I watched GMA 7's I-Witness the other night. The topic was political turncoatism. They interviewed politicians who have jumped ship from the administration to the opposition, from the opposition to the administration, and to and from the administration and the opposition.

The topic sure is interesting. It is an undeniable phenomenon in Philippine politics. Self-interest rules. We see it happen and most remarkably during elections.

There is Loren Legarda, who after endearing herself to the Filipino people with her tears during the impeachment trial broke away from Lakas because of what she cited as differences in opinion. I guess that was ok. However, that she became the running-mate of Da King soon after made people doubt whether it was really a difference in opinion. Some say that Loren's motive is clearly political ambition. There is also lolo politician Juan Ponce Enrile. (Well, he has been in politics all his life.) My dad told me that some people say Enrile is the best president the Philippines never had. There is Rodolfo Biazon, also a famous legislator. There is the ever-controversial Miriam Defensor-Santiago who, true to her nature, made interesting statements during her interview.

They were asked why they turned balimbing. As expected, they claimed that their political realignment is not an act of turncoatism. Loren even said, I am not a vice-president for sale. What a winner statement! They said that they were not Judases and gave many reasons.

1. Difference in opinion with their party
2. Practicality - You cannot win in an election when you are not with a strong group, one of the mainstreams so that would be either the main administration or the main opposition - Lakas or KNP.
3. They were independent. Some maintain that they are independent even if they are campaigning with a party, different from their previous party.

Well, they may be right. They may be wrong. I can not distinguish noble from despicable intentions under those straight faces and impressive political jargon. And I do admire the record of accomplishment of some of the turncoat candidates mentioned. I honestly do not know what to think or whom to believe in anymore.

But more than that, what truly disturbs me is that it seems so easy and it is so common, almost natural, for politicians to shift from one party to another. Political parties are supposed to represent ideologies. They reflect political will, cohesion, virtues - everything about being a statesman more than being a politician. If they can be dropped just like that when there is an offer from another party with better resources, what does that say about our system? Gamitan na lang ba talaga? I sure hope not.

I agree with Nene Pimentel when he said, Our party system is rotten to the core.

What a sad, sad state of affairs.