Only in The Philippines

When you have the second highest official of the land refusing to subject her budget and use of public funds under scrutiny, a politician turned fugitive with an illegal enterprise who comes back like a superstar, a self-proclaimed “son of God” and religious leader wanted for human trafficking and child sexual abuse who goes into hiding allegedly protected by a former President, not a few would probably call out, “Only in the Philippines!” It has been our common expression of deep frustration and exasperation, and yes- probably enragement over systems that are just so embedded in our sociopolitical culture.

There cannot be a more vivid portrait of the culture of corruption with all its collaborators- the powerful and privileged who have no sense of accountability. The political will of Senator Risa Hontiveros and her allies is our saving grace, and we can only hope that such political will can also be our own, as citizens of our country. With an electoral process that is always dominated by personalities and patronage, we have a long way to go. The obstacles in our structures and systems will always undermine whatever anti-corruption initiatives that we have.

Having just celebrated Ninoy Aquino Day on August 21 last month, we call to mind that famous Ninoy quote, “the Filipino is worth dying for”. To me, this is simply a reminder that at the core of the social transformation that we aim for should be our love of country. There is hope in the Filipino people, notwithstanding the sad realities in Philippine society seemingly so tough to overcome.

We start with the young. And we ask ourselves- how are we teaching our young to love their country?

QUOTATION FOR THE WEEK:

“ MEN LOVE THEIR COUNTRY NOT BECAUSE IT’S GREAT, BUT BECAUSE IT’S THEIR OWN”

- Lucius Seneca

FOR OUR WORD OF LIFE:

“BLESSED IS THE NATION WHOSE GOD IS THE LORD, THE PEOPLE HE CHOSE FOR HIS INHERITANCE”

- Psalm 33:12