Filipino Tapestry: Tagalog Language through Culture

17. Pulitika (Politics)

215 17 OBJECTIVES • Express desirability and undesirability using gusto or ayaw in complete sentences. • Use the subordinators pero and kasi to expand simple sentences. • Gain an understanding of the Philippines’ political system and politics. OPENING PHOTO Malacanyang Palace On your own: Pag-aralan ang larawan sa itaas. Ano ang masasabi mo tungkol sa mga ito? Ano sa palagay mo ang mga tungkulin ng pulitika sa buhay ng isang bayan? Mahalaga ba ito? Problema ba ito? Small group/in-class: Pag-usapan ang mga sumusunod na pangyayari, mga kilalang tao at mga grupo sa kasaysayang pampulitika sa Pilipinas. 1. Lakas ng Bayan (LABAN) 2. Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (KBL) 3. Imelda Marcos 4. Corazon “Cory” Aquino Pulitika Politics 216 Filipino Tapestry Glossary pamahalaan – government mamamayan – citizens pulitika – politics pangulo – president/head official kongreso/batasan – congress senado – senate senador – senator alkalde/mayor – mayor bise – vice (as in “vice mayor”) gobernador – governor batas – law mambabatas – lawmaker paggawa ng batas – law making lumabag sa batas – lawbreaker ayon sa batas – lawful katarungan – justice abogado – lawyer karanasan – experience nagtatag – founder pulis – police hepe – police chief pagbabago – change malaya – free makamit – attain matatag – not easily broken kilala – famous mabait – good matalino – intelligent may pinag-aralan – educated makatarungan – just mahirap – difficult or poor mayaman – wealthy malupit – cruel maginoo – gentlemanly matapat – honest masaya – happy mababang loob – humble sinungaling – dishonest matiyaga – patient magalang – polite mahina – weak malakas – strong matagumpay – successful bobo – stupid bata – young matanda – old mapayapa – peaceful maunlad – progressive makatao – humanitarian kumandidato – to be a candidate bumitiw – resign kung mabigyan – if given pagkakataon – opportunity CULTURAL NOTE The Philippine government is structured essentially like that of the United States. The 1935 Commonwealth Constitution approved by the American colonial regime created a representative system of democratic government with legislative, executive, and judicial branches. This system was altered briefly under the Japanese occupation during World War II, but it was soon restored when the Allied forces prevailed. The Philippines received full independence in 1946. In 1973 the corrupt dictator Ferdinand Marcos drastically altered the Philippine Constitution. Instituting a parliamentary style government more conducive to his preference for martial law, Marcos ensured his continuous rule for the next thirteen years. In 1986, however, in one of the greatest and most courageous demonstrations of modern democracy, the Filipino people forced their dictator from office and brought back a system of balanced government. Their ef- ♪ 217 Pulitika forts were enshrined in the 1987 Constitution under Corazon Aquino, which placed political power back in the hands of the people. At all levels, Philippine politics is an extremely intense and competitive phenomenon. Local municipal and barangay elections are frequently the most raucous as patron-client and kinship networks pit broad coalitions of political followers against one another. These passionate contests, combined with coveted prospects for political patronage and access to government sources of wealth, can sometimes lead to corruption and violence. However, despite a turbulent political atmosphere Filipinos continue to actively participate in their democracy. Voter turnout in national elections has remained well over 80 percent since the 1986 Revolution . Elections are also usually considered a reason for celebration. Decorations, feasts, and games all contribute to the festive atmosphere on Election Day. Some of the more pressing political issues in the Philippines are poverty and security. Ever since the early American period, Filipino leaders have had to attend to a largely impoverished constituency. Land reform has been attempted several times to stimulate production and break up large holdings of static capital. However, these reforms have been historically short-lived as reconsolidation usually follows. Industrialization has also stumbled due to noncompetitive contracts and political patronage. Political unrest and internal security threats are often the result of the Philippines’ depressed economy. Marxist movements have challenged government authority since at least the early 1950s, while separatist organizations in Mindanao and Sulu have defied integration since the advent of Spanish authority in the sixteenth century. Nevertheless, the Philippines has not experienced political and humanitarian tragedies on a scale similar to those of its other Southeast Asian neighbors. Hence, despite is chronic difficulties, Filipino politics remains a potentially effective venue for republican government and popular rule. GUIDED CONVERSATION On your own: Basahin at pakinggan ang usapan sa ibaba. Go to http://www.seasite.niu.edu/ Tagalog/filipino_tapestry.htm. Magsanay sa pagbigkas. Sa Isang Political Rally Mamamayan 1: Gusto kong iboto ang dating alkalde. Gusto ko ang kaniyang plataporma. Mamamayan 2: Gusto ko rin ang kaniyang...