Presidency of Noy: The Equilibrium Model Illustrated

Today’s lecture revolved around the discussion of the Equilibrium model. The events that are occurring within a society are filled with much complexity that the need for such analytical frameworks arises. The Presidency of Noynoy against the backdrop of the Reproductive Health Bill was used to illustrate the model further. Beset with pressing issues regarding the exponentially-increasing Filipino population, the declining rate of local agricultural production and the increasing dependence on rice imports from other Southeast nations, the main proponents of the RH Bill has every valid reason to pass this timely legislation. And yet, the CBCP has been nothing but hostile against this proposed bill, even using the threat of excommunication against the heretics who are backing the passage of this law. Though over 80% of the total Filipino population are still Roman Catholics, the president should cope with the contention brought about by the still-influential Church. Currently, it looks like President Aquino may just yield to the whims of the CBCP. And if he does, it looks like he might just be on his way to eating his pronouncements made months ago to stand by this legislation and ignore any external pressures. However, the presidency of Aquino is not only saddled with the issues from the passage of the RH Bill, but it is also besieged to respond accordingly with the current controversy surrounding the exposed AFP corruption case. How should a Philippine president respond to this serious matter when the subject of inquiry is his own Repressive State Apparatus? How can the Chief of State ensure that justice be delivered if his own instrument for delivering is justice is compromised? Indeed, the Philippine president not that omnipotent over national issues. One should always consider the repercussions of one’s actions especially if one is the head of state.

Considering all these events that are simultaneously occurring within realms of Philippine society, civil servants, not just the Philippine president, are tasked with a very daunting task of realizing the general will of the people and translate it to a tangible set of policies. These policies should not only address the popular issues, but should, more importantly, be towards the greater good of Philippine society, no matter how unpopular the supposed action may be. A lot of doubts were raised even at the campaign trail of President Aquino regarding his political track record and state competency to govern proficiently and effectively the Philippine archipelago. Only time will tell if President Aquino can prove his detractors wrong. As a graduating student of the national premier state university, I only hope that, for the good of the country, President Aquino is bold enough to realize to fruition all the institutional reforms he has promised his constituents.  I hope that, beyond the partisanship, Church intervention and other external pressures, the Philippine civil servants we have entrusted with our ballots can deliver us the results we require of them. As a people, it is only expected that we require our state representatives to uphold our national sovereignty, dignity, and interests. (02/10/2011)