Tama Na!

AM I A FOOL? I am saying TAMA NA!

I am disturbed by how blatantly the politicians of today go around our own laws for reasons so obvious discussing them here would be a waste of time. However, I am so affected by what is happening I am going about it and write about it anyway! So I can vent my anger and frustrations and disappointments! Besides, my hope is to knock on your “doors of conscience” … and hopefully, you too will see things the way I see them.

I am saying TAMA NA!

Everyday, as we watch the different television shows of the many television stations in the country, every so often we come across a political advertisement disguised or labeled as “report cards” or “accomplishment reposts”, showing political figures telling a story about himself or herself … of accomplishments … personal histories … of values and principles they live and fight for … of talents and skills … of promises for a better life for the people and the country.

I’m sure a lot of people are aware that these politicians are already campaigning. However, it seems that NOBODY has really come out to the open and question all of them. I am saying ALL OF THEM because it’s literally that - be they for the administration, the opposition, or as independent aspirants! They are all one and the same.

I could not help but ask: “are they not somehow violating election rules?”

I am not a lawyer, so I will not claim expertise on the subject matter. But common sense tells me that they are! A local election officer was interviewed this morning in a local television station and was asked the same question. I was taken aback by his answer! He said that since these people have not yet submitted their candidacy, they have not violated election rules.

So what then? Does that justify what they are doing? Does this make them right???

I am totally disappointed and disgusted with all these people who claim to be the answer to our nation’s problem. They are dishonest and without integrity!

Sinong niluluko nila? Sorry, not me!

I hope we as a people realize that as we close our eyes to these practices - this barefaced disregard of what is right and just, we will never progress.

Yes, they have not violated any election law yet … but common, we are not that ignorant! Well, I am not! My question is – are you???

I hope we will not “turn the other way” and pretend we did not see …

May I address these politicians who are so brave in facing the nation and promise progress and change: borrowing Mahatma Gandhi’s words: BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO HAPPEN! START WITH YOURSELVES! Please do not make technicalities an excuse for doing the wrong thing. I hope you realize that there is a Moral Law that we as human beings are subjected to: the Laws of God! I believe that God is a just God, and He will not allow mercy to rob justice! One day you will face Him, and He will ask you to account for your stewardship as leaders of this country!

Will He be able to welcome you with his open arms and say to you: “Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have glorified me through your deeds!”?

How about us? Are we free from any form of accountability?

There are two ways to sin: Commission and Omission. Commission is when we actually do something which violates a commandment. The sin of omission is just as bad. It is committed when we know that we need to do something right, and we chose not to do it.

Progress … Change … Will these remain a dream for all of us Filipinos?

The answer is in our hands!