By Jan Vicente B. Pekas
In recent days, some senators have pushed for the possibility of online voting. To allow a certain senator to do his “work” online and continue his duty to serve the people. This comes after he resurfaced only to help with the senate coup. After causing all that drama, back he went into hiding escaping the authorities.
This is the man they want to help make his life easier and allow him to vote on matters that protect themselves. Just like the shameless way some basketball players act in order to get a foul, they no longer care about showing off their greedy and dishonorable nature in front of the camera.
They wish to make life easier for their fellow colleagues, but the same effort is not shown to actually help the Filipinos’ life be easier. Just how much paperwork does an ordinary Filipino go through their lives just to avail certain services? How much cash and effort they give just to run around to different offices in order to complete the almost roundabout instructions from the government?
In almost every jeepney ride, I am able to see them. Whether they must update their information or avail government services, they all hold envelopes filled with different paper works. Sitting alongside one of these people earlier this week, an old man carrying his envelope couldn’t help but share his own frustrations. We were on a jeep heading to the municipal hall of Tuba and it seemed to be his first time going to the place. He was there to update some certain information on his records.
I know there are other elderly people like him. Those with busy families that force them to take on the bureaucratic system by their lonesome with their ailing bodies. They do not enjoy the same privilege as having a friend in the senate to help make their life easier. No one to recognize their plights and find a solution for it.
What are supposed to be the people who fight for the masses fight only for themselves and their interests. This huge disparity between duty and action is what further justifies the removal of all those who consider themselves too good to serve the tattered-clothes wearing poor Filipinos. Those who still try to cover up their blatant self-interest fueled actions as something morally and religiously upright.
There is only so much blame to be given to those who dupe us. We have known for a long time the way people in power ignore and steal from the people. When you find thieves in your home, you don’t point them to your valuables and let them be. You drive them away by force. Thieves will act as thieves, if we expect any other, then that is our fault.
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