HOW WHINING BENEFITS PRESIDENT DUTERTE

By: Norberto Betita

As I pondered on this continued cantankerous grumbling, buzzing, squealing, griping, etc. by the opposition people, I thought maybe it is just good that they are doing it as this will even motivate our president to ever do what he needs to do to accomplish his plans and purposes for our nation and for the good of our people.

This kind of unwanted chuntering reminds me of the story I read so very long ago from a quote book which title was already erased, but which is still part of my few books in the very limited shelves at home. The story was entitled “Complaints.”

This is the story:

“Would there be any real fun in life if everything was flawlessly harmonious? Do we really want a world free from all obstacles and aches and pains and disappointments? If put to the test we might be like the oxen in the story told by the engineer who was in charge of a hydroelectric project for Rio de Janiero Light and Power Company. The job called for the employment of some seven thousand natives and all the oxcarts and drivers the region afforded.

“Most of the oxcarts were heavy wooden contraptions with wheels eight or ten feet in diameter. The wheels were fastened to wooden axles that turned. Pulled by eight or ten or even twenty oxen the carts hauled the heaviest machinery over the mountains.

“An ear-splitting whine was set up as the carts moved along. Each cart has its own individual squeal. The natives from a distance of half a mile or so could tell whose cart was in movement.

“That noise got on an American Engineer’s nerves. He thought of the waste caused by friction. He couldn’t see why so much power should be allowed to go into the making of noise. One night he and his helpers applied axle grease to the axles. He thought there would be far less noise and more work.

“There was less noise, but there was no work. The oxen refused to haul the carts that did not give them the accustomed whine. The whine for them apparently indicated that their pulling was accomplishing something. For whatever reason it was, the oxen would not work and their drivers were unhappy. The axle grease had to be sandpapered off before work could be resumed.

“So, like those oxen, it may be the whine in the world that keeps us at work.” (from an unknown author of quotes book in my position for more than 30 years, pp. 20-21).

I wondered if the opposition ever thought that their demolishing wolfing tactics against President Duterte might turn into a curse that would eventually diminish or even consume their political careers. It’s likely perhaps, unless they succeeded in their relentless quest to oust the president. If they really were elected by the people, as our elections were always questioned, then they are representatives of the majority and as representatives of the people in a democratic republic they are supposed to be working with the plans and programs of the government and not for their personal retention in a public seat or their party’s existence in power. After elections their loyalty should be for the people and not for their party. Let those scoffing be just only a part during election campaign.

Common sense will tell us that their wrangling and squabbling with the present administration especially against the president who was elected by overwhelming majority, is not against the president himself but the people. And if they go against the 16 million or more avid supporters of President Duterte, they are at a losing end in the next elections, especially with the advent of the social media. They should have silenced themselves and just do what are expected of them as elective officials and assert only those accusations and criticisms that are factual and constructive. They have not learned the lessons during the presidential campaign that no matter how ear-splitting their whines against President Duterte, he still won by an unprecedented victory. Or perhaps they have already acknowledged their future defeats that they unyieldingly and obstinately wanted the sitting president out while they still have the chance, with the vice president on their side of the line.

In my humble observations I found that the harder the opposition blow their horns and trumpets of criticism and skepticism all the more that President Duterte pulled the cart of his plans and programs for the government and the Filipino people harder up the pinnacle of attainment. The ever increasing and extremely loud whining of the opposition has thus become the added force that motivate President Duterte to move farther on to his goals as did the oxen in the story. They should have instead greased their seats, as did the American engineer to the axle of the cart, to avoid continued political friction, and therefore have an equal and fair chance in the next and coming elections.

So, as the ear-splitting whine was to the oxen an indication that their pulling was accomplishing something; that is also how whining benefits President Duterte. He knows that the continued meaningless chuntering by the opposition means that he is accomplishing his plans and programs and is winning his political games, as did the Golden State Warriors against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA finals.

OUR POLITICAL MORALITY: IS THERE HOPE?

by: Norberto Betita

Taft Avenue, Manila Approaching Lawton Area 

Early 1960's

When I was in high school sometime in 1965 until 1969 the Philippine economy was still in its laurels. "In the 1950's and early 1960's its economy ranked as the second most progressive in Asia, next to that of Japan." (see Philippines-Overview of economy, www.nationsencyclopedia.com). The political environment was yet peaceable and our political morality was still securely settled on principles of righteous governance. Although corruption was already an issue of concern during the previous administrations, it was not until President Ferdinand E. Marcos was elected in November 1965 and started his governance that the climate of political morality started to change. Slowly cronyism and corruption in government became a matter of grave concern particularly during the early 1970’s and eventually resulted to economic problems and social unrests. His second term created an even larger flame of political immorality resulting to greater social upheavals ultimately giving rise to the unwanted declaration of the infamous martial law.

For 20 years---from 1966 to 1986---our political life was in shambles and almost always we read in the news media reports of continued corruptions and killings. Yet for ordinary citizens like me and the rest of my colleagues, life seemed to go on just smoothly. I worked as a security guard in a mining company and later worked with a government corporation as a working student eventually completing my college degree. It was during my employment in the government when I realized that the sting of corruption has gone viral even into the smallest twig of government entity. Despite my two Civil Service eligibilities I deplored working in a government office. But providence allowed me to find a seat in the Philippine National Bank---a government bank. I accepted this government job with the understanding that the banking sector is far from being influenced by graft and corrupt practices.

For years, radicals and political activists made continued protest in the streets of Manila and many found themselves incarcerated in jail. The unrests were intensified after Benigno Aquino Jr. was assassinated in August 21, 1983, until the Martial Law Regime was toppled by the popular people power revolution and the dictator was sent on exile in the United State where he eventually died. 

After the death of the dictatorial regime, I thought that there will be a change in the political climate. However, the words of Manuel L. Quezon which our high school history teacher quoted on several occasions appeared prophetic: “I would rather have a country run like hell by Filipinos than a country run like heaven by the Americans, because however bad a Filipino government might be, we can always change it." These were spoken in the light of Quezon’s great trust on the religious values of our people and our most fundamental belief in Christianity. He added: “The vital lesson we must learn from our past is that we can triumph if we only persevere. The Filipino people, by grit, hard work, and faith in God, will march forward to fulfill their destiny." (Manuel L. Quezon, Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia). He did not question the Filipino’s capabilities to govern and lead, yet He failed to foresee the creeping evil in the inner man of even the most brilliant of Filipino politicians. His vision for the country to be run like hell by Filipinos has been continually evident and fulfilled, but the predicted change remains only as a continuing dream for every Filipino. 

There is no question about Filipino perseverance, determination, hard work and faith in God, but these virtues good as they may seem only become personal political apparatus ostensibly exhibited to promote the collective welfare of the governed but inwardly are pangs for self-gratification and personal enrichment of the ravening wolves in Philippine politics. For this I find significance in Ambrose Bierce’s definition of politics as, “A strife of interest masquerading as a contest of principles; the conduct of public affairs for private advantage” (The Devil’s Dictionary, 1911). Since the transition from dictatorship to the present, the economic laurels and peaceable political atmosphere experienced by our forebears seem ever far from being restored. And we are left to learn that “History is full of instances when people have waited in vain for [political] pendulums to swing back” (Neal A. Maxwell, “Insights from My Life,” p.196). 

Overtime our political morality is continually marred by the clout of corruption and plundering of which the lawmakers become subjected to the laws they help enact, and the accusers becoming the accused. Our political history is tarnished by such unending evils despite our Christianity that I am lead somehow to believe the words of Socrates that, "A system of morality which is based on relative emotional values is a mere illusion, a thoroughly vulgar conception which has nothing sound in it and nothing true." In our politics there has to be an absolute moral conviction that changes the inner man and not the boorish propaganda of righteousness to defraud the electorate. 

While the Philippines is currently ranked “13th out of 42 countries in the Asia-Pacific region and its overall score is above the world and regional averages… index of economic freedom” (see www.heritage.org/index/country/philippines), only the rich seemed to benefit and the level of “imbalance between rich and poor” which according to Plutarch, “…is the oldest and most fatal ailments of all republics” remain relatively higher and excessive. Cronyism which was vehemently denounced and condemned during the dictatorial regime is still gaining momentum following every change of administration. No wonder that lawbreaking and delinquency have become a common view and subject in our daily national newspapers and television news for while our political incumbents are enriching themselves “poverty” which according to Marcus Aurelius, “is the mother of all crime”, reigns in the lives of our people. In our political system we kind of give meaning to Aesop’s words, “We hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public office.”

In a year we will be having our national elections. We fear least we will have another six years of political wickedness, for while Thomas Jefferson said that, “whenever a man has cast longing eye on offices, a rottenness begins in his conduct”; some of our prospective candidates to the highest office were already reported possessed with rottenness even before they have long an eye for an office. It seems quite true that the best men do not participate and neither have any interest in politics. They would rather have their good name preserved than be tainted with the trashes that are ever present in the political arena. While we have the highest conviction that this country will again rise up to its blessed estate, yet we are short of loyal statesmen of whom we can position our trust.

Is there hope?

The abundant potentials of our country are hopeful and very encouraging. Hope and faith creates in us a never ending desire to reach to the summit of our worthy goals. Hope is the motivating power and faith is the moving force to action and both are the link that connects our performance to every desired achievement.

Although the current political theme of “Daang Matuwid” has been flawed by the U-turns of even its professed adherents, yet we can move forward and emerge victorious if we change, as President Quezon anticipates, and choose to follow the patterns of righteous governance and uphold and sustain the rule of law in our political life. I believe we still can invite and choose worthy, honest, upright, and good men to compete for a political office and position. Let us not mistake, however, to put the upright and honest on the stand and the immoral and iniquitous on the seat of sovereignty. 

We boast of being the only Christian Nation in Asia with almost 92% of our people professing Christianity and a belief in God. From this we can gain momentum and stand tall as we move forward to battle against political evils and glitches in the government. We need not have to walk the streets and cry foul and burn effigies. All we need is for all of us to live what we profess. We need be taught by George Washington, the first president of the United States of America as he delivered his farewell address to the American People. He said:

“Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens.

“Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in the exclusion of religious principle.

“Let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion.” [See “George Washington: Farewell Address,” in William Benton, pub., The Annals of America, 21 vols. (1968–87), 3:612, quoted by Heber J. Grant, In Conference Report, Apr. 1931, 79.]

While many endorsed patriotism as a pivotal remedy to our political ills, I believe our centuries of religious heritage and deeply rooted Christian faith and values are more laudable and indisputable hope for the most needed change. There is hope for our political morality to recoil and provide a lift back to our country’s destined national peace and prosperity, if we as a people remain true to our religious faith and convictions and live in accordance with righteous principles and Christian identity.   

POLITICS OF THE FOOLS, GOVERNMENT OF THE CORRUPTS

by: Norberto Betita

Just a month ago, our television networks and radio stations relayed and broadcasted the yearly State of the Nation Address (SONA) of the President of the Philippines. As it is in the years past, we heard reports of bountiful economic harvests and a list of new promises. In congress there was continued applause and clapping of hands from among the avid supporters of the President. But to the distressed and the weary outside of congress, the SONA remained to be like, “a crashing cymbal or a booming drum which deafens the ears and does not soothe the soul” (Theodore M. Burton, “If I Have Not Love—,” Instructor, June 1970, 201).

Time and again we heard the same cries once howled and bawled by street parliamentarians of long ago. The echo of the roaring shouts of yesteryears in the open parliaments along the streets of EDSA, Mendiola and Makati Avenue in Metro Manila seemed to have left a continuing sound of a delightful music yet unheard by those to whom it is dedicated. The bands performing in concerts for political reformations consist of children, youth, and adults. Among each group are religious leaders, neophytes in the political arena, seasoned political veterans, and many thus far are from the most respected groups of the academe. It is surprising, however, that in our continued march, ostensibly to call for political and economic reforms, our national life continued to be bothered by the poverty of our people. By our most popular world class brand of “people power”, we somehow successfully installed and ousted our highest political leaders, only to realize that in each shift of leadership, we find ourselves again in the streets shouting the same chorus of disapproval.

                 

In years past and even recently we are bothered by the proposition to amend our fundamental law. We raise our voices high in continued noise barrages in different areas to show our greatest opposition for a constituent assembly to change our charter. No matter how hard we blow our whistles and horns, and how hard we beat our drums, our opposition continued to settle into the deaf ears of its selfish proponents. We once have our fundamental law amended through a constitutional convention. Yet, since then and now, it seemed to hardly contribute to a change in our national economic status, and national sovereignty.

Years back, one of the President of our republic was sent on exile until he died. Then another President was impeached and imprisoned, and his successor of nine years presidency is now also in prison. It is even so sad for me to imagine that again we wanted our current and duly elected President to be impeached. Recently we have three of our duly elected Senators of the Republic---the architects of our laws, being incarcerated in jail for alleged corruptions, and still more are facing the same charges for graft and corrupt practices. Yet these men and women are gifted with intellectual brilliance, educated in law, experts in economics and public policy, prominent and popular. 

When these men entered the political amphitheater they carry with them the honors of their wisdom and brilliance; the respect of their prominence; and the applause of their popularity. They are no fools. They are men of sound understanding. We even believe that they are honest men worthy of our trust. For such we penned and clearly write their honored names in the sacred ballots during elections.

In a year or two after elections, we again start marching on the streets, wearing clowns and burning effigies, branding these once honored, respected and applauded men and women as crooks. What kind of a fool is our political system? How corrupt a government and public administrators do we have? What kind of fools of the governed are we? Perhaps we could not find a perfect answer to these questions. We can only guess that we have a politics of the fools; a government of corrupts; and perhaps a mislead band of the governed. Our sad experiences of many years were proofs beyond reasonable doubt. The only sure and lasting hope for national progress, prosperity and peace lies in the change of the inner man; the continued serious consideration and deep research and investigation on the very roots of our national problems; the return to the basics, the restoration of the fundamental moral values.

A DARING CRY FOR MORAL REGENERATION

by; Norberto Betita

I came to understand better the meaning of the word regeneration as I applied what horticulturists termed as regeneration pruning on my bonsai trees. It is a process of pruning all the leaves and unwanted branches of the bonsai tree leaving a little portion of the stem.

Outdoors, these bonsai trees are subjected to offensive assaults from various types of pests and insects and over exposure to sunlight and rain resulting to decayed roots and branches, and unhealthy leaves and twigs which become unfit for the beauty of the living art. After the total pruning is applied new shoots appear and branches formed and heavier leaves emerge and grow to maturity finally providing a seat for the beautiful little fruits to grow. At least in a period of two years a regeneration pruning is being done to bring the tree into its renewed beauty and splendour.

Like the outdoor bonsai trees, many of the youth and even adults of today are exposed to the unhealthy influences of the environment outside of the home.  Through years of exposure to the manipulative stimulus of immorality they eventually loss the moral fibre and finally stay away from the shelter of home.  Some walk past the caring parental hands and trudge the roads of drug addiction, lawlessness and criminality. In the end many find themselves enclosed in iron doors and become permanent tenants in drug rehabilitation centers. Sadly still some are walking the streets on beggars’ lane and are dejectedly called street children or homeless men disconsolately sleeping on sidewalks unprotected from the chilling cold night air.



While iniquity increases its net to catch many of its willing victims, we worry instead about very congested prison cells and legislates budgets and formulate plans for prison expansions, only to open doors for more criminals and tempt more of our children and people towards greater lawlessness. We failed to set our focus on the long cankered structural foundation of our societal edifice – the family, and instead work on matters of triviality. We failed to strike at the roots of the social cancer, and by our irresponsibility allowed wickedness to win in our life’s greatest battle – the battle of good and evil. Yet, we are told, “Wickedness never was happiness.”

Many of our children now walk the pathway of loneliness and despair and are carried away into the raging waters of pain and fear. They long for parental love and support. They need the extended hands of fathers and mothers whose grasp they can always trust to pull them out from the bondage of sin. Above all they need righteous exemplars to look forward to light the path back to a hopeful regeneration of their moral decency.

I have my own fears for my children and posterity as they walk and face the ever tempting pasture of the new morality. The thoughts of losing them into the perilous highway of immorality and wickedness give me the confidence to send this call for moral regeneration to all where my words could reach. Moral regeneration is a societal duty and a personal choice.

While the bonsai tree cannot act for itself in bringing back its lost beauty and grandeur without the action of a bonsai hobbyist, we all can act for ourselves to regain our youth, our children, our people, and our world back into the bountiful harvest of peace, hope and love.