Over the last few days, several political leaders and candidates for GE15 have declared their asset to general public. Normal excuse: to promote transparency and to ensure political leaders were honest regarding their wealth. For this writer however, those excuses don't hold water.
First, in my opinion, some politicians are known to be rich because of their background as businessmen or professionals. But there's a different between the wealthy ones and the ones who are eager to show their wealth to the world. For those who fall in the second category, a simple reminder: nobody likes individuals who show off.
Ordinary people may not be upset with why politicians are rich. Instead, they're angry why these politicians flaunt their wealth at the expense of people's suffering. The people don't care how rich these people are. As long as the infrastructure is good, people's welfare will not be neglected and more importantly, the country in good shape.
Secondly, what exactly the point declaring assets? In modern history, political leaders always have creative ways to hide their ill-gotten gains. Either by proxy or through family members and friends. The ones who were picked as proxies by these folks will become rich.
As a result, nobody see the wealth owned by certain political figures because it was distributed well before his/her crimes were halted by authorities. The perfect example was former Philippine dictator, Ferdinand Marcos. Marcos have many proxies to facilitate his business dealings and hide his ill-gotten gains during his reign as President.
Third, if these candidates and leaders end up lying about their wealth while campaigning, will they face any action? There's no law that states whoever lied in their asset declaration, they should be investigated and punished accordingly. The only blowback these liars will get during election are voters' wrath, nothing else, nothing more. So, again, what's the point of declaring assets?
Fourth and the most important point, without wealth, how are these politicians able to help their constituents? How they can finance beneficial programs that can propel their constituents to make changes in their lives without their wealth? All of this need money, money and more money. And that's the reality some idealist are unable to comprehend.
In short, asset declaration is nothing more than a political stunt for election like GE15 right now. These days, people want to see political blocs solving their problems including rising cost of living. This political stunt on the other hand, should be thrown into trash can.
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