Refreshed

The observance of Holy Week was so refreshing for mind, body and soul that a more positive personal perspective finds the good news also unfolding in the following developments.

First. The projected volume of our nation’s rice importation or production deficiency has been reduced by 500,000 tons to 1 million as reported by Rice Outlook. This is possible because, "Our harvests are good," Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said. "This looks like one of the highest on record." Indeed, increased production in rice, more so, agricultural production as a whole is a blessing. The summer heat reminds us and should encourage those concerned to bring the blessings of irrigation to those simple farmers in need.

Second. Our barrio of Sra. Ascion, San Jose, Oriental Negros, received an abundant fish catch of ‘”balu”, “tamarong”, and “danggit” from our humble fisherfolk. Naturally after the fasting the feasting comes. A post Easter drive along the southern route to Cebu saw municipalities preparing to celebrate their fiesta. That highlighted the fact that there is a point in our life where consuming less is healthier and almost simultaneous with careful consideration the kind of food we partake is a mark of maturity.

Third. The preparations for the trial against Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez are on-going and the names of potential prosecution witnesses over her alleged inaction over the P728-million fertilizer fund scam include: former Solicitor General Frank Chavez, Danilo Ramos (secretary general of the militant Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas, former Senate Secretary Oscar Yabes, former Senator Ramon Magsaysay, who headed the Senate probe on the matter, and former Senator Richard Gordon. This trial brings along the aspirations of many that we are able to make the necessary turn for the truth and deliver justice according to the law of the land. In this case, justice comes first before being merciful.

Finally, a legal move has been made by Frank Chavez accusing Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo former executive secretary Alberto Romulo, Civil Service Commission Chairman Francisco Duque III and former Overseas Workers Welfare Administration administrator Virgilio Angelo of plunder, qualified theft, graft and corruption, and violations of the Constitution, Revised Penal Code and the Omnibus Election Code. Chavez accused GMA et.al. of diverting about P530 million in OWWA funds to her 2004 presidential campaign. Naturally this will be construed to be political harassment by those accused.

Very interesting times are coming and the hardships from increasing fuel and food prices make such more challenging as we learn to live with less consumption as we attempt to bring our country around along the straight and narrow road. Such a journey is ahead and the refreshing we get us last week should last until the next when the risen Lord is born again.

Let us end with an attempt to be refreshed and smile with the following anecdote. A lawyer, an economist, and a teacher were going to the bathroom. The lawyer gets done, washes his hands, and then proceeds to use almost the entire roll of paper towels to dry his hands. He says "I was taught to be thorough." The economist gets done, washes his hands, but uses only one paper towel. He says "I was taught to be environmentally friendly." The teacher gets done and leaves without washing his hands. He says "I was taught not to piss on my hands."*