| REFLECTIONS ON Our Economy and Politicians |
| A friend and I were cruising through the streets of Makati one evening. When the red traffic light went up, we heard a knock on the car window. Outside was a boy selling us Sampaguita garlands. He was probably around 9 to 10 years old but to me he looked like he was only 6 or 7 because of his scrawny and malnourished frame. He had tattered clothes and didn't have any shoes nor slippers on this feet. Motorists encounter things like this in every main thouroughfare in Manila so the Sampaguita vendor was no longer a surprise. Imagine a boy his age in the streets working, and in the evening at that, when he should be at home doing his homework or playing with other kids. Who's to blame for this? I remember one time when I was in a mall when I saw a bunch of street kids, some trying on some rubber slippers while others were counting the money that they had, probably trying to compute if their money was enough for the slippers. While on the counter, there were two children with their mommy and daddy, holding their new shoes like they were their most prized possessions. See the difference? Now who's to blame? Could it be that we are not charitable enough to help people like them? Maybe we can blame the parents of these kids? Why do they allow their children to work? But what if their parents are working as well to make ends meet? Lots of people in the provinces leave their homes to try their luck in Manila. They somehow have this impression that Manila is a greener, richer pasture. Little do they know that the once green grass of the city has already withered and turned brown because of our arid economic soil. I have read somewhere that in the Philippines, there are only 3 kinds of people: 1. the poor; 2. the poorer than the poor; 3. the rich opportunist ruling class that created the two. True, poverty rate in this country has alarmingly increased. There are a lot of factors that can be blamed for our economic downfall. We can blame the family. We can even blame the school. Maybe we educators are responsible for this also. And we can blame the government and the dirty politicians who do not deserve to be in the position they are in now. Those people who have nothing to do but steal from from the people what is due them. Their socio-political corruption leads to the country's economic nightmare. The Philippines is rich in natural and human resources. During the 60s and maybe until the 70s, the Philippines was one of the leading nations when it came to economic standing. We were doing so good, hence the monicker "the Tiger of Asia." What what happened after? Graft and corruption has seeped through the very core of our government. The past administrators that we had did not prove to be better than their successors. We had Ferdinand Marcos from circa 60 till the late 80s (he stayed in power for more than 20 years). Until now, the billions and billions of dollars worth of ill-gotten wealth are still not traced. Then we had Corazon Aquino, wife of the late Sen. Benigno Aquino. A plain housewife who did not have anything to do with politics until her husband's death. She was chosen by the people thru People Power which ousted the Marcos from the seat of power. I don't believe Aquino was corrupt, but her subordinates were. Then there's Fidel Ramos and his AMARI scam. And who would ever forget Joseph "Erap" Estrada and his infamous Jose Velarde account? Pres. Arroyo's husband, too, was also accused of corruption. Now once again, who's getting richer? The people or the politicians? Not to mention their cronies who own big corporations that manipulate the rest of the business world. From the time when I was old enough to be aware of the things around me, until now, I can count by my fingers the sincere politicians in this country, at least the ones that I know of. And I truly believe there's quite a few of them. Forgive me for sounding pessimistic but let me explain my point: #1. When election comes and lots of campaining goes around, you will hear their sweet promises, like a man wooing a woman. That is just fine for when them to get votes it is only fitting to present their plans if they get elected. The problem is, after the election and they have won, they seem to suffer suddenly from amnesia and forget about their plans and the promises they made to the people. And the people are left forever hoping that their needs will finally be met. #2. They are only concerned about their personal gain that they resort to graft and corruption, plunder, bribery, under the table activities, etc. And most of the time, the budget that is supposed to be used for the development of their specific areas goes straight tot their pockets. So who's getttin richer now? #3. Opposing parties continue to bicker instead of standing in unity. #4. Some politicians even has Machiavellian way of thinking that they go to the extent of having their rivals killed to preserve their so-called good intentions for the state,. But please allow me to stress this: I believe not all politicians are like t hat. I know there are some who are trying real hard to make a difference. To help this country soar once again. We are praying that we have God-fearing leaders. Those who really have a heart for others. I am also praying that the Filipinos will now learn how to vote wisely, and carefully scrutinize the political canditates. Maybe then, our country will start to move forward. Going back to my story in the beginning of this perspective of mine, my friend handed a 10 peso bill to the boy. He intended to just give the kid the money so he can still sell those garlands to others. But the boy insisted that my friend take the garland, saying, "No, no, sir. It's yours, you bought it!" while my friend argued, saying, "No, you can keep the money. It's ok." The traffic light turned green, and in desperation, the boy threw in the garland through the slighty opened window and ran away happily while shouting, "Thank you, sir!" We were both astonished by this. We smiled and I thought to myself, "Wow, that kid is amazing. He already has integrity." I hope that boy grows up with integrity, honesty and honor. Looks to me like he is already on that direction. I'm sure there are lots of other kids like him. And because of them, I know that this country has hope. If not now but for the generations to come. And with that, I am at peace. POSTSCRIPT: Heard about the latest news on the Senate? Pardon me, but I don't think i can call them "Honorable Senators" for the moment. I dare not append the word honorable to their names after their power-grabbing brouhaha. Because of this PPP (Power Purchase Adjustment. In case you didn't know, this is the additional fee in our electric bills. Masquerading as something else, this is just MERALCO's debt that we, the citizens whio don't have anything to do with it, have to pay) issue the dispute between the administration and opposition senators worsen. They also found this as a way to persuade senators from both sides to defect from their respective parties to break the tie. Why can't they just sit down and unite for the betterment of the country and set aside their personal agenda even for once. Can you imagine having 2 separate senate sessions. The opposition claims to be the majority already while the administration claims that they still have the upper hand. Sen. Joker Arroyo on the opposition senators holding their own session: "Let the chiildren play!" Right you are senator...for all of you act like children. Well, at least kids know how to compromise and come up with an agreement, that before you know it, they are playing together. It's a shame how kids can be more honorable than our supposedly grown-up leaders. |