Public Spaces

When discourse ends, violence and repression begin. This truism in politics seems to be what animates the efforts attending this year's celebration of Philosophy Week by the Ateneo de Naga University. With its sponsorship of a regional convention in "Decoding Philippine Politics," the University undertakes an endeavor which creates what appears to be in short supply these days: a public forum for a critical and intelligent discussion of our political culture.

The creation of "public spaces," of occasions and opportunities for the free but reasoned deliberation of politics is a crucial step in the task of democratization. Regional conventions such as the one above are, therefore, important forms of public service that educational institutions provide. Hence, these efforts must not only be supported, they have to be encouraged.

For without the public's support and encouragement, these exercises become "academic" in a derogatory sense, i.e., of no practical usefulness. Similarly, without the public's support, the "public spaces" supposedly opened up by these efforts eventually close, allowing traditional politicians to continue with their demagoguery.

In a political culture such as ours, one in which cultural critic Rolando Tolentino describes as saturated by "tarpaulins," image often trumps substance. Television, radio, and even internet advertisements of politicians regarding their character and accomplishments provide veneers of respectability while obscuring corrupt practices. A public forum in which the costs of these ads and "tarps," as well as the accounting of these costs will certainly prove enlightening as to how public officials like for instance, the Governor of Camarines Sur (whose tarpaulins, TV and radio ads are numerous), are able to afford them.

In like manner, a report such as the 2009 State of the City Report delivered by the Naga City Mayor which expectedly glows with supposed achievements may receive validation-or its contrary-in a public forum in which the claims of the said report are scrutinized.

Alas, traditional politicians shun these public spaces in the same manner as ghouls, locally known as aswang, shun the light. Clearly, public fora which are critical, intelligent, and impartial are dangerous for undemocratic political regimes. Hence, the short supply of these "public spaces," and their supplanting by faux and paid "public affairs" programs.

It is in view of these that "public spaces" for the reflective assessment of Philippine politics, such as the one occasioned by this year's Philosophy Week, contribute towards transforming our political culture.

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