After the twenty-year regime of the late former
president Ferdinand Marcos; the Filipino people had begun the practice of
addressing their heads of state in more casual and overly-familiar ways. This
all began with Corazon Aquino who they called “Cory” or “Tita Cory”; Fidel
Ramos and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo who were known by their initials-FVR and GMA;
respectively. Between the latter couple; Joseph Estrada was called “Erap”; and
then; current president Benigno Aquino III has been dubbed PNOY and/or Noynoy.
It seems
that candidates, who are as amicable to the people as Ramon Magsaysay was
during his term, are those who are elected for the presidency of the country. Without
being ungrateful to, and disregarding the achievements of, the post-Marcos
presidents; there has not been a more commendable and impressive development in
the Philippines’ overall image. Why so?
The
answer to this is the possibility that the said rulers may have not imposed a
‘stiffer’ image on the people. Their concordance may have been the factor why
their laws and mandates have been disobeyed or disregarded.
Perhaps in the current state of the Philippines;
what it needs now is another reputedly intimidating superior as Ferdinand
Marcos was; his declaration of Martial law improving the nation’s economy, even
temporarily; and his curfew lessening crimes and disciplining the masses. For
the upcoming 2016 presidential elections; the top candidates are a severely
criticized vice-president and a secretary who cannot maintain his balance on a
motorcycle. The POSSIBLE candidates who really deserve the position are the
firm-principled Senator PanfiloLacson and the boldly direct Senator Miriam
Defensor-Santiago. If he had not refused
joining the candidacy; Davao Vice-mayor Rodrigo Duterte would be in the running
with the two mentioned above.
The three
have their own reputations and known personalities. Ping Lacson may seem like a
silent mafia lord with his past experiences with the KuratongBaleleng group and
the issue of the slain Dacer-journalist; among others. The following were his
words when the subject of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s “Hello, Garci”- scandal
took place; a statement showing his unwavering determination to his duties and
obligations.
“Perhaps no incumbent senator has had the multiple
displeasure of being vilified, his reputation assailed repeatedly than this
humble representation. If this is the price to pay for fearlessly contributing
my share in the fight against graft and corruption in government, then so be
it. If by exposing people in high places and those in the corridors of power
would mean creating bitter enemies or losing friends thus making my life
miserable, I am willing to pay that price.”
Rodrigo Duterte was
criticized by the Manila times insinuating the practice of vigilantism when he
claimed that anyone carrying out illegal activities in his city was a
“legitimate target of assassination”; and his comment with regards to the
release of a drug lord in Manila stating that if the same entered his city, the
only way he would leave would be in a coffin. But despite such detractions; the
former mayor of Davao has earned the reputation for making his city the least
crime-infested in the nation; most likely the result of his “intimidating
reputation” and ‘extra-judicial’ ideologies.
Last but not the least
is Miriam Defensor-Santiago. In many senate hearings and state assemblies; she
has been criticized as giving a number of convergences a “circus-image” with
the manner she delivers her statements without reserve or restraint. Perhaps
she is considered as the “entertainer” when politicians gather for specific
matters of state; but this is one person who obviously knows no boundaries when
it comes to standing for her principles. Recall how Bugs Bunny and Yosemite Sam
engaged one another; altering Theodore Roosevelt’s words in an episode of
Looney Tunes: “I speak softly, but I carry a big stick.” If corrupt officials
and criminal lords would boast such a statement, Senator Santiago might just be
the equivalent of Sam by retaliating thus: “Oh yeah? Well I speak LOUD, and I
carry a BIGGER stick. And I use it, too.”
What the country needs now is another president who can “make a
difference” by being different. The Filipinos have to stop electing individuals
who have very appealing smiles and affectionate demeanours, but cannot do much
for the welfare and benefit of the masses.
It might just be better
if a person who litters is approached by a person in authority who says “Excuse
me. Please pick up your trash or I will haul you in jail right here and now”
than one that approaches the offender with a smile and says “Good morning. May
I have a moment to clarify the anti-littering rule here, please?”
There exists the fact
that such daring and intrepid individuals may abuse the power given to them.
Yet, there is the reality that even the most affable person attempting to gain
the favour of the masses has the potential of altering into the very same thing
they fear. It might just be the time to take chances once more. The people have
voted past candidates with more attractive smiles and dry promises into office;
only to criticize them later on. They should consider individuals such as
Rodrigo Duterte, PanfiloLacson and Miriam Defensor-Santiago who are not
concerned about their image but rather, their obligations. These persons are
those who stand as having a far cry from being corrupted by politics than those
that dwell on their public figures. (Senator Lacson, during an interview at the
TV9 talk show “News Café” even stated “I hate politics.”)
The Filipino citizens, in their country’s current situation, might
have to reconsider their desire for the privilege to act like a spoiled child
throwing a tantrum at a store when denied the purchase of a toy; and open their
minds to the possibility that a ‘good spanking’, once in a while, gives more
worthy results.
The Bible suggests that
parents should discipline their children in their youth; so that they may be
proud of them when they are older. This country IS, after all, influenced by
Christianity; is it not? The people might just have to bend over and see what a
few lashes can do for the country’s benefit; than receiving meaningless hugs
and kisses which lead to nothing.
Online references:
1.
-en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rody_Duterte
2.
–globalbalita.com
–en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martial_law_in_the_Philippines
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