the dark ages

Pinoys are a forgiving lot. We elect mutinous politicians and idolize "actresses" who confess to getting STD through adulterous relationships. Heck, we're also one of the few countries who still think highly of America even if they have arguably made things worse for the world. And of course, we've all but exonerated the supposed root of all our troubles--the Marcoses.

I understand the hate some people have towards them but i was never really old enough to experience it. I think people are also looking at the Marcos clan with new eyes, acquitting the rest of the family from the sins of their patriarch. With their articulate speech and high profile stature, i even find Gov. Bongbong and Imee a bit likeable. That was until i read this article in the Inquirer about Imee quitting politics for love. It started out OK, the article was an interview of Bongbong's wife, Liza Araneta-Marcos and tells of how Imee "made a promise that when her boyfriend reached 60, she would stop already, quit politics and live happily ever after." But then she had to prove her point by saying "If you think about it, Imee doesn't need the money to be in politics. My husband doesn't need the money. It is more of a legacy of doing good for the people."

Here's my take on this. I'm all for the "Marcos legacy" or whatever you want to call it, but politics should never be about the money. It is all about doing good for the people. The position is inextricably linked to public service. Don't get me wrong. I am well aware that many people go to politics to enrich themselves but campaign in the guise of actual concern but I just find it disturbing that politicians can blatantly admit that they enter government service to enrich themselves. And the fact that this statement didn't even create a stir speaks volumes of how grim our situation has become. It's a situation wherein our people's boundless capacity to forgive is being abused by equally boundless personal greed. We are truly living in the dark ages of our nation's history.