Drawing the lines

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Editor CHERYL CRUZ Busines Editor NIDA A. BUENAFE Sports Editor RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete MAJA P. DELY Advertising Coordinator

CARLOS ANTONIO L. LEONARDIA Administrative Officer

The exchange of charges and counter-charges between the camp of Vice President Jejomar Binay and Malacañang and the supporters of President Benigno Aquino are clear indications that democracy remains alive and strong in this country. Absence of opposition or critics does not augur well for healthy governance.

It is ten months to the 2016 election and already the lines are drawn for the political contest next year. The voice of the opposition has been muted since the ascendancy of the present administration due to the massive support for the President. He also pre-empted opposition by appointing the Vice President into the Cabinet and muted Congress with alleged largesse from the national coffers.

The accusations and detention of the leaders of the opposition – Senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Bong Revilla and Jinggoy Estrada created a chilling effect on others. The Ombudsman claimed there is prima facie evidence of their probable guilt still their incarceration muted the critics.

Elections are always opportunities for exchange of views. It is the function of the opposition to present the other side of an issue. The administration always submits to the people only the best of its side.

The administration is put on the defensive as the days roll on. It has to defend its programs, especially the performance or lack of it of its departments. The charge of selective justice is a major issue.

The opposition will increase its punches against the Aquino administration. The administration will throw to the opposition its own version of why the politicians on the other side are unworthy of election and the right choice is to keep the same government in place until 2021.

From these interactions the people will be given the opportunity to make an intelligent choice barring the use of rigged technology and massive funding.*