Am I ever going to see the day a worthy Filipino leader takes hold of the reins of this country? Someone who firmly upholds the Filipino first rather than be dictated by foreign masters; one who will refuse to succumb to colonial mentality, selfish ambitions, or follow the corrupt legacy of previous leaders who have gone before?
The Philippines is in dire need of direction. This country's Presidents and their administrations lacked the minerals to steer this country to the greatness it is destined for. They had the right academic credentials and experience in public service, yes. But they had not the moral fiber that can make them stand a head taller above the rest. Instead, they did as they pleased by being self-serving and corrupt, showing that somehow the law does not apply to them.
They enter into agreements that only bury the country deeper into debt. Do they really think that globalization will apply easily in the Philippines given that the playing fields are uneven and the political, economic, and social environment of the country are nowhere close to stability? They would rather address untimely and trivial issues like Charter Change rather than look at the most important issues that are causing social unrest and those that tear at the fabric of the Filipino society. Why is there still no genuine agrarian reform in this country? Why is the conflict in Muslim Mindanao still prevailing despite years of peace talks? Why do Filipino professionals by the millions choose to work and make a living in another country rather than in their native land? Their policies, in the guise of strengthening OFW programs, even drive Filipinos away from their own country for lack of opportunities rather than keep them here where they are badly needed.
What gave them the right to auction the right to use the natural resources of this country to those other than Filipinos? Who do they think they are? Do they think that just because they're President (or a senator, governor, mayor, or even barangay captain) means they cannot serve sentence in jail for money laundering or cheating in elections or committing crimes similarly made by common people?
Remember that it was the Filipino who put them in office. The Filipino people elected them, whether by an informed decision or not. These public officials should serve the Filipino people; they should be serving this country!
I long for that leader who will lead this country: one who is righteous and fights for what is right; one who will abide by the law as an example to follow for the Filipino; someone who will live beyond reproach and honorably because of the responsibility and dedication brought by the inherent meaning of a position of public service; one who will put the Filipino above all else.
I pray that I would live to see the day that a true leader is at the forefront ushering this nation to greatness. To that leader: I would surely follow you with all my heart and strength and God-given intellectual capacity in rebuilding this fallen country of ours. If you will but only lead and rise from the background.
[murals painted by Filipino national artist, Carlos "Botong" V. Francisco]
5 weeks ago
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3 comments:
Kuya: I am with you all the way. Although my physical self is detached from ating inang bayan, my heart is there. And as such, although I do not have to personally experience the tribulations and woes of daily life sa Pilipinas, I feel them in my soul. Whenever I speak to our parents' generation about returning to the Philippines to live, work, and serve, I am received with one of two responses: Either a patronizing and dismissive "sige, tingnan natin" or the incredulity of "bakit gusto mong bumalik? baliktad yan".
Sige. Tingnan mo. Hindi ako natatakot. Hindi ako natatakot tumalon sa bangin para sa Pilipinas.
With the dedication of the pambihirang Pinoy--halimbawa, ang Kuya Don ko--the Philippines will rise again from the ashes.
Those murals are beyond astig (my new desktop background). Keep us posted on the bagong balita galing sa Pinas.
Would you ever consider running for President? Just wondering!
Gabe: I am inspired by your zeal, passion, and determination to help our country. Yes, we'll try to make a difference even in our own little ways and our small sphere of influence. We'll do our best! And same here, I will be with you all the way.
Malu: Running for President of the Republic of the Philippines? Yeah, the idea crossed my mind in a "what if" kind of way. I remember a friend of mine wrote an article that was published in our highschool yearbook which projected how people in my class would end up in the future (e.g., who'd probably end up marrying whom, what careers we'd be successfully pursuing). The story went with a highschool reunion 15 years after graduation and everybody from my class showed up. I was there depicted as the President of the Philippines at that time (which my friend probably concluded as my fate in an alternate reality because I was Student Council President then).
It's was flattering, yes. But I knew for sure that I was never meant to be the one to fill in the shoes of the most important leader in this country. And with 11 years after graduation, I'm nowhere close to any political leaning or inclination to run for public office. Although I'm content with being an ordinary citizen, I believe I have a part to play in helping our beloved Philippines become great again. Our country beckons now and I'm ready to fulfill my part.
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