MAKING DEMOCRACY WORK

WHEN GOVERNING IN A DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY, ONE WILL FIND THAT that sometimes, choices do not match the expectations of the general public. And when that happens, criticisms ensue, blaming and then a need exists to change things.

I think that is normal in a democratic society and should not be a cause for alarm. We are in a country that was rocked several times by political struggles. So happenings in faulty decision-making are normal -- as there are opportunities to change the decision.

For example, the MRT and LRT were welcomed ideas in the beginning as they would speed up the carriage of people from one destination to another. Traffic is avoided and fares are cheap. However, now we can see some of the loopholes of building these structures -- in very narrow streets, the train ines have added to the problem. The people breathe in the pollution underneath the traintracks caused by diesel-fed jeepeneys, mostly. Streets have become narrower, as the railway walls are too close to homes and roofs of houses. Environmental clearance certificates were not issued to indicate that the construction of the MRT and LRT would not cause unhealthy conditions.

Another example, dengue fever is attacking our populace. Then immediate reaction is to call in the Department of Health. But the flaw? Why not make the Dept. of Environment also look into the problem? Are mosquitoes flying about in the environment? Why is the DENR so quiet now?

What are we saying here? Decision-making entails looking at the problems macro-wise and making all concerned think up of ways to solve the problem.

In the case of deciding the future of our country, what is most important then is getting the opinions of the public -- who to appoint, who to select to handle the most sensitive jobs, and who to promote. I do think that all government officials owe their positiont to the public as we pay our taxes so that they can earn their salaries and do their jobs well.

Hence, we also should be consulted on who should be the best person to hold this and that position. It is not enough to elect officials and let them do their thing alone. No, we should be consulted. In the case of the PNP chief, the public, more specifically, the police men and women in the force should have also been consulted prior to making any promotion or appointment.

This is making democracy -- the voice of the people -- work.