Toxic politics and stability

EYES WIDE OPEN

- IRIS GONZALES

In a country previously disrupted and set back for years by failed coup d'états, one can understand why businessmen get the jitters whenever the military gets involved or, in the recent case, when they are dragged into the ongoing and messy family feud.

Last week, business and civic organizations expressed concern over the worsening conflict between the Marcoses and the Dutertes. They issued a strongly worded joint statement titled "Upholding the Rule of Law."

Businessmen know all too well that even coup rumors or ramblings in the military alone are enough to send jitters to the country's financial markets.

Remember that 1989 coup, said to be the most serious attempt against the administration of then president Corazon Aquino? Businessmen estimated that the mutiny caused the economy some $1.5 billion.

So when an ex-president or some political force tries to persuade the military into rebellion or something like it, he is no doubt threatening the stability of our constitutional order and country.

Said the business groups in their statement:

"The resolution of political disagreements must adhere to legal and democratic processes. Resorting to threats, incendiary rhetoric or any form of violence has no place in a nation founded on the rule of law. To this end, we strongly urge all public officials and political leaders to demonstrate restraint, uphold the dignity of their offices and prioritize the welfare of the Filipino people above political interests."