POWER STRUCTURE WILL REMAIN IN THE SAME HANDS

So palpable is the eagerness of senators and congressmen to carry out the work for a shift to federalism. Obvious, too, are schemes and subterfuges that underlie rhetoric and arguments that will continue to buttress their hold on power.

The stench that emanates from the “no-election” ruse is extremely unpleasant. It will extend their term for another three years, sparing them the expense, hard work and the risk of losing the perks they now enjoy.

We, the people, can only watch from the sidelines. Those inside President Duterte’s circle are thrilled by this immoral prospects.

Seekers of genuine change, we have to cope with frustration and a feeling of defeat. The more we listen to exhortations of change, the more we are lapsing into the banal merry-goround that we had been riding.

But we need not be fatalistic. Even if we are distressed by disappointments that we have endlessly endured, we should always hold on to a sliver of hope. For who can truly say that we are doomed by a system and a culture that will persist till the end of time?

Do we have to keep hoping that federalism is the messiah that will take us to the land free from drug addiction and cor- ruption? Could federalism exorcise the demons in the executive, legislative and judiciary branches?

Our senators and congressmen are the ones who will formulate the format of federalism.

The general belief is, the power structure will remain in the same hands whatever changes are made. Still, we hope that despite the discouraging indicators, the new matrix will somehow empower the people and plant the seeds of humble service in our political leaders.

Is it only a delusion?

MARK E. PARAS, JR. and RAMONDIÑO, sorsogontoday@gmail.com