Everybody in Baguio was angry at San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora’s (and his entourage’s) having ignored a checkpoint. The thought that immediately surfaced in people’s minds was “abuse of power.”
Also, the unfairness of the implementation of quarantine rules. The thinking was that ordinary people were going hungry if only to follow health protocols or were arrested and sued for violations while those privileged could get away with anything.
So much so that the other week, a group of businessmen went public with a position for the rules to be applied equally to everyone regardless of power or position in government or society, or regardless of wealth or possessions.
In short, equal treatment for similar situations.
Baguio City’s mayor tried to present a difference between those arrested or treated harshly and the “kid glove” treatment of Zamora and company. He said, that the former were usually “pilosopo” at “ikaw pa ang masama” or “sisira-an ka pa.” In other words, they were not remorseful on their violations. On the other hand, Zamora immediately apologized and he and his group dutifully submitted themselves to the rules on health protocols.
But there is one thing the mayor is ignoring– that leaders such as Zamora should lead or should be at the forefront in complying with the law or the rules. Leaders must comply with higher standards.
It is the reverse, however, that is being followed in this country or elsewhere. Only very few leaders are actually leading.
But we are not anymore in the stone age. We, the people should demand more leadership from our leaders. They must be a lot more responsible than us ordinary mortals.
Otherwise people will, at the very least, be demoralized. And when this becomes widespread as can be seen in the grumblings and protests in the social media, and the prominent businessmen going public with their discontent, it can result in social unrest.**