POLITICS AND STUPIDITY

[Butch Acuna]

If stupidity is a contagious disease then politicians will be prone to it's terrifying effects. Let us consider the fruits brought about by this affliction to the Philippine Congress ( the Congress is a bicameral body )


in the early 1990's when senator Joseph Estrada was aspiring to become the president. His advisors came up with an ingenious plan to promote his image as a nationalistic leader and at the same time publicize his anti-American film " Sa Kuko ng Agila " ( In the Claws of an Eagle ). Estrada led a campaign to terminate the U.S. Philippine Military Bases Agreement, by claiming that the Philippines is being short changed by the treaty.


As a first step, they passed a law covering the 100,000 Filipino bases employees under the Philippine Social Security System forcing bases authorities to remove the benefits being received by the employees from the U.S. Social Security Administration. A clear manifestation of the disease! The SSA provides Filipino employees as much as ten times more benefits than the SSS!


Eventually other senators followed Estrada knowing that Estrada will most probably assume the highest office of the republic. By their stupid act they inflicted the greatest debacle to the nation without thinking of the following benefits being
enjoyed by the country.


About 100,000 Filipino workers are employed as workers inside th bases receiving the same compensation as their American counterparts. The Philippine territory particularly the West Philippine Sea is being secured by U.S forces making it impregnable to foreign encroachment. The U.S. provides the host country with military hardware making it one of the most potent in South East Asia, with free maintenance, training, fuel and ammunitions. The U.S. provides economic assistance in lieu of rental payment.


Now, the West Philippine Sea is being patrolled by China Coast Guard, oftentimes driving away Filipino fishermen from their traditional fishing grounds.


Meanwhile, in Japan where the leadership is not afflicted by this deadly disease, they are HELPING PAY FOR MAINTENANCE of U.S. bases!


Further, the U.S. Navy recruit's 20,000 Filipinos a year greatly relieving the unemployment problem in the islands, these and the bases workers are accorded with immigration privileges.


Today, in search of working opportunities without the very convenient working conditions and high salary grade provided by the Americans millions of Filipinos try their luck in the Middle East where they have to work harder for less pay and where women are in danger of being abused, these women workers who often lacks the skills required for high paying positions end up as household workers.


Conversely, the Americans provide free training with pay upgrading our workers to the skilled category.


Stupid Cupid, you have numerous followers in this country. You are welcome here. From the highest office of the land to our village leaders you will find your own kind. Like the Barangay Captain of Cawag, Subic, Zambales who told us that it is not his duty to implement the laws of the land.