In the 1991 film Juan Tamad at Mr. Shoo-Li sa Mongolian Barbecue: The Movie, political and social maladies which continue to plague the exercise of democracy in the Philippines up to this day are depicted. The official campaign season for the 2025 midterm elections has started, so viewing this movie is highly recommended.
There is a hilarious scene in which Tong-ressman Manhik Manaog (played by Leo Martinez) convened the citizens of the newly-independent country of Lawa-Lawaan. He provided a skewed interpretation of democracy - a government of the people, POOR the people, and BUY the people. This version of democracy still resonates in the Philippine society.
The scene unfolded in the following manner: After the Independence Day celebrations, the country faced the challenge of forming a leadership comprising its citizens. Manhik Manaog lectured representatives from various parts of the country about the rudiments of democracy. He explained the political system by interpreting the quote "Democracy is of the people, for the people, and by the people."
With "of the people," Manhik Manaog meant people who, like him, are intelligent (or cunning) enough. He changed "for the people" into "POOR the people." Now comes the "by the people" part: Manhik Manaog replaced "by" with "BUY."
Democracy, essentially in Manhik Manaog's words, is buying the poor people so intelligent (or cunning) officials like him will remain in power.
Meanwhile, Juan Tamad is being hounded by his debtors. In order to pay his debts, the debtors convinced Juan to run in the elections as Tong-ressman. They believe that if Juan wins, he would be able to pay his debts.
Several other themes are reflected in a funny, darkly humorous manner. Guns, goons and gold are still the devices used by the crooked politicians to perpetuate themselves in power. In every election cycle, this kind of politicians is repeatedly elected by the people - perhaps out of fear and the lack of initiative to elevate standards.
You will laugh at the manner the movie depicts red tape, corruption and government inefficiency. You will lament that these problems still hinder the path to progress all Filipinos aspire for.
The open-ended ending means that the story is still unfinished. It led me to the thinking that generations of new characters are experiencing and will experience the same chapter of the said maladies. There is still no happy ending in sight to the flawed chapter.
Video Credit: YouTube / TPLP Channel
