Solidarity walks

Cabinet officials, elected government leaders, military and police generals did their solidarity walk to show their support for the President whose administration is accused of corruption while weaving a continuous stream of lies. The Catholic Bishops have asked the whole nation to unite together in “seeking the truth, (and) restoring integrity.” We are all in for a very challenging time in our nation’s life as we need to solidify consensus on our positions in relation to the current issues confronting our country. I think the main issue to be resolved is what needs to be done for the good of our nation.

The business community, like the other sectors of our nation, is split in their position of having a change of government or status quo. The position of not “rocking the boat” or that an Edsa III would be fatal to our economy points out that the nation’s life is primarily linked to the economy and a drastic political event would devastate the economy and our nation. This position, however, will allow the continued devastating corruption that has manifested itself from the top to the bottom of our government. What is then our priority? Keep the economy growing despite the extra baggage of corruption? Or make the painful sacrifice of confronting corruption now rather than later?

Friends with a legal perspective have pointed out that evidence needs to be produced to prove the allegations. The need for evidence and due process is necessary and the filing of charges by Kilosbayan and Bantay Katarungan against the President with the Office of the Ombudsman has taken that move. Interestingly the complainants have asked Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez to inhibit herself. The Office of the Ombudsman, as well as, the justice system has another opportunity to testify that justice in our country wears a blindfold.

As events continue to unfold in our dynamic national political scene, let us be vigilant and attentive as concerned and responsible citizens. In due time the confronting positions will meet and we must make a choice as to what needs to be done for the good of our nation. The Church has encouraged everyone to rally for truth, justice and accountability on February 29 and that needs to be done for the good our country. What is a country without truth, justice and accountability?

To end with an attempt to produce a smile, here is one text joke that encourages husbands to be the better half. “Ano ang nagpasikat kay Erap? WRISTBAND. Ano ang magpapayaman kay Abalos? BROADBAND. Ano ang magpapabagsak kay GMA? HUSBAND!*