Let Her Go And Wish Her Well!

"You will know that forgiveness has begun when you recall those who hurt you and feel the power to wish them well" - Lewis B. Smedes

After the much controversial Pacquiao victory over Marquez that led many Mexicans to launch a global defacement of the Filipino image that stemmed from their own son's supposed 'stolen victory', the Latinos in a fit of rage, are in no mood to put the battle behind them within the confines of the ring. The rage is so palpable that the Filipino race is branded by them as numero uno when it comes to 'stealing victory in the ring', a catchphrase born in the Sin City immediately after the fight. 

And what else this outrage spared to feast on but a Philippine former president's ability to steal an election? Seemed  a little off to me because sport and politics do not share the same DNA except if an athlete is a multimillionaire boxer who happens to be a congressman, in which case a massive exodus of his colleagues to watch his fight had turned the Congress ghostly and desolate for days or weeks. Yes, we read it right, the Mexicans proved they read and monitor us as much as we flinch at the murders by drug cartels in theirs. So, let's assume  they are aware that we have a tiny former president who stole the election and was today barred from traveling on suspicion she is plotting a future fugitive stunt.

I admit, just like any other citizen, sympathy for the Arroyos is hard to come by. Most people are convinced that what has befallen them is 'karma' to that effect. Even before she stepped out of the palace, she had been mired into countless corruption scandals that made her a favorite for citizen bullies in social media, understandably myself included. Not only she did enrich herself and her family while in power but also most people believe she indirectly ordained into power the family of beasts in Maguindanao that massacred 58 innocent civilians including 34 journalists - the bestial murders seen as the product from special favors accorded to the criminals as quid pro quo for ensuring she and her party win a clean slate in the elections.

Now the tables have been turned on her and her family. In what others call as 'divine retribution', the seemingly inexplicable wealth of the Arroyos proves of little help to what fate has brought upon them. Over the past few months, the former president had been diagnosed with hypoparathyroidism, something to that effect (well, God knows as to the extent of her illness - ordinary people seemed not to care much less dig how to pronounce it). Her team insists that the country has no capacity to cure the severity of this disease, perhaps due to lack  of specialists available or lousy credentials if there's any. (Her fear could be attributed to lack of specializations in the country apart from the prolific ObGyne, as evidenced by meteoric birth rates espoused by her administration's fondness for Roman Catholics 'pro-life' stance.) Well, that might be a safer assumption on their part, for what used to be a not-so-special disease became ultra-complicated one - thanks to a naruto-like robotic structure that adorns her neck - hoping the whole nation simultaneously cries a river out of pity.

Blame it on Arroyo's zero credibility, the Pnoy administration distances itself from a perceived 'pity trap' the Arroyos might be contriving for a smooth escape. Despite pleadings to be allowed exit for medical help abroad, the DOJ has put the entire family on a Watch List Order, convinced that they are only acting up using the former president's 'illness' as a ploy to run from the grip of the law. There are however local physicians of the same specialization, who assert that her illness does not seem too gravely ill as they would want it look like to be. Over the week, there were reports that she and her family had sought political asylum in Dominican Republic, which were later disproved by its ambassador. This allegation even fueled the Justice Department's suspicion that the former first family and some of its cohorts, are keen to escape arrests as they see no substantial deterrent for their imminent jail terms.

Surely, it's not over yet till the fat lady sings. The last hurrah still belongs to our protagonists in their bid to laugh their way out of Alcatraz. The Supreme Court by a majority decision has today granted a TRO allowing the first family to travel abroad. Being a co-equal entity to the executive branch, the SC is independent of its ruling thus it calls for implementation in which case beneficial to the Arroyos. What transpired next is a saga of historical proportion. Buoyed by a favorable SC ruling, our protagonists did not waste time and trooped to  NAIA in pompous show of 'victory for human rights'. The spectacle covered by media had the nation in a stand still equating to that of Pacquiao's pummeling at the hands of Marquez. But this time the stage has been set eliciting cheers - not for a hero who's falling behind in a scorecard but  cheers and jeers combo for an escaping former leader who either needs genuine medical help abroad or just keen to write an initial episode of her 'the fugitive story', only God knows. 

As the cliche goes, "all is well that ends well". Unfortunately for the Arroyos it did not bode well with what they expected. What had transpired at the airport in what is supposed to be their swan song, turned into a historic humiliation not befitting a living former president. It was shockingly odd to see an ailing former president denied entry at the airport despite an SC ruling, affirming her right to travel and get medical help abroad. The DOJ's order barring them exit has been put in place and remains a status quo, according to the Justice chief Leila de Lima. And that is what prevailed to the dismay of the Arroyos and the apex court that granted the TRO. The president and his entourage was left with no choice but to go back to a local hospital.

Contrary to the majority's consensus in social media praising airport officials and mocking the former president and her family, I do not see it a worthy reason for Filipinos to celebrate and be proud of. Yes, justice should take its course, but I believe the former president is no less of a human to be accorded disrespect and treated as evil, even when she looks to be in a contrite state, and for God's sake she looks very sick! Having said that, I for one agree that she be allowed exit so that she could seek medical help. That is the way forward - to exercise right judgment and act like humans beings. She may be corrupt as most of us believe, but that does not give us the right to judge her heart and hate her to the point that we join in unison praising the administration for not allowing her to seek treatment abroad.

Sometimes we can completely understand the ways and thoughts of man - his desire to seek justice and see the transgressor punished, but God's ways and thoughts are beyond our comprehension. He is a God that despises evil and corrupt leaders, the rich and powerful who takes advantage of the poor and vulnerable. His judgment is righteousness and His standard is holiness that  nothing, as in nothing in this world escapes His eyes. But just the same, God loves both the sinner and the righteous but He hates sin.  

The very recent Arab Spring that unfolded before our eyes showed us how God's handiwork had been manifested for all the world to see. Ben Ali of Tunisia, Mubarak of Egypt and Gadhafi of Libya - all these men created their own world of make-believe, thinking that the world is under their feet. Plundering their nation by billions of dollars, marginalizing the poor and oppressing and murdering those who pose to challenge their authorities - all because of greed that they ceased to think and act like normal human beings - mortal and far less invincible. For when man thinks his power and wealth render him untouchable, suddenly destruction comes because arrogance has usurped his heart.

Ben Ali is in Jeddah in a comatose state. His gold bullions that filled his basement room in his former palace did not help him. Neither did he profit from the billions of cash he hid in his room. One of his poor contrymen immolated himself because of desperation to give his family a decent meal. Majority of his people struggle to make do with less than two dollars a day. Thousand others drown in the Mediterranean - men, women and children, in their desperation to  sail to Europe to escape the scourge of poverty. Mubarak of Egypt did just the same - he reigned nearly three decades in wanton opulence while his people suffer before he is seen in a cage while undergoing trial. And volumes had been said and written about Gadhafi - all the world had witnessed how this tyrant had fallen and died like a rat in a most humiliating way.

These once great people as they used to believe they were had seen their reigns ended. Their families cut off from civil society branded to be criminals bereft of the dignity that the poorest of the poor has. Gadhafi not only abundantly reaped what he sowed - his fake locks pulled from his scalp, his face spat at, kicked and hit with a rifle while begging for his life, as the gory details circulated for the world to feast on - a grand slam reward for a tyrant before he saw death. The book of Ecclesiastes assuredly says, "there is a time for everything and a season for everything", and that speaks a lot of God's own timeline.

Now, who says God is oblivious to the cries and pleadings of the oppressed? Everything is laid bare before His eyes and surely His justice will come swiftly without delay. As for the transgressors, the murderers and the greedy, and to us all who think we are a lesser sinner than any of those we despise - God still extends His forgiveness if we repent and turn back from our transgressions. He loves even the greatest of sinners among us, for all have sinned and come short of His glory. He loves all mankind without condition - yes, even the most wicked; He is just waiting for us for it is His desire that no one should perish but everyone should come to repentance. Is it not amazing and comforting that His love is no respecter of who we are as long as we come to Him? Yes, even GMA included! So, have we stopped condemning her yet and let God have His way?

To My Dear President Gloria

"For you were once privileged to be steward of your people, and you're bound to uphold their well-being, but you chose to indulge in the bounty of your plunder ."

You've reached the pinnacle of your political career. You've been president for a decade. You held the highest office in the land, longer than any other president apart from Marcos. You have had ten long years to prove that you're committed to serve the Filipino nation.

Ten years as president is deemed long to effect change in your government. We waited for a decade for that change you vowed to deliver for us. We the poor who felt betrayed by the one who came before you. And also ten years that you repeatedly failed us.

You would have not become president had you not cheated. Your cowardice to face rejection from the Filipino people made you brave to commit the unthinkable. Your tremendous resolve to hold on to your powerful domain even made you believe, that the presidency is what you are made for. You dreaded to think that you've been repudiated at the polls. For the Filipino electorate had their voice affirmed yet the truth stolen from them.

The genius in Garci was something that you should boast of --the inconceivable number of votes he was able to secure for you. The astonishing margin of victory you gained in Maguindanao warranted record worthy of Guinness entry -- delivered by the equally trusted and righteous ally in the Ampatuans. But as the proverbial adage would forewarn -- " there is a time for everything and a season for everything".

And then the time has come for your evil scheme to be revealed; and your harvest came at the right season. You reaped the scorn of the Filipino nation -- a reward for your audacious attempt to rob democracy from us. Notwithstanding the indignation you reaped, you still succeeded and prevailed. And the only consolation we got -- when you said 'sorry' on national television -- with your face looking stupid.

Scandals after scandals have plagued your administration. Graft and corruption prevailed under your leadership. ABN-ZTE and Fertilizer Scams are but few of your monumental exploits. Promises were made to stamp out corruption in your government. But to vindicate oneself from blame is one thing, and punishing the culprit is another. How you can reign in the evil elements in your government when it is your family that wields that three-pronged power?

When you took oath as president in 2001, to assume the place of the humongous corrupt Joseph Estrada, you were awed at the prospect of sitting at the summit of national leadership. You captured every Filipino's imagination of a strong and corrupt-free governance. Every Filipino's hope that you will be a redemption from the plunderer, became a testimony to the magnitude of support you obtained from opposite ends of the political spectrum. Rich, poor, the academe, the sidewalk vendors, even snatchers-- all put their trust in you -- in your capability to heal the ' terminally sick man of Asia', as you did boastfully flaunt in your credentials. But it is also the same hope that was shattered, when you put yourself and your family above the collective whole's interest.

Allegations of bribery, rampant graft and corruption and evidences of nepotism, thrive unabatedly in an arrogant fashion. You took pains in combating those accusations, shielding your husband from appearing in the Senate hearing, as what his favorite doctors would have advised -- but his jet setting to Las Vegas for every Pacquiao's fight is entirely what his doctors would have prescribed. And more impressively were your successes at shaking off several attempts to impeach you from office. You are really one astute president.

Your astronomical feats did not end there. Your government did not hold back from engaging in wholesale corruption. Day after day, new revelation of inexplicable assets acquired by your family surfaces. Details of assets acquired by your oldest son were invariably concealed from public. And you Madame President wanting not to be outdone, your assets increased by more than 1000 per cent in the course of your glorious presidency. Don't you feel the urgency to substantiate the acquisition of this breathtaking wealth?

You had also been delusional to cling to power beyond your term. You explored all legal means just to advance your own personal agenda. Pork barrels, special favours, privileges to travel abroad, and cold cash in the bags have been your leverages for winning the perpetual support of your equally crooked worshippers in Congress. But thanks to the collective social awareness of every Filipino -- your fabled ten-year fairy tale will certainly end half a year from now.

In what a seemingly blissful elections ahead, the prospect of a brand new president gives a glimmer of hope to every Filipino like myself. The thought of a new beginning revives our hope of a better Philippines. As the saying goes, 'new is always nice'. But new position in the government for our beloved future former president, is a square pill hard to swallow! Have you had not enough?

Every Filipino gets his appeasement from the fact that you will certainly step down. You might have not succeeded in your grand scheme of a Charter Change, (to pave way for your premiership), but your obvious intentions remain clear, that your eyes had been set on the same. And one easiest way is to get to the halls of Congress. This has been expected of you Madame President as your deafening silence on this question was apparent.

When you braved controversies and gleefully filled up your certificate of candidacy for Congresswoman, you have already accomplished your first step forward. Then, it's only a matter of time before we see a probable Speaker of the House and if fortunate as you have always been -- a new Prime Minister. And the fairy tale its end revised, and another long chapter reemerges.

I have only two questions to raise my dear President. Do the collective sentiments of the Filipino people matter to you? Don't you hear their clamor for change? The change every Filipino screams that could get you banished! As time goes, the wounds heal. We Filipinos can easily forgive, as ingrained in our virtues. But forgiveness for the unremorseful is one divine virtue unexpected of any man, much less a weary Filipino.

Leaders be good or not are still leaders. We are obligated to obey them. And how many leaders had been privileged to serve this great nation? This sounds very fulfilling, but only few lived to its essence to be servants of the people, and not masters of them. Leaders who not only enriched themselves and their kins, but also squandered the residue meant for the poor and the needy. Leaders who salivated at the sight of fame and fortune that beckons them at their throne. Machiavellian leaders who could make their subjects tremble and annihilate foes at a swagger of their hand.

Madame President, the Philippines is a bastion of democracy. Communism thrived for a time and so did Socialism. But there is nothing like democracy. And in democracy, there is no place for dynasty. Apart from five of you in the family, whom pundits would announce as the modern-day dynasty, who else remain in diaspora awaiting ordainment?

The shame that this repulsive government has gifted to the Filipino nation is beyond redemption. How many more days, weeks or months, should we be holding the scepter passed on to us as the most dangerous country for journalists? Is this latest coronation something that a Filipino like me should be proud of? It is a shame that a Pacquiao and a Penaflorida feat would pale in comparison to this worldwide recognition.

And what has your government been doing to punish the criminals of the grisliest massacre in recent memory? Would you be brave enough to accept part of the blame and therefore admit a failed leadership? You know and the Filipino people know, who created the monsters in Maguindanao. You might have exonerated yourself from the shame of election 2004, but the repercussion of your cheating is here to haunt you. The election result that paved the way for the resurrection of the cloned monster -- the Frankenstein that gobbled up the bloods of the innocent victims of Maguindanao massacre. Its design and perfection all happened under your watch, and may I say your pampering hand.

In conclusion, I would like to thank you Madame President for being an instrument for a new wave of self-sacrifice, selflessness and social consciousness, being felt around every dimension of society. This average citizen is no longer indifferent to every issue he is entangled into. He is no longer oblivious to the fact that his future and his children's future is in jeopardy. He now acts forthrightly and with a sense of urgency. And the lessons he learned became his powerful tool to rectify his mistakes.

For no government on earth is without reproach, but certainly and collectively we can triumph over the bondage of greed in our government -- this curse that no one dared resist. For you were once privileged to be steward of your people, and you're bound to uphold their well-being, but you chose to indulge in the bounty of your plunder . As the adage goes, "for where the carcass is, the vultures abound."

Thank you Madame President for stirring up in me, the resolve to muster my unusual self to put my thoughts down in writing, as I would not be able to speak them. Thank you for compelling me to do the right thing and be a voice to the reserved few.

From an OFW