Populism Or Politics Of The Mob: A Social Phenomenon Essay

Populism materialized in East and West Germany’s peaceful re-unification to democracy in the mid-1990’s. It has inspired governments around the world, in which the Philippines’ 1986 military-back people power revolution was patterned. Populism is when ‘the popular will of the sovereign people to desist a socio-political affliction. ’ However, the politics of the mob may hide a political agenda, wherein political alliances only cohabits a unifying credo to dismantle a government regardless of different political platform or guiding principles. The recent leadership and political crises being confronted by the Philippines‘ President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is threatened by a populist (political parties’ opposition) action as brought about by the scandalous allegation of corruption pointed to the First Gentleman (Philippine Daily Inquirer, 2008). With the political crises being currently experienced in the Philippines, this paper will discuss the issues and make a framework to study a social phenomena. Key Components in Identifying the Issue and Condition The subjectivity and objectivity are basic components that is pre-determinant to perception and analysis (Byrnes, 2005), as conveyed by the issue. Subjectivity The subjective norm is based on the â€Å"reports† from different sources as the condition of the Philippines’ political affairs is in a volatile state, thus: ? Various media outfits are progressively reporting about the Philippines’ Senate investigation on the alleged anomalous deal on the ZTE Broadband project. The mentioned deal has implicated First Gentleman Mike Arroyo. Objectivity The objective norm is through identifying the root of the situation as well as the key personalities involved (Zakaria, 1997), thus: ? Another attributing condition is the concurring expose’ or agitation of Jun Lozada, the witness and source of the issue. He is being condoned by varying political opposition groups that calls for the president’s immediate resignation. ? The rallies and indignation activities are supported by political rivals, among them, former President Joseph Estrada (who has been toppled down by a people power in year 2001) who is allied with the demonstrators. Analyzing Pattern of Actions The pre-determinants of the issues and condition are bases in analyzing the pattern of actions based on similar circumstances and occurrences (Cochran, et. al, 2006): ? A military-back people power toppled the Marcos regime in 1986 dubbed as EDSA I; ? Ousting of the Estrada Administration by a people power in 2001 dubbed as EDSA II; ? The aborted siege of Estrada supporters to Malacanan Palace on May 2001 claimed as EDSA III; ? The call to oust the current Arroyo Administration being claimed as EDSA IV. Perception The series of political turns in the Philippine government is seemingly a rendition of power struggle of the civil society group—non-bearing to an armed struggle, which the government claimed to have been militarily controlled in selective combat areas of its countryside. One interesting consideration representing the civil society groups in urban areas are composing of the middle class professionals, labor unions, students and selective clergies that clamors for the so-called EDSA IV. Second interesting point to consider is the composition of the political leanings of the urban civil society groups that are composing of the socialist democrats, liberal democrats and the national democrats. These classifications are attributed according to pulse on parliamentary response. On the other hand, the extremists and leftists groups â€Å"freely swim and ride† at the clamors of the civil society groups. Framing the issue and legal parameters The civil society groups’ claim of public distrust on the Arroyo Administration is attributed by the accusation on anomalies pointed to the President’s spouse (being the First Gentleman). As provided by the Article 8 of the Philippines’ Civil Code, a jurisprudential consideration shall be the basis of President’s immunity from suit (The Law Professor, 2007) and may not be singled out by an issue of alleged anomaly emanating from the President’s kinship, in which the due process of law and rule of court is applicable (Bermudez, et. al. , 1986; in The Law Professor, 2007). Otherwise, the Congress may convene its majority members to enact an impeachment proceeding due probabilities on the President’s direct involvement to anomaly. The impeachment proceeding shall be then convened by the Senate and a member of the Judiciary (Supreme Court) to preside the judicial inquiry. Conducting research on social phenomena Purpose. The purpose of research is â€Å"to relate populism as opposed to politics of the mob, and similar case studies on political adventurism manifesting a social phenomena†. Methodology. The methodology of research shall cover the key components in finding the issue and condition as a guideline with two-prong framework, such as: (1) investigative of the situation, and (2) survey at random response or pulse rate. Technical need. An inclusion of professional expertise (like political scientists, economists, and sociologists), academicians and scholars shall be involved to support the empirical application of actuarial science that shall compose the technical study team. Scope and Target. The scope and target shall focus on the Philippines’ civil society groups and other segments (sector) of the society contained in the urban areas or capitals. Strategic Conduct. The strategic conduct of research shall not limit the scope and target, in which actual integration would be an advantage. Time Frame. A six-month conduct shall be proposed to the technical team. However, flexibility shall be adopted in order to determine efficiency and viability results. Implementing Guidelines. A regular scheduling of meeting or consultative discussion and activity planning shall be determined and adopted by the technical team. Likewise, a bi-monthly strategic assessment should be established in order to keep track on development and determine the progress of implementation. Evaluation and Action. The result of the study shall be concluded and given the adequate, appropriate and impartial analysis. The overall result may be utilized in aid of a nationalized policy initiatives and may impart international interest in the field of studies on governance, political affairs and jurisprudence of law. Conclusion The presentation of issues discussed in this paper finds its relevance to unfolding a democracy, to which, the emergence of democratic processes in a country of renewed democracy is found with ultra-liberal forces that manifest to influence the majority political perception. This manifestation of ultra-liberal forces in a complex political system differ the fundamentals of Constitutional mandate and exhibits wayward democratic forces similar to a mob that enjoys in a democratic space and liberal segment of a society. The use of populism could have been assumed in the process of interaction of the sovereign people but may be used in unfavorable transition, wherein a clash at the inner circle of power monopolies could be hidden in the middle of the clamor for yet another political change of governance amidst the increasing poverty incidence of 26. 9% (NSCB, 2008). Thus, the legitimate quest for populism and sustainable growth of democracies may be omitted at the spur of political agitations. References Byrnes, T. (2005). â€Å"Critical Thinking in the Social Sciences†.Retrieved 08 March 2008 from http://faculty. valenciacc. edu/tbyrnes/poscritical. htm. Cochran, et. al. (2006). â€Å"American Public Policy: An Introduction†. Thompson/Wadsworth Publishing, 8th Edition. ISBN: 0-534-60163-4. NSCB (2008). â€Å"Poverty Worsens Between 2003 and 2006†. National Statistical Coordinating Board, Philippines. Retrieved 08 March 2008 from http://www. nscb. gov. ph/pressreleases/2008/PR-200803-SS2-02_pov. asp Philippine Daily Inquirer (2008). â€Å"Senate Probe on Lozada’s Testimony†. Retrieved 08