Presidential System Is Nothing More Than CARTOON POLITICS

The Dilawans' regime may be over, not one single member of #OtsoDiretso won the Senate seats but pro-Constitutional reform Filipinos still have to contend with Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. and Grace Poe-Llamanzares. Before they shout, "Just change the system but not the people." -- it's best to ask ourselves what caused the Philippines to be stuck in CARTOON POLITICS from 1987 up to present? What do I mean by cartoon politics? The meme above shows it all that you the cartoon character you always watch on TV (Nobita) became the president of the Philippines after 20+ years (Noynoy). But Noynoy is merely a symptom of a much bigger problem namely the PRESIDENTIAL SYSTEM.

The problem of the presidential system relies on popularity driven democracies. Democracy is supposedly defined as a government of the PEOPLE, by the PEOPLE and for the PEOPLE and NOT a government that's for the majority, by the majority, and of the majority. To say that democracy is only determined by popularity where the minority has no voice is just stupid. Remember the majority isn't always right and the minority isn't always wrong. Presidential democracies really either go by the rule of the plurality (the minority with the most numbers wins) or the majority but never respect for minorities.

Let's review some of the worst casualties of the presidential system and not just Noynoy Aquino. Do you remember why Joseph "Erap" Estrada won the presidency in the first place? It was because he was popular even if he's obviously lacking common sense. Ignorant masses all voted for Erap because he was a popular actor. But that wasn't just the problem that persisted for a long time. The legislative body ends up getting filled with actors and athletes rather than doctors, economists, lawyers, and businessmen. Do you remember when Robert Jaworski got into politics because of his basketball career? Then you have Manny Pacquiao who got into the Senate because of his boxing career. Like, WTF why is the whole Philippine legislature filled with actors and athletes instead of people who would know what's better for the nation? Though I can't say Noynoy and Erap haven't done any good -- I'm just pointing out they could have done better if it wasn't for a system that encourages cartoon politics.

One can view the Senate to have plenty of cartoony politicians. Maybe, one can say that Mr. Lazy (Franklin Drilon) was the Senate president. Maybe, one can say Pugad Baboy (Pantaleon Alvarez) used to be the House Speaker. Then you have Beetle Baily (Antonio Trillanes IV) as an outgoing Senator. You can even have more and more cartoon characters. Maybe, one can even say Johah J. Jameson from Spiderman (Vicente Sotto) is the current Senate president. Then we do have the questionable position of Leni Loud (Leni Robredo) as the vice president. All these are possible only because of the presidential system.

How would the parliamentary system remove cartoon politics? It's because those cartoon characters need to debate it HEAD ON in the Weekly Question Hour. The prime minister isn't exempted from attending the debate. He must face it head on! True, the president is answerable to the legislature but how often is he scrutinized? The parliamentary system does it on a weekly basis. That's something that's virtually non-existent in the presidential. It's no wonder why the Yellows love the 1987 Constitution -- it's because they love cartoon politics!