I am disheartened by the unfolding events in the Philippines. A big part of my heart still lives here. I get the feeling that the presidency of P’Noy is unraveling. He is showing himself to be incompetent and even unfeeling of the problems besetting the nation. I voted for P’Noy. I felt that we were turning for the better in the early days of his administration. I cheered for his Daan na Matuwid campaign. I prayed for his success as a leader. But as his term is nearing it ends, he reminds me more and more of Cory whose good intentions could not make up for her lack of competence to be a good president. And if he resigns, heavens forbid that Binay should take over. Oh what have we done as a people to deserve either grossly incompetent leaders or totally corrupt ones?
Through it all, I find hope in the unwavering faith, the enduring resilience and boundless generosity of our people. In the face of all these adversities, we still find it within us to hope and work for better times. Whatever little we have, we are able to find joy and contentment in our lives. And even in the most dire situations, we always have something to spare and share with others. Deprived as we are, we often impress people with our warm hospitality.
And yet, there is a nagging feeling in me. Goodness is not all about good intentions and pious feelings. It is also about effective actions. I am afraid we do not strive enough as a people. We are not angry enough to make our leaders really take notice. We are not strong enough not to tolerate mediocrity and corruption. We are not industrious enough to build something that would last beyond our generation.
With a sad heart, I wonder when will we ever learn.