Tackling legitimate dissent is key

It is sad to see the current administration seemingly slipping into a state of forgetfulness and paranoia, and missing the point. It is arming itself to the teeth as if expecting an external invasion any day now.

This is just a piece of opinion from an ordinary citizen who is trying to make sense of what is going on in our society today. Do we really have to prepare against threats of “terrorists” under this martial law that we thought is making us safe in our dwelling, especially here in our city? Are we not being made to believe that this kind of martial rule is far”‘different” from that of Ferdinand Marcos such that everybody seems to be happy with it? But why do we feel like we are up against something with the building up of troops in our city?

One thing that leaders of our country should keep in mind is that citizens expect transparency and accountability in their leadership. People tend to question when there is a seeming attempt to hide from their view the things that they should be informed of. It is when we do not approach the problems with honesty and genuine concern that suspicions build up.

In the larger picture of society where we are all members of this big family, it is but natural that different views, beliefs and practices exist. But it doesn’t mean that we could no longer live in harmony despite our differences. That is why leaders should be matured enough to understand that God has gifted us with intellect to recognize these variances.

Sadly, many, if not most leaders in our society tend to forget this simple fact and are easily overwhelmed by these seemingly “gargantuan” problems that they would rather want to do away with swiftly and quickly. Thus they resort to all sorts of interventions including the use of force, forgetting that they are dealing with fellow Filipinos, brothers and sisters who have different perspectives, beliefs or ideologies.

The word “discipline” has been overly abused to mean using harsh means to straighten attitudes or characters that it has taken on a different meaning. But “discipline” per the dictionary, is “the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior, using punishment to correct disobedience.” This act has been proven ineffective in several countries already, yet, many leaders doesn’t seem to learn their lessons.

The sad thing is that the end does not always justify the means, because with legitimate grievances, such kind of “discipline” is uncalled for. It becomes a pretext to intimidate and instill fear among people who have rightfully aired their concerns and uncertainties. Thus, instead of coercing people to stop airing their objections, harsh response could even add fuel to it and further aggravate the problem.

Transparency and accountability in public governance, therefore, are basic confidence-building measures that should be considered by leaders, instead of coercion and intimidation. Positive approach works more effectively.--