Onwards to an Alternative Politics

The continuing quest for a new brand of politics grows out of an overwhelming sense of disgust over traditional Philippine politics. But new politics has remained an amorphous proposition coming from a wide spectrum of political theorists and activists who have a penchant for emphasizing differences with each other than commonalities. Hence, people tend to put their bets on the kind of politics that they can understand and have a bit of control – traditional politics which is a combination of patronage, intimidation, personal charisma and the bandwagon effect. Successful politicians are those who are able to concoct and combine these elements into their campaign. Unfortunately for the reform-minded, there is not an alternative model that has any of the above, not to mention run an organized and sustained electoral campaign.

These disparate ideas about alternative models, however, are not entirely merely abstract ideas but are actually concrete lessons gathered from decades of experience in organizing mass movements. Experience shows that ordinary folks can be aroused to take action – even extreme actions – in matters affecting their survival, the well-being of their loved ones or their honor and dignity. It must be noted, however, that elections never deal with life-and-death issues or those that have an immediate impact on their lives. Small farmers, for example, might band themselves in a dangerous undertaking of protecting their farms against a government-backed mining company but would nevertheless vote for the same congressman who supports aggressive mining activities because they have been recipients of dole-outs and other favors from him.

Experience also shows that mass organizations are based on long-term strategic alliances along sectoral and class lines whereas electoral machineries are built on temporary, short-term and opportunistic alliances. Apparently, elections and traditional politics are like seeds in a pod. They are meant for each other, while mass movements and fundamental social issues are seeds of an entirely different pod. That is to say, new politics and elections simply don’t mix. Is this the final word in Philippine politics?

The experience of Hugo Chavez’ Venezuela would challenge that. There, various groups and organizations of a decades-old popular movement for basic change converted into a political electoral base that catapulted an unlikely politician to power. In the end, those who voted for him in the hope of achieving sweeping changes got shortchanged when only the oil industry got nationalized. Nevertheless, the face of electoral politics got a radical made-up. It’s a new development not foreseen by political analysts. For, predicting political developments is more like weather forecasting than plotting mathematical projections.

At this point, an alternative politics in this country has not matured to a level that would rival the sway of traditional politics. It’s not in the menu to choose from. It’s sort of still being cooked while a hungry customer is just about to make an order. So, what are the likely ingredients of an alternative politics?

First, people’s empowerment – its leading components are critical understanding of the situation, sense of the justness of the cause, confidence in the power of class/sectoral solidarity, capacity to make personal sacrifices, organizational loyalty and discipline. Second, people’s agenda – connecting specific short-term local issues with sectoral/class basic long-term inter ests. Third, volunteerism – willingness to invest time, energy and material resources in pursuit of common goals. Fourth, multi-layer organizing on the ground – organizing by trade, special interests, work place, geographical units. Fifth, communications networking – multi-media and internet. Sixth – alliances with people’s organizations, NGOs and service institutions. And seventh, a charismatic leadership that can inspire trust and hope among the followers and the larger public.

These are dynamic developing ingredients of an alternative political reality that is emerging, unfolding, in the making rather than prior full-blown pre-existing conditions. Hence, failures and learning from failures are an integral part of a new politics that seeks to challenge and overthrow the politics of old. Those who yearn for a new world to break out in the morning must have the patience and courage to journey in the night.