There are still honest people at BOC

The latest news is that the House of Representatives is now writing its version of constitution that would replace the current presidential form with a federal system. Earlier, President Duterte said he already has names who will be tasked in drafting the new charter. Let me point out that despite the fact we have so many nincompoops in both houses of congress, hoodlums in robes and power hungry bureaucrats from the palace to the lowest government agency, we still enjoy a well functioning democracy. It only illustrates our resiliency as a people.

But what cannot be tolerated is when an elected president wanted to stay beyond the mandate given by the electorates, such in the case of Ferdinand Marcos. Even Fidel V. Ramos and Gloria Macapagal Arroyo advanced ideas of amending the constitution, in the hope that not only economic provisions will be amended but political too, including the lifting of term limit.

There are always the ‘geniuses and Rasputins’in the palace who wanted to cling to power and dream nightly of term extension. And why not? Because once they easily get drunk with power. Perks and privileges, unlimited.

Former President Noynoy Aquino since he stepped down from his presidential seat is starting to know his real friends. His once mighty Liberal Party which dominates both houses of congress was decimated on the first week of Duterte’s administration.

There is no need for a clean razor blade to cut loyalties to the previous dispenser of favors when it comes to congressmen and senators of this republic. It is the usual hidden pork barrel that can buy loyalty. As of this moment, President Digong who calls the shots. He cracks the whip, everybody toe the line. Such is life. Winners, losers, survivor s.

Rev. Fr. Miguel Miru, OAR Prior General, adds that this invitation is above all “a call to persevere in the path of holiness through the material and spiritual difficulties that mark everyday life.” This year’s UNO-R University Week adopts the theme: “Heeding the call to Holiness.”

“Holiness” is a state of being where one develops a special relationship with God. “Being holy” means to be always ready to do special things for God and for the faith. There is a need for us to renew our relationship with God and our fellowmen.

Being a hero and being holy are two similar things. They both tell us that we have to offer ourselves for the country and for our faith. If both of this are heeded, then, we may say that we could fulfill our role in this world.

— Carlos Legaspi, Jr.