We Don’t Deserve

Yes, Mrs. Padilla. We don’t deserve him.

All the Filipino people, all together now, WE DON’T DESERVE HIM!

Never has a disagreeable sentiment been faced with a loud agreement. The premise is that the Filipino people should deserve Robinhood Padilla as a senator. (Just the fact that he prefers to be called “Robinhood” makes me cringe. Joseph Estrada lobbied for “Erap” and “Estrada” to be accepted in the ballots. Bong Revilla retained his screen name over the name, Jose Mari Bautista which is quite good. They did this for recall. So, what’s the point with “Robinhood”?) A senator is a legislator, an elected government official who makes laws with national relevance, that would cause nationwide order and progress, something that would uplift us all. I don’t think he has done anything close to that. His greatest advocacy seems to be the change of government to federalism, which he hasn’t done much to advance. That was before he was elected, and on his initial months. But quickly, that advocacy very obviously shifted to protection and promotion of the Duterte camp. He does this with so much gusto and fervor as if it was patriotism. He obviously lacks knowledge of basic parliamentary procedures and seems not to have the interest to learn. He disrespects the institution of the Senate by seemingly flirting with the female senators, in the senate floor, while being shot and shown live. The Filipino people should deserve this? Sorry, Mrs. Padilla. We deserve better, so much better than this.

If he does not indeed run for any public office in 2028, the whole nation would let out a collective sigh of relief. But, I would not be surprised if he still runs. He may give the excuse that he doesn’t really want to run for office anymore, but he is compelled by the insistent demand of the Filipino people and is driven by passionate patriotism. (Oh, brother.) After all, his godfather declared that he would not run for president. Then, later, he substituted a political nobody to effectively be a candidate for president. That’s qualified lying. People forget this or intentionally push it under the rugs.

Of course, this is just the wife talking. This is the sister to the mother loving the face that only a mother could love. This is cousin to the uncle who calls his only nephew, his favorite nephew. This is the sacrificial love of a wife talking. But nevertheless, some wives would just keep silent.

I understand that some sectors do appreciate the good senator. Mrs. Padilla mentioned indigenous groups and Muslims. I remember that Robin Padilla had been very helpful in negotiations with Muslim insurgents a few decades back. His status as a Muslim celebrity certainly helped. She says, her husband just wants to help. (I think, I heard a similar thing from Teddy Locsin Jr. when he was a congressman; something like you could never truly help unless you’re in public office.) But if someone really wants to help, especially the indigenous peoples and Muslims, why not organize a non-government organization for them? The NGO could provide scholarships, livelihood, employment, legal assistance or housing for marginalized sectors. Now, that would be very helpful. One need not be a senator, congressman or any elected official. If you really want to “help”, senate or congress sessions, debates on the floor, and playing the dance with coalitions and caucuses would take time off from actual “helping”. Not that legislation is not helpful, but legislature is the advancement of agenda or advocacy to ultimately and indirectly help the people.

Some college students have better mastery of parliamentary procedures. Some high school students, and even some advanced elementary pupils have some basic knowledge of what to say, in what situations to say it and how to make motions. Some veteran senators have more sense not to talk too much, to avoid unfamiliarity becoming obvious. Some legislators come to the halls with a legislative agenda. Some push against poverty. Some promote peace and order. Some promote equal opportunity for livelihood and education. But some of them don’t have anything similar to that. It’s quite palpable that some of them among their ranks made it to their positions because of their “closeness” to some personality. Yes, I know, the people voted for them. But, come on; you know what I mean. But, at least, they learn the basic procedures, and push for more affordable health care and/or support important infrastructure projects.

So, maybe, if the “not running” pushes through, he might consider the NGO option.

Ezra 9:13: ““What has happened to us is a result of our evil deeds and our great guilt, and yet, our God, you have punished us less than our sins deserved…”