Cultural Phil. Politics
Fatima S. Tiongson
POSC 14 / THX
Aug. 29, 2013
Article Review Filipinos are having a hard time distinguishing politics and politicking. According to Webster’s dictionary, politics is a science or art of governance --- meaning the whole system. While politick means to engage in often political discussion or activity --- this is what we really perceive wrong in Philippine politics. For further understanding of these two, reading the introduction of Classes, Bosses, Goons, and Guns: Re-Imagining Philippine Political Culture by Joel Rocamora is worth the time. This article focuses on the class, boss, goons, and guns involved in the political culture as portrayed in the title. It summarizes the current condition of this field and how it was shaped by the colonizers. Rocamora described today’s election as cockfighting --- there are llamado and dejado. Us, the voters, view this arena as thrilling and exciting. However, there is a huge and grim difference on what we outside and what is really happening among their conversations. It also encompasses the concept of local and central government. Filipinos overlook that the locals are part of the central. Thus, they view Manila as “national.” This has become the lair of economic and political power. Somehow, this was caused by how the Spaniards and Americans moulded Manila as the prime city --- not learning the truth how the local vicinities garnered enough power to raise the metro. Before, all productions are located on rural areas and in its vast lands, while Manila was just a trading port. The Americans transformed NCR further as a political and economic center of the country. This is where classes and bosses enter the scene. The Americans only include elite families in controlling the Philippines. After they had given independence, even the provinces had their own elite ruling as public officials. Until now, these oligarchs still continue to sit on the throne. Due to incessant grabbing of power,
POSC 14 / THX
Aug. 29, 2013
Article Review Filipinos are having a hard time distinguishing politics and politicking. According to Webster’s dictionary, politics is a science or art of governance --- meaning the whole system. While politick means to engage in often political discussion or activity --- this is what we really perceive wrong in Philippine politics. For further understanding of these two, reading the introduction of Classes, Bosses, Goons, and Guns: Re-Imagining Philippine Political Culture by Joel Rocamora is worth the time. This article focuses on the class, boss, goons, and guns involved in the political culture as portrayed in the title. It summarizes the current condition of this field and how it was shaped by the colonizers. Rocamora described today’s election as cockfighting --- there are llamado and dejado. Us, the voters, view this arena as thrilling and exciting. However, there is a huge and grim difference on what we outside and what is really happening among their conversations. It also encompasses the concept of local and central government. Filipinos overlook that the locals are part of the central. Thus, they view Manila as “national.” This has become the lair of economic and political power. Somehow, this was caused by how the Spaniards and Americans moulded Manila as the prime city --- not learning the truth how the local vicinities garnered enough power to raise the metro. Before, all productions are located on rural areas and in its vast lands, while Manila was just a trading port. The Americans transformed NCR further as a political and economic center of the country. This is where classes and bosses enter the scene. The Americans only include elite families in controlling the Philippines. After they had given independence, even the provinces had their own elite ruling as public officials. Until now, these oligarchs still continue to sit on the throne. Due to incessant grabbing of power,
References: Rocamora J. “Classes, Bosses, Goons, and Guns: Re-Imagining Philippine Political Culture” Introduction. “Aquino’s Transformational Presidency: What change?” PSPA Issue Analysis No. 5, Series 2012. Center for People Empowerment and Governance. July, 19, 2012 Hutchcroft, P. 1991 “Oligarchs and Cronies in the Philippine State: The Politics of Patrimonial Plunder.” Quimpo, N. “Oligarchic Patrimonalism, Bossism, Electoral Clientelism, and Contested Democracy in the Philippines.” January 2005.