Encouraging signs

We are indeed in very interesting times. And this is simply because we have a very interesting President; “interesting,” in the sense that he has an enigmatic and un-fathomable personality. More than one year has passed since he became our President. Yet up to now it is still quite difficult to determine where he really wants to lead us. He has launched several “wars,” against trafficking of prohibited drugs, against crime and corruption and against poverty. At this stage however, only the war against drugs seems to have taken off the ground mostly focusing on the unfortunate and impoverished victims rather than on the very source of these prohibited drugs plaguing our society for so long now. It is a “war” that has spawned too much violence and killings in our country which have apparently resulted also into the commission of terroristic acts especially in Mindanao.

So far, most of Du30’s moves have been as controversial as would incite his die-hard supporters to personally attack those whom they perceive are criticizing him and trying to put him down or “destabilizing” his administration, thus creating sharp divisions and bitter discords among our country men. Undoubtedly, some Filipinos cannot help but express alarm over the disregard of the rule of law and disrespect for human rights in some of his decisions and actions particularly in his latest move to declare martial law in Mindanao. In fact, several petitions have been filed in the Supreme Court questioning its validity. Hence, some people even fear that we have a hard hearted and oppressive ruler who may once more bring us back to a regime similar to the Marcos martial law that triggered a people power revolution in 1986.

But it is heartening to note that lately, there are encouraging signs showing that a repeat of that there will be no repeat of that deplorable regime. First of all, PDu30 has recently assured us that he will respect the decision of the Supreme Court on his declaration of martial law in Mindanao. Then after announcing that he might declare martial law throughout the country which is a “copycat” of the Marcos ML, he seemed to have changed his mind and said that such a move is not called for at this time. These announcements and acts are indeed so reassuring. It shows that PDu30 still adheres to the rule of law contrary to what others believe. They are concrete signs that he still upholds and follows the principle of separation of powers among the three independent and co-equal departments of our government – the Executive, Legislative and the Judiciary.

The only hitch in this regard is that PDu30’s own minions and allies in the Lower House led by Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez and Majority Leader Rodolfo Farinas. They have adopted a position exactly opposite and contrary to his stand on this issue. They even passed a resolution requiring three associate justices of the Court of Appeals (CA) to appear before a Congressional Committee and show cause why they should not be cited in contempt for ordering the House of Representatives to release of the “Ilocos six” detained by them in connection with a Congressional investigation involving the governor and their political adversary in the province. This move of our Congressmen-allies of PDu30 once more confirms the public perception that some if not all members Lower House are either a bunch of ignoramuses or subversives flagrantly undermining the basic foundation of our Democratic Republic, particularly the principle of separation of powers. Ironically, PDu30’s allies are the very ones undermining his administration and preventing him to succeed in the performance of his job as President. This is so sad indeed.

Another encouraging sign is PDu30’s recent public apology to the people of Mindanao, especially those from Marawi City for the current bombings and destructions as a result of the terroristic assaults and uprising committed by the IS-Maute group out to establish a separate Caliphate in the province. Humbly saying “I am sorry” to the Maranao people for his declaration of martial law and for the destruction and violence that followed the start of military operations to rid Marawi City of Islamic State-inspired Maute terrorists is a clear admission that he also commits mistakes contrary to the public’s initial impression of his self-righteousness which his die-hard supporters and social media trolls have been flaunting up to now. This humble gesture on the part of PDu30 reveals an admirable trait that a true leader should really possess.

Then of course people cannot help but notice and admire PDu30’s compassionate concern for the soldiers fighting the rebels and other lawless elements in in our country especially in Mindanao. Very often he is seen honoring army men and policemen who have died in action by attending their burials and funeral wakes and commiserating with their families. He also awarded Wounded Personal Medals to 79 soldiers confined in Camp Evangelista Station Hospital. Then he saw to it that the surviving members of their families are well taken care of by extending financial assistance to them. He has also established a P50-billion trust fund for the education of the children of soldiers and policemen.

Just recently after disappearing for four days and allegedly lying in a kama to get some rest due to his “brutal” schedule, he sent off nine soldiers wounded in clashes in Marawi and talked to them while they were in ambulance going from the Station hospital to the Cagayan de Oro City airport tarmac. Then he likewise announced that he is giving up the Presidential plane for use as ambulance to transport personnel of the AFP and PNP wounded in battle, and will just ride in the commercial plane in his travels around the country.

As of now therefore people are starting to hope that we really have a leader who will promote the common good and the best interest of all Filipinos. Let us all wish that this feeling will not eventually turn into a disappointment.