The Ukrainian Episode

Last week we revisited the EDSA People Power revolution as our country celebrated its 36th anniversary. Along the same vein, and in a serendipitous concurrence of events, we are now witnessing how the Ukrainian people are rising as one to repel invading Russian troops, to show their support to President Volodymyr Zelensky and their love of country. Zelensky had earlier refused the offer of the United States of America to evacuate from Ukraine’s capital city, saying that “we will be defending our country. Our weapon is truth, and our truth is that this is our land, our country, our children, and we will defend all of this”. Happening in the midst of the Philippine election campaign, this is an episode that gives us a shining example of the brand of leadership the Filipino people deserve and should vote for in the elections of May 2022. In its fight for freedom, the Ukrainian people are now earning the respect of the international community, just as Filipinos did at EDSA in 1986.

Lest we forget to mention, worthy of commendation too, is the fast action of Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro Locsin in being able to allow Filipinos working in Ukraine to have Poland as their point of departure, as they are repatriated to the Philippines. Reports are that the Secretary personally went to Poland to oversee the repatriation of the Filipinos who opted to go home.

TRIVIA:

Birthday belated greetings to Hizzoner Nelson Legacion who commemorated his birthday last March 1. Likewise, birthday greetings to my daughter Tessie who is also commemorating her birthday today, March 3. She is now a resident of Los Angeles, California where she works.

Through this column I wish to express my utmost and sincere condolence in my own behalf and that of my spouse Minda to the family of RTC Judge Ignacio “Boboy” Almodavar of Legaspi City last March 1. The late judge’s spouse Tess Cortez is a cousin of my spouse Minda.

QUOTATION OF THE WEEK:

“FREEDOM IS NEVER VOLUNTARILY GIVEN BY THE OPPRESSOR. IT MUST BE DEMANDED BY THE OPPRESSED.” - MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

FOR OUR WORD OF LIFE:

“STAND FIRM, THEN, AND DO NOT LET YOURSELVES BE BURDENED AGAIN BY A YOKE OF SLAVERY” - GALATIANS 5:1