A difference in courage
The first time I saw this great Filipino was in the August Hall of the House of Representatives of the old congress which new housed the National Museum. Our law-making body used to be a two-house legislature until Martial Rule converted the same in a unicameral congress. Thus, causing the demise of the Philippine Senate and in its wake muted the invincible libertarian spirit echoing within its chandeliered chamber, It was precisely this uncompromising stances to civil liberty that led to its irreverent closure.
Mankind is replete with despots who cannot govern under a culture of free discourse and rule of law. Anyway, an uprising toppled the dictatorship that led to the restoration of freedom and a bicameral congress. National people will calm down where the Philippine Senate retraces its historic role as avantgarde of civil right and social equity.
To continue, I was in my early teens when I had a glimpsed of this Great Filipino. As a young man, I am fascinated with debate. I wanted to be a lawyer. But that is easier said than done considering my family’s limited means. In fact, a motherside auntie took care of my elementary education. Yet, the mystic of ambition did not deter my determination to pursue my dream.
One day my supportive Uncle Noy took me along and for all I know I found myself at the doorstep of congress. I was struck by its awesome facade engrandured by oversized pillars. Even now, every time I pass by that old Edifice, I feel nostalgic about the patriotic voices that gives added glitter as bastion of democracy. Presumably, Uncle Noy took me there to see and hear for myself the debates obtaining in congress. Uncle Noy, used to work with a Caloocan based company whose owner then was a very closed friend of this Great Filipino.
As we got inside the cavernous hall of the Lower House, I heard angry voice roaring from within. The innocence of youth kept me unaware of its subtle nuances. As I took my seat in the gallery, I saw a man in sunglasses standing before the podium. He was furious and combative. I learned that the man is a congressman of the City of Manila by the name of Arsenio Lacson who later become Mayor of Manila.
It appeared that earlier another Congressman delivered a privileged speech that Lacson felt he was alluded to. I cannot recall the learning issue that pinched the ego of the Manila elderman. In fairness, loosing one’s cool is not unpardonable especially when one is outwitted in public. But in a forum that symbolizes the nation’s decency, the counterpunched must be delivered with utmost civility and persuasiveness. Then, let the audiences do the chest-thumping of approval. The fact that Lacson evaded to walk the decent route is an admission of the intellectual erudition of his prey that he cannot match.
Thud, Lacson opted to carry the fight the macho way by challenging his tormentor to a boxing match. Remember Lacson was a tough guy in Manila’s politics. Perhaps, the amiable countenance of his adversary deluded him into believing that the challenge will not be accepted. Lacson was dead wrong. For as this great Filipino briskly walks towards the podium to announce his manhood spectators and colleagues of the combatants started to convey at the main entrance of Congress to watch the impending duel. Do and Behold! no slugfest occurred. Cooler heads prevailed. The two gentlemen embraced each other.
As the session resumed, Lacson took the floor. Smilingly, he asked this great cabalen, then a Pampanga congressman, why he dared accept his challenge. “Mr, Congressman don’t you know I am a boxer!” our great cabalen meekly answered!” I am not the one who accepted the challenge. The people of Pampanga took the challenge. I cannot turn my back and face them again. That would be the height of cowardice”. What a difference in courage and fortitude this Great Filipino exhibited. Where are these rare breed of compatriots now? Philippine Society longs for them to comfort the challenges of our time.
Truly, destiny rolls out in mysterious ways because seven years after that eventful encounter in Congress, I had the chance to meet this great Filipino in person in Malacañang, this time, as President of the Republic of the Philippines. It was a Common Law Day - held every Friday in Malacañang to give the ordinary folks to bring directly to their President their problems for solution. In my case, I told the President I just finished my secondary education and I need a job in order to pursue my college studies. He scribbled a note addressed to an assistant nearby and I got a job as a utility man in Malacañang assigned in the office of Secretary Armand Fabella. The great Filipino I refer to who gave me the golden opportunity to secure a college education and ultimately became a lawyer is no other than President DIOSDADO P. MACAPAGAL.
Apung Dadong, no words can adequately convey my gratitude to you and your family, knowing that you are in the caring hand of our Almighty. Thank you, Sir. What a difference in fortitude.