An Opinion from Domar Balmes
I would say that the Leody-Leni dilemma mostly exists among people with clear ideological principles to weigh. I’ve been meditating on this using Mao’s works, too, and with much thorns I should say.
To put it badly, what is a ‘principled’ vote given our times? To the ideologically driven person, the question is moot and academic.
Regardless of whoever wins, Semi-Colonial, Semi-Feudal Philippine society remains. With either Leody or Leni, a breathing space, a fighting space is guaranteed to all progressive forces; with others (Marcos, Lacson et al), a veneer of space is granted but remains sinister.
Now, Leni aims to build a ‘Big Tent’, the broadest anti-Marcos force possible. Considering her Class background and politics, it will be a sapin-sapin of well-meaning people, progressive forces, and undesirable but necessary old powers as allies.
Such was also the situation of Mao and the CPC during their anti-imperialist war of independence against the Japanese. Still guided by a pro-people political and revolutionary line, urgency and liberation demanded that they ‘hold hands’ with the reactionary Kuomintang (KMT) of Chiang Kai-shek.
The NatDem forces, in my opinion, do not have illusions with Leni, as is she is backed by old powers, landed power elites, and political dynasties. But their move in theory is backed by praxis, that being politically evil regimes are overthrown during urgently dire circumstances by a convergence of progressive, nationalist, and middle forces. This takes to account the Objective Conditions of the nation in crisis and the Subjective Capacity of the people.
Hence, progressive votes for Leni are principled votes.
What about Ka Leody?
The thorn in the dilemma is about tactics, not principles.
Yes, one may argue against Ka Leody’s run by saying that this looks to be an improper reading and application of Marxist Science (Objective Conditions-Subjective Capacity). But then again, leeway is given to praxis—his success is the necessary justification for such a bold move.
From the onset, Ka Leody is clearly anti-establishment, presenting the Sharpest Line. But by doing so, getting the broadest body meet at the sharpest point is crucial.
Progressive votes for Ka Leody are also principled votes, however thorny and risky it looks.
The burden of proof is in Ka Leody’s forces, added to it is the burden of building a power base broad and large enough to counter Marcos et al. A lot of propwork needs to be put in for visibility, recall, and retention.
Should the NatDem forces be blamed for weak support for Ka Leody? In my opinion, saying such things presumes a bloc voting prowess (which, I believe does not exist) and at worse, overestimates the NatDem’s parliamentary strengths. They are not the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) in this sense of wide-organization.
Should the NatDem forces be blamed for weak support for Ka Leody? In my opinion, saying such things presumes a bloc voting prowess (which, I believe does not exist) and at worse, overestimates the NatDem’s parliamentary strengths. They are not the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) in this sense of wide-organization.
At best, Ka Leody’s run will have provided more visibility to Marxist politics regardless if they don’t go beyond Marxism-Leninism. He may not win but his campaign will have provided the larger progressive movement with valuable lessons in the parliamentary struggle with a view on a progressive presidential candidate.
So what is our summation?
Voting for Ka Leody is our ideal as Marxists, but the path requires heavy lifting and massive groundwork. Taking to account his current state, the opposition forces, and time, beyond their sphere of influence lies a daunting task. Daunting may be but that is where opportunities—and risks—abound.
Voting for Leni is the most readily available point of resistance for most, broadest, too, it being more amenable or nearest to those disgruntled with the status quo or displaced by it. A power base is already in place and the point is to expand given an already saturated state of affairs for her.
Voting for Ka Leody is not a vote for a Marcos-win. They do not come from the same source. They do not speak from the same desire. If Marcos wins, fault lies in many other factors as is the case for a Leni or a Leody win would entail changes in several factors as well.
Indeed, we must say that Leni is in danger of being another Cory Regime, complete with the characters and backdrop of it all. Will she share the same pitfalls? Despite producing many martyrs and champion-servants of the people, Cory persecuted progressives and members of the Philippine Left. And at present, Leni is leaving out the Philippine Left—NatDems and others alike.
Change happens in everything. Let us listen to the words of Mao in ‘Things are Beginning to Change’ (1957):
The unity and struggle of opposites are universal phenomena in the life of society. Struggle results in the transformation of opposites into each other and in the formation of a new unity, and the life of society thus moves one step forward.
In terms of damage to the revolutionary cause, to be on the ‘Left’ is in no way better than to be on the Right and should therefore be resolutely corrected….
Our unity and struggle with the bourgeoisie… will go on for a long time… in the course of which what is evil will be done away with, that is, turned into its opposite, into what is good.
#LahingDakila Domar Balmes is a writer, taking up Japan studies, and a member of #WeTheFuturePH, a non-partisan national movement of Filipino youth standing up for rights, freedom, and democracy.
#LahingDakila is a collection of thoughts, opinions, and features from members and allies of the organization. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the organization.
Voting for Ka Leody is not a vote for a Marcos-win. They do not come from the same source. They do not speak from the same desire. If Marcos wins, fault lies in many other factors as is the case for a Leni or a Leody win would entail changes in several factors as well.
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