New Face of Corruption in Filipino Culture

What does the ordinary Juan dela Cruz feel each time his motherland is adjudged internationally as first ranking among contenders - not for excellence but for corruption? Perhaps, a more appropriate question to ask is “Should he care?” or “Does it matter?” What about, “Again?”

Tracking history, the lack of admission by the late dictator former President Ferdinand Marcos over, not only allegations but conviction for ill-gotten wealth from the republic’s used to be overflowing coffers, did not prevent him from placing the Philippines on the limelight of corruption. This pillage plus a long list of atrocities grabbed him out of power after over two decades of autocratic rule through the peaceful People Power Revolution I in favor of the late Corazon C. Aquino, plain housewife turned President, the widow of Filipino hero, Benigno S. Aquino Jr.

This opportune time paved the way for the restoration of the long-sought for democracy. Everybody seemed to have been mesmerized by the freedom they finally got hold of. A new set of cronies came into power, amassing whatever is left of the nation’s coffers.

Over the years this new face of corruption evolved into various forms - bureaucracy, otherwise known as red tape, under-the-table, bribery, kotong, illegal games, to name a few. Worse, perpetrators mostly from top positions in governance have managed to condition the mindset of their subordinates that gains by extra-ordinary means out of power or the so called “public service” is a returned favor – a blessing. The result: role models emulated down the line, not just by the rank and file in public office but even by ordinary citizens. Now, who would admit there is corruption in the Filipino culture when, sad to say, irregularities have become a way of life to many Filipinos? What a slap on the face of those who have kept a trod on a straight path, "daang matuwid" as the incumbent President PNoy puts it.

Hope Remains

Ironically, whether he cares or not, poor Juan dela Cruz has to face the consequences of his beloved Philippines being one of the most corrupt nations in the world. His sincere hope should be for this new government to finally address this culprit.

/mpleongson

Oct 19, 2010

The Masterpiece

Intimacy with nature is a leisure which is no longer as popular as when life was still simple and tranquil. Now computers are in every home, a cellular phone in every hand, so as many other gadgets coming to the hem of modern technology, depriving man of even a brief glance at the splendor of milieu around him.

Alas, when was the last time you looked up above at night to gaze at the alluring beauty of evening moonlight? Or had you ever given a brief thought one breezy morning, how refreshing it is to cast your eyes over green grasses abounding around at the radiance of early sunrise? What about some pleasure over gorgeous colorful flowers flamboyant in stature manifesting sustenance and divine providence? At rarity, does the soft humming of birds which reminds you thank God it’s another day could still catch your care?

Perhaps, not too many of us are still blessed with some precious time to pause a moment and appreciate God’s own masterpiece, captivated in the blanket of mesmerizing intricacies, pinching softly into the very soul. 

Lo, everything, everything you see around is yours, for you to embrace, for you to love, for you to nurture.

What an amazing sight it would be! Man entwined with nature, living in harmony, upholding each other, looking up above the heavens in worship and praise, giving back to God Almighty, hymns of thankfulness and awe.

So truly blessed the world must be, agape love is its core foundation. Unfathomable it truly is – the depth of the sea, the vastness of space beneath, the profoundness of breath in the solitude of man’s core being, amazingly adorable! From the least to the greatest, wonderfully crafted, His creation speaks of no less than His majesty and power.

Oh, touch this heart so calloused and numb, awaken the spirit, tame the soul. What is it of a man that You are so mindful of him? Mindful day and night, from sunrise to sunset, even at the darkest twilight.

Be enthralled humanity, take delight. Have a feel of nothing but His loving embrace, in the presence of His masterpiece. Will it be too much to ask, be still a while and know that He is God.

Written by:          Minnie S. Palo - Leongson, Oct. 19, 2010

Photo taken by:   Rhonie C. Dela Cruz (a very good friend and high school classmate, SNA Batch '87)