COUNTING CURSES OR BLESSINGS
Depending upon how one views each event, probable results
Major, life-altering events happened, are happening or might happen in our country and community. An in each, we seem to have lost our choices, since we already elected the president, senators and representatives in Congress, and our mayors and governors.
The chief executive, our legislators and our local officials: they decide for us, as they must under the system of governance, but there are times, as it now appears to be, that our leaders may have erred in making some of the decisions.
What if they erred and the appreciation of information and issue as well as the system of checks and balance didn’t work or was disrupted?
EXTENDING MARTIAL LAW IN MINDANAO FOR ANOTHER FIVE MONTHS.
From the initial 60 days in the May 23 proclamation of President Duterte, Congress has stretched the period until Dec. 31 this year, upon Duterte’s request. Opposers had no chance with both houses of Congress dominated by allies of his party. Are they right on the scope and length of martial law? One couldn’t be sure if they’d be so used to using martial law they wouln’t care about the constitutional requirements anymore.
DEALING WITH COMMUNIST REBELS.
After the serial attacks by the NPAs on government forces -- the most recent of which killed six police officers, including a station chief, and a civilian in Magsaysay, Guihulngan, Negros Oriental -- the president cancelled talks with NDF and virtually declared war. Which in effect would open another front or, more precisely, bring on another armed force against the state troops.
That on top of the “continuing” war on drugs.
APPOINTING REPLACEMENTS OF BARANGAY CAPTAINS.
Another postponement of the barangay elections in October would impair the growth of the democratic process in barangays. Worse would be the filling of vacancies by people the president’s office or DILG would pick. The reason that 40 percent of the barangay captains are allegedly drug protectors or traffickers is rather lame. There are remedies of law enforcement and prosecution to weed out “narco-politicians.” Arresting and suing suspects will bar their reelection.
The appointment of OICs in 1986 by Cory Aquino’s revolutionary government may instruct our leaders on the disadvantages of handpicking barangay captains.
IMPOSING MARTIAL LAW, instead of just calling out the troops. Engaging in an open, all-out war on NPA rebels. Count collateral casualties, displacement of families, tending to refugees. Count the growing power of the military and its commander-in-chief. Count the ease with which martial law can be declared in the future.
As to stuffing barangay halls with administration appointees. Think of the strength added to the ruling party’s base and where it could lead to.
WHILE PEOPLE MUST THINK POSITIVELY DESPITE THE DARK CLOUDS, THEY MUST BE CAREFUL OF THE