As usual, we were again late in charging and arresting criminals whose victims were the people of the Philippines.
Pastor Quiboloy and his co-conspirators were just the second of late. The first were the Comelec officials and their cohorts who were involved in the purchase of vote counting machines.
From the allegations, these are big time criminals.
In both instances we were the main victims. And yet, it was the United States that filed the first criminal cases and to issue warrants of arrest. The Philippines just followed suit.
That is why democracy works there in America. In this country, democracy is just the tool of politicians to exploit the people more. In short, government and our institutions are a joke. Why? Because our so-called leaders are a joke when it came to taking care of the people’s interest.
These all point to us, the people, for being a joke. We are the ones who put our leaders into office. For, in general, we are readily hood winked every time we go to the polls.
Its not that we are stupid, for we know a lot of theories. It is in the implementation of such wherein the big difference lies. Let us admit it. In general, we are a wishy-washy lot. Principles often do not mean a thing when it came to practice in day-to-day life. Or when our vested interests are involved or are at the core of the issue at hand.
Our national leaders love this situation of ours. Mainly, it is what perpetuates them in power and enabling them to keep sucking in the people’s money into their pockets.
And so, the lack of real initiative to clean up the whole system. Its rottenness continues down the line.
With that, the people in general are emasculated of any trailblazing energy. We just go on living. As one laborer expressed, “kain tulog na lang.”
What do we need? A leader with a very strong personality who can galvanize the exasperated middle class and some of the masses who are aware enough of the reality of their situation and have the burning desire to act for a change. That can only be credible if the change starts within themselves. And the fire must stand the test of time. Not just a flash in the frying pan easily fizzling out at the sight of a few pieces of silver and tempting petty positions of power and opportunities. Ironically, this happens every time.**