Trillanestards Should Support A Parliamentary System If They Want A Formalized Trillanes-Led Opposition

It's amazing at how Time Magazine had informally named Antonio "Sonny" Trillanes IV as the "opposition leader" of the Philippines. What makes me so amazed is that Trillanes who supposedly graduated cum laude from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) and a master's degree from the University of the Philippines is fighting off against constitutional reform. What's incredibly amazing is how Trillanestards (like their king) is opposing parliamentary believing it might put the Dutertes in power forever, that term limits are a must to avoid another Marcos, maybe some of them believe that the 1987 Constitution is the best in the world, and I don't know whatever beliefs they have. Unfortunately, their desire for a formal Trillanes-led Opposition is but a wet dream when you're in the presidential system.

Consider the reality that Trillanes term has finally ended. He can still run for vice president or president but he can no longer run for senator. Now, he's really stuck in with the teaching spree. Would have Trillanes been in a parliamentary system then he could still be a legislator in the Philippine Parliament. Trillanes could've probably still been in the House of Commons. If PDP-Laban won the Opposition seats then maybe we can have Trillanes as the Opposition Leader. Is my problem with him criticizing President Rodrigo R. Duterte? No, the real problem is that Trillanes himself is failing to give any real alternative courses of action. Instead, he's too focused on spreading gossip than doing his job.

A parliamentary system's Opposition is a lot more formalized. The government seats are all occupied by the same party. The opposition seats are all occupied by the same party. Let's say that the winning parties today are PDP-Laban (Duterte) and the Opposition is won by Nacionalista (Trillanes). Trillanes won't be self-appointed. Rather, he would be his party's chosen leader. What's even better is that it's mandatory for Prime Minister Duterte and Opposition Leader Trillanes to debate head-on every week. The debates will be televised and in print. Everyone will be seeing both sides of the coin. A lack of preparation could mean humiliation for either which side.

Trillanestards want a voice and want their views to be aired? Do they want their idol Trillanes to be the Opposition Leader and it's formally recognized? Do they want to see Duterte and Trillanes exchange blows in a formal debate? Do they want presscons every week? Then they should support the parliamentary system. Side note - they should respect the 7.5 minutes per person. Trillanes will only get 7.5 minutes like everyone else participating in the debate.