tête-à-tête

Recently, the Comelec issued a memorandum ordering personalities to resign or take a leave before they endorse politicians. Many of these personalities reacted dramatically (as they are good at it) saying that singing, dancing, and acting are their "bread and butter". That's so much bread and butter! And what about the masses whose vulnerability to get amused at tawdry appearances they exploit? I mean, these performers have done so much flop acts already, and so they must spare the masses their cheap shots! And if they have a little sense of responsibility, they should stop saturating the airwaves with their mountebankery!

But that is just a speck in this cosmos of third world politics. Many actors and actresses who cajole us into voting are also principal suspects to an impending crime - tax evasion. As many TV, movie, and radio stars turn into blackholes, the Bureau of Internal Revenue warned them of dying (so to speak) should they refuse to declare their assets and pay just taxes. But if this bureau is determined, why gaze only at the stars when politicians are more predisposed to defying the law? Given our current system, prosecuting them may take some light years to happen though.

And what about those pro bono endorsers? I'm not a lawyer, but I'm not stupid either. I think the intention of the law is to give equity to media control in relation to campaigning. The Omnibus Election Code sets airtime limits on different electoral positions. So, once personalities have expressed support over certain candidates, they are automatically associated with those candidates and whether they chant or sing or rap or do nothing, their mere appearance on TV is, in effect, campaining. Freedom of speech? Sure. But it is devoid of any ethical standards to abuse freedom in the name of personal or familial gains.

Let's all be a part of these historic elections. But before that, you are so crass if you vote without looking into the character, achievements, and political stance of your candidate. And you are also irresponsible not to encourage others to do the same.


Copyright © 2009 by DenniSinned2. All rights reserved.

Labels: BIR, comelec, politicians, politics, tax evasion, the philippines