For the past months, our nation has been a spectator of the different political dramas that took place: The Oakwood mutiny, The Mike Arroyo-Ping Lacson tiff, GMA's announcement of her 2004 candidacy, and the Kris and Joey love affair that contributed to the growing political telenovela that people have watched in awe. Modern life, according to the poet and filmmaker Guy Debord, presents itself as an immense accumulation of spectacles, and all that once was directly lived has become mere representation. The political drama that we all have witnessed represents not just those in power, but stands as an impassioned testament of our nation as well. .
The soldiers barricading Glorrieta last July 26 has alarmed the whole nation. Senator Honasan's alleged cooperation with the Oakwood rebels confused the people, along with those pictures of him having blood compact with Captain Trillanes. This is not much different to what we have witnessed in the Kris-Joey love affair, the Jose Pidal case, and GMA's sudden change of mind about running in 2004. It is just like a scene straight from the movies. In a society where models of public conduct are increasingly taken from the fantasy world of entertainment, Kris Aquino could even win if she runs for senator. I think this is what politics in the Philippines is about "to be where the people's heart is, to provide the much awaited action and drama, to entertain and provide instant relief. And if we look at it closely, the political telenovela that these people have engaged themselves in is part of the agenda. It all boils down to one cause "the upcoming 2004 elections.
With all the press releases and television appearances, no once can deny that the campaign for 2004 has already begun. GMA, after announcing her candidacy for 2004, has left the voters in confusion. The question is, will she be able to make it? This brings out the excitement in us all.
