Geek Talk: No to RevGov!

Continued from last week’s issue Power Vacuum The 1986 revolutionary government was a necessary immediate response to the political chaos and power vacuum. The current political situation is relatively stable and there is no power vacuum. Main Purpose The main purpose of Cory’s revolutionary government was to serve as a transition government from dictatorship to constitutional democracy. Duterte’s alleged main purpose the plan to declare a revolutionary government varies. Some of the proponents say that it would be a transition towards federalism. Others say that it would be used as means to purge corruption and criminality. However, critics say that it is only an excuse to remove the checks and balances, giving Duterte free reign to establish a totalitarian regime and escape accountability. Overhauling of Government Cory demanded the resignation of all key public officials (elected and appointed officials). The president then appointed temporary replacements. The same scheme is presumed to be implemented under Digong’s RevGov but the TRAPOS are expected to dominate. New Constitution The 1986 Freedom Constitution was promulgated on March 25, a month after the EDSA People Power Revolution but it was meant as a transitory constitution. A new constitution (1987) was drafted and ratified to replace the 1973 constitution a year later. The transition period was relatively short. In a similar manner, Digong proposes to have a new constitution establishing a federal form of government. However, the transition period is unclear. Violence Cory’s short transition from revolutionary government to constitutional government was relatively peaceful. Digong’s transition is likely to be very violent and probably will result to a widespread civil war because of the highly fractured public opinions among different sectors, including the military. Legitimacy Cory transitioned from a de facto revolutionary president into a constitutional or de jure president under the 1987 constitution. There were numerous coup attempts that questioned the legitimacy of Cory as president but none succeeded. Digong will transition from being a legitimate president into an illegitimate one if he succeeds in grabbing power. He will technically become a rebel and an enemy of the state – the anti-thesis of a democratically elected leader. Ethical/Moral Basis Cory’s revolutionary government is recognized by many as morally justified and necessary because it was primarily for the restoration of democracy and people’s freedom. It was never for a selfish motive. Digong’s proposed revolutionary government is clearly a selfish and desperate ploy to escape accountability. It is a means to usurp political powers, allowing him to have totalitarian control of the state. Stability Cory was resolute to establish a constitutional democratic government. Her term was plagued by numerous coup attempts but the constitution that she promulgated with the help of a transitional revolutionary government is still well entrenched 30 years later. Digong obviously does not have the penchant for constitutionality and the rule of law. He continues to show his contempt for democratic processes. Hence, it is unlikely that his proposed revolutionary government will be stable. Success The success of Cory’s revolutionary government is clearly expressed in its three major achievements, namely, the restoration of democracy, people empowerment and the promulgation of the 1987 Constitution. Digong’s proposed revolutionary government is highly likely to fail because it neither has strong rational justification nor moral basis.