THE FILIPINO JEWISH QUALITY

    A subjective opinion is often the result of enthusiasm dwelling on a limited perspective or personal interests. In the 2004 elections, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo fell to the disfavor of many Filipinos after she was suspected of having manipulated ballots which could have allowed Fernando Poe, Jr. to become the new president of the Philippines. For six more years, she retained her office as head-of-state; under the criticisms of the masses who constantly sought every opportunity and reason for the defamation of her office. Near the conclusion of 2009, a presumed ‘savior’ or ‘champion’ in the person of Benigno S. Aquino III was applauded by the people; one whose noble accomplishments were considered in comparison to the flaws and wrongs of the Macapagal-Arroyo administration. The overwhelming impression of his image even got him on the cover of a LIFE magazine with the caption “Can Noynoy Save The Philippines?” Years into his presidency, a negative clamor arose because of the people’s dissatisfaction with regards to his performance; and many of the unfavorable incidents which occurred in the country were blamed on his assumed ‘inefficiency’. The term “Noynoying” eventually became an addition to the Filipino vocabulary, insinuating the act of impassively resting a head on one’s hand and doing nothing.

    The corporate lords and influential businessmen in the Makati area, as well as motorists that enjoy the conveniences of a ‘budget-exceeding’ parking structure will, most likely, give their support to the candidacy of Jejomar Binay. The Davaoeños who pride themselves with the dramatic fall of crime rate and increased order in their city will sing the praises of Rodrigo Duterte and hold him up to the heavens much higher than the Holy Father in the Vatican. Followers of ‘Noynoy’ Aquino who have benefited from his achievements will evince plaudits and fervor for his disciple, Mar Roxas. And perhaps, those who appreciate romanticism suggestive of Luke Skywalker (1) and Sally Jupiter (2) will give their heartfelt support to Grace Poe.

    People live with the reality of “trial and error”. But unlike scientists and inventors, they do not bear an impartial demeanor: every faction has their own specific interests, needs, and wants which inspire their subjective opinions. The election of a president is intended for the welfare the entire nation, not merely a segment of it. This is not evident with regards to the individuals who pan for candidates that have only served their purposes, but not those of others. Hence, there exist those who are disheartened, or infuriated, when their ‘champion’ is not put on the throne.

    There is another reality, however, which can be attributed to Filipinos which many of them have not taken note, or become aware, of. It is their ever-fluctuating and inconsistent fervor. They are like the Jews who welcomed Jesus with palms waving in the air, then condemning Him to death later on. With Philippine politics, no matter how impressive the reputation and accomplishments of a person; when, or if, that poor soul attains the status of president; he (or she) stands on a pedestal open to mockery and scorn.

    If Fate is kind, the individual might just retain the sympathy and forgiveness of his (or her) followers.

1-Star Wars Episode 6: Return of the Jedi

2-Watchmen

    

NOT ALL WHO HAS AUTHORITY IS WORTHY OF IT

        In 2014, after I had exhausted my patience and strength at lulling my son to sleep, I became aware of a ruckus from the gate of the apartment building I resided in. A man was boisterously calling out to the residents to let him in the premises; slamming on and shaking the gate with emphatic determination. My neighbors who lived at the ground floor ignored the individual, but he persistently hollered his demand. The commotion caused my son to stir and moan. So I went out to the balcony and shouted an admonishment at the person who, as it turned out, was the designated collector of the monthly dues.

     To clarify the subject: this ‘fee’ was conjured by the so-called “homeowners association” for the development, maintenance, and security of the subdivision. In the area, there were those who owned houses, stores, and apartment buildings; and those who rented space in the apartments. Earlier, tenants protested that they were not homeowners and hence, they were not obliged to pay anything more than their rent. The homeowners association retaliated to this by designating a reputed tough-guy to collect the tribute; one indirectly given the authority to bully anyone into obedience and discourage any possible questions or arguments from being raised. And so I found myself staring down at the ruffian who had his finger pointed at me; reprimanding me for yelling at him and demanding I open the gate immediately.

    It was not difficult to see the fellow hated me. His scorn was inspired during one of his earlier visits when I asked him what the self-proclaimed “association” was doing about the inconsiderate behavior of certain residents who reveled with karaoke machines from dusk till dawn; and pointed out that no additional lighting or repairs were administered to the streets. When he could not placate my inquiries with his shallow roughneck remarks, he turned away and advised that it would be best for me to keep my opinions to myself. On the day of our temper-induced exchange; his companion reminded me to take caution and choose wisely the people I decided to confront: “Mag-ingat ka. Piliin mo kung sino inaaway mo”. Clearly, that was a threat. He was insinuating that I would get in trouble if I ‘pissed off’ his superior: the pot-bellied and immodest loudmouth who, in fact, was one among the discordant residents.

     Consider other aspects of the abuse of authority and how it is utilized for intimidation: an aggressive individual who will point a gun at a fellow motorist who he disagrees with; a traffic officer who makes use of a badge to extort money from drivers of public utility vehicles; a politician who silences the media and/or other factions of society by siccing hired killers or lawmen against them; or even a parent who will not tolerate any arguments from a child, no matter how rational, because the latter lives under his roof.

    As pessimistic as it may seem, this is a truth, a reality in the Philippines. In this country, might is right; not the other way around. If you don’t have any ‘connections’, influences, or authority; you are oftentimes in the wrong or irrelevant. Everyone has imperfections and faults. But why vote for people who refuse to be criticized or challenged for their flaws and shortcomings by the use of force, intimidation; or abuse of authority; those from the rank of president to the common “barangay tanod”?

    This is not to suggest that the ‘little people’ should be given the opportunity to disrespect and insult their leaders. A lot of the said individuals are also uneducated and uncultured with their behavior and manners. But every person deserves the right to be heard and taken seriously, especially when he or she has a point.

    Every once in a while, when I cannot comprehend the trials and burdens I go through, I tend to challenge God to explain to me about the nuances of my life. Of course, I do not get any answers. But I do not have to worry about ending up in the river or buried in some uncultivated land area either.