Why A Parliamentary System, Not A Presidential System, Would Fare Better In Discussing Economic Policies

 

What's so sad is that there are comments against President Bobong Marcos' remarks about inflation. This is the big problem when we're stuck in the PRESIDENTIAL SYSTEM - kanya kanya ang presscon! Former vice president Leni Loud Robredo is now the head of the Angat Buhay NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATION (NGO). It made me think about how the Liberal Party of the Philippines did give criticisms on former president Rodrigo R. Duterte's economic policies. However, it wouldn't be such a problem IF we were under a PARLIAMENTARY SYSTEM. 

The government and the opposition have their formalized roles. The left bench is colored red and the right bench is colored yellow. If we were in a parliamentary system right now (or back then) - the Liberal Party could've easily and directly criticized the incumbent government. If the last Parliament had Duterte as prime minister then Mar Roxas would've been the opposition leader. Roxas wouldn't need to run for senator last 2019 in order to achieve that balance. It's because #OtsoDiretso will be indeed diretso by voting for the Liberal Party. Roxas' team (Liberal Party) will be able to hold Duterte accountable (PDP-Laban). Can you imagine if both Duterte and Roxas debated EVERY WEEK on live television? The Liberal Party will be able to do direct check and balance as the Opposition because it's their duty to question the Government and hold it accountable.

If we were in a parliamentary form of government then Leni Loud's team will occupy the Angat Buhay opposition. Angat Buhay would not exist as an NGO but as a formal opposition. Leni Loud will have her own cabinet to counter Bobong's cabinet. If Bobong has Benjamin Diokno as his minister of economics then Leni Loud may have Andrew J. Masigan as her shadow minister of economics. Leni Loud will raise questions against Bobong. Bobong must directly answer Leni Loud or face a vote of no confidence. The Opposition should also present their alternatives and not just question the government. 

What would happen is that maybe we can have Diokno and Masigan both have a formal debate. Diokno presents his plans to help curb inflation. Masigan would respond by presenting his economic plan. Both sides must see the strengths and weaknesses of both sides. Bobong should also always be ready to respond to Leni Loud's questioning. It would be very embarrassing if Bobong either clenches his teeth or walks out. If Leni Loud is required to question Bobong - Bobong is also required to answer Leni Loud. It would be an embarrassment to go to the weekly question hour unprepared. 

Some people will still give their naysaying that the Marcos Years weren't a real parliament. Yet, pictures of the Butasang Pambansa of 1973 under the late Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. A comparison of the Butasang Pambansa of 1973 led by Marcos Sr. is NOTHING like the Singaporean Parliament where the government and the opposition are DIRECTLY FACING EACH OTHER. The late Lee Kuan Yew called Cesar Virata a SITTING DUCK. The late Ninoy Aquino even revealed that the Marcos' parliament was nothing more than a mockery. Virata was picked by Marcos Sr. The president in a REAL PARLIAMENTARY is a national symbol of unity. South Korea may have a prime minister but that prime minister is PICKED BY THE PRESIDENT. South Korea is still PRESIDENTIAL. Taiwan is SEMI-PRESIDENTIAL. Virata was no real leader meaning he wasn't like Lee. Lee was a real prime minister who WASN'T PICKED BY THE PRESIDENT. Yet, one must wonder why Raissa Robles or people like her still insist otherwise?

Besides, I've observed how presidential discussions really happen. They lack the competitive spirit of the parliamentary system. How often am I going to hear Bobong getting held accountable by the opposition? None! How often did I get to hear all the ex-presidents (both living and dead) held accountable by the opposition? None! The boring discussions in Congress and Senate can be a snorefest. I guess that's why Franklin Drilon (as well as many others) tend to go to sleep - it's because of how BORING and TIRESOME it is. A boring work environment kills motivation. A dynamic work environment creates innovation. Just imagine how many better economic polices can be created in the spirit of healthy competition.