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Is Noynoy the answer to our country?s woes?? Jimson Yankee, a 2nd year law student of the University of Cebu (UC) College of Law, posted this question as a hot discussion issue for the bloggers of the UC Law Forum (http://uclaw.lefora.com/). The new online forum which he created, at his own initiative, and actively supported by his grateful professor and Information Technology and the Law classmates, is the first of its kind in Cebu. It encourages would-be lawyers and the law professors and alumni from UC to articulate and share concerns that affect society, without having to leave one?s home, office, library or where ever one may be.
Jimson?s particular question about Noynoy cannot be answered by a simple ?yes? or ?no?. Saying ?yes? is tantamount to admitting that a single person can provide the answer to the needs of the times. That has not and will not happen, not even in relationships. It takes two to tango, remember? Expecting one person to deliver the job by himself is an uncalled-for burden to Noynoy and to anyone expected to perform the role of a Messiah.
Saying ?no,? on the other hand, begs for another question to be answered, which is ?What then is the answer to our country?s woes?? Why are we in this mess? Why are basic essential services barely delivered by our local elective officials, with no hint of shame, guilt or remorse? Why can we not take off for a more participatory, predictable, transparent and accountable governance? Why are there less number of citizens participating in the political, economic and social decision-making process of this nation?
It was strangely coincidental that almost the same time that Jimson posted the question, our son Dan did a note in his Facebook page entitled ?Why the Philippines isn?t progressing.? He asked, ?Why is our country not advancing as fast as our neighbors?? His conclusion: we are too self-centered.
He shared his recent experience riding a jampacked train where the passengers rushing in do not seem to care whether those still inside can get out of it. Feeling trapped as if in a ?bottle of hot, smelly and sticky sardines,? he was so exasperated he shouted ?padaanin ninyo naman.? After a few stops, the pushing and the shoving started again.
Calling on DOTC to regulate the entry of commuters. The recurring ?tulakan? scene at MRT stations is an accident waiting to happen.
The rush hour pandemonium reminds this writer of the ?each-one-for-himself-or-herself? mentality that the humongous discretionary funds of the President and local executives and the lawmakers? pork barrel and congressional insertion allocation perpetuate. The billions that are at the disposal of a handful of chosen few in a land of 92.23 million people where self-rated poverty is at 50%, per the SWS June 2009 survey, and where so much still needs to be done in delivering essential health, sanitation and sewerage services, education and judicious ecosystem management is, to say the least, scandalous. Possession of much discretion in accessing public funds can alienate one from reality and unfeeling of the pulse of the people, as well. That is exactly what is happening. The Arroyo administration has earned the dubious distinction of obtaining the lowest net satisfaction rating compared to Aquino, Ramos and Estrada (http://www.sws.org.ph/)
The ?atat-na-atat? infomercials and propaganda of the wannabes smack of the same ?I-me? selfish mentality. Can we trust the so-called leaders who do not play fair?
What we need at this crucial juncture of our history are true and selfless patriots with untainted record of service to our country. More important, however, we need citizens who are active nation-builders. They stand up and speak out for democracy, justice and the Rule of Law. They join hands with other sectors in ensuring good governance and in doing away with the rotten patronage system, which is one of the stinking causes of our woes and why we are considered a failing state.
Crisis situations, however, do open windows of opportunities. The scandals and the controversies hounding our national and local officials have awakened some people and institutions to pitch in and do one?s share.
The shameful Balili lot purchase opened the door for stakeholders to do more for this country. The members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Cebu hopefully have learned from the painful lesson and stop the practice of approving resolutions, without thoroughly scrutinizing the proposed projects or transactions. The decision of the DENR EMB Director Rolando Luego to stop the indiscriminate dumping of the coal ash in Naga and requiring the coal power plant to explain the hazardous practice is highly commendable. The same proscription should in fact be done in Toledo City. The LGU officials should now prioritize the health and safety of the constituents and stop the degradation of the ecosystem and instead follow the Law. There is no other option.
Another positive development taking place is seeing more of our youth as visible participants in governance. There are now more young Ninoys and Corys whose quiet initiatives, courage and demonstrations of love for the country make this writer feel more hopeful of tomorrow.
Mabuhay!
