We are confronted with a vicious culture of corruption and greed and which is now gradually being exposed, and definitely, which have long been condemned. The only problem back then was that no one has the courage to officially reveal an open secret. We were not born yesterday, and we know that many have unjustly enriched themselves at the expense of the people. The corrupt have always been able to get away with their crimes, and they have always been laughing their way to the vaults.
We do not refer merely to how PDAF was molested and decapitated, but we are also looking at those instances and cases were public funds were diverted for personal benefits, by those in the government or public service.
So it seems, the three departments of government, the Executive, Legislative and Judiciary, not necessarily those at the helm of each, are being besieged by clamors for genuine change and reforms. Even the COA itself, is now the subject of public scrutiny. There is actually an overhaul of the system and let us hope that something good will come out of it.
The Department of Justice, National Bureau of Investigation and the Ombudsman are relied upon by a nation which has been betrayed by its elected representatives who were supposed to be public servants in the first place, but who turned out to be public scoundrels.
Again, let it be made clear that there is no conviction yet, and nobody is being singled out here. What the public is hoping for is, if indeed there were illegal diversion of funds, or malversation, or plunder, then let the guilty be punished and the money returned to the government coffers.
On another concern, we are certainly shocked by the events which unfolded in Zamboanga City and thereafter in Cotabato. We were just recovering from the Maguindanao massacre and the Hong Thai crisis, although they may have occurred years back already, and then we find ourselves waking up one morning several weeks ago with the sad news for breakfast, that Zamboanga City is under siege. These events do not just simply happen to peace loving Filipinos.
After hearing first account stories how civilians would flee from what has been described as a "war zone", words could not express the fear, uncertainty and trauma that they have gone through. As announced, it is over. Recovery is on its way and it is prayed that the people affected would be resilient enough to move on with their lives.
Then we are also faced with the continuing ideological and armed struggle which are more than half a century old already. We are of course reminded of 1986 when we thought everything was over, and lasting peace could already be realized by our nation. It is unfortunate that to this date, this is still a concern for our country.
There are higher expectations for social reforms. We have yet to see the fruits of agrarian reform, or at least the completion thereof. Workers are longing for a living and just wage. Employment for all. Transport has chronically been asking for rate hike. Poverty alleviation cannot remain as a mere lip service. It must be for real and it can be achieved only if wealth is said to be equally distributed, or at least, the so-called equal opportunities for all will truly be fair, just and reachable.
People are hungry. They are suffering from all sorts of illness and malaise. Many are homeless. Some are literally losing their sanity because of life's difficulties. Yet, certain classes in our society seem to be indifferent with their plight. Focusing on wants simply because their basic needs have been met. Indulging in luxuries and vanities instead of finding ways to help others who are in dire need of even the least of life's basics. Idolizing stones, crystals, gems and themselves. Bragging about cars, mansions, and junkets. Blessings are meant to be shared with those who have less in life and not wasted in vices and unnecessary activities or illicit relationships.
We can go on and on, ad infinitum, but the fact remains that change can only be possible if each of us will be willing, able and actually ready to act our part as integral members of the society, united with others as one nation under God.
How?
1) Reality Check - determine where you are, what brought you were you are right now, whether you have reached your goals, and where you failed or may have some shortcomings
2) Resetting your Goals - revise or update your goals, make a road map, learn from your past mistakes, and ascertain contingency plans in case you may encounter troubles as you work your way up to your goals.
Important: This time, do not be selfish. Include in your plans - what you can do to our fellow Filipinos and to our country, the Philippines.
3) Act Now and Do Not Procastinate - make sure that when you have set your goals, your road map must have a parallel timeline, and be determined to act now and act continuously without letting up
4) Pray - ask for guidance, for God's will, and in everything that you do, make Him the first by offering your achievements, successes and victories for God's Honor and Glory.
When?
This is the right time to do this. That means, now and no other time.
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