/news/specialreports/gma-news-research-political-families-reign-in-almost-all-of-rp Transparency International. (2012). Research CPI Overview. Retrieved March 3, 2013, from Transparency International http//www. transparency. org/research/cpi/overview