Hain da jaon tagalong na mag
serbisyo…
Delon Porcalla of The Philippine Star reported on
January 6, 2025: Three government agencies are now in the process of
fine-tuning an efficient system where beneficiaries of the government’s Ayuda
Para sa Kapos ang Kita (AKAP) Program will be totally free from the influence
of either national or local politics.
This is the “move” of the government to insulate AKAP
from politicians according to Department of Social Welfare and Development
(DSWD), the lead agency for the distribution of the financial aid to the near
poor; Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the National Economic and
Development Authority (NEDA).
Critics label AKAP, TUPAD (Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa
Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers) and AICS (Assistance to Individuals in
Crisis Situation) as "dole-outs" when they believe the programs
create dependency rather than empowering people to earn sustainable incomes.
There’s also concern that some politicians use
these programs for "patronage politics" -giving aid selectively to
gain loyalty or votes, rather than based on real need.
Patronage politics refers to a system where
political leaders distribute resources, jobs, or favors to supporters in
exchange for political loyalty. This practice often involves appointing
individuals to government positions based on their allegiance rather than
merit, aiming to consolidate power and maintain control. It's a prevalent
feature in various political systems, influencing governance and public
administration.
Studies have examined the dynamics and implications
of patronage politics. For instance, Grzymala-Busse (2008) discusses how
political parties utilize state resources for patronage, affecting democratic
accountability and state functioning. Similarly, Kopecký et al. (2012) analyze
party patronage in democracies, highlighting its impact on political
competition and public trust.
This reflects self-serving tactics that prioritize
personal gain over the collective good, gradually undermining the quality of
government services. Once deeply embedded in the system, it risks shaping a
dangerous precedent, leading future generations to perceive such practices as
the accepted norm.
Studies have shown that patronage politics in the
Philippines often leads to self-serving practices that undermine the quality of
government services. Hutchcroft (2012) notes that local politicians prioritize
distributing patronage resources to their constituents over delivering
essential public goods, resulting in uneven service provision across regions.
When self-serving practices overshadow genuine
public service, the very foundation of democracy is weakened, fostering a
culture where political loyalty is rewarded over competence and merit. If left
unchallenged, this cycle of favoritism and corruption risks becoming ingrained
as a societal norm, perpetuating inequality and diminishing the people's trust
in their leaders.
A relentless cycle of instability and poverty will
inevitably unfold.
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