Incongruence

Atty. Farah G. Decano

 

INCONGRUENCE happens. When there is a stark difference between expectations and realizations, intentions and actions, and promises and results; the consequences are disheartening, if not infuriating.

Nowadays, the incongruence in our incumbent leaders’ promises and actions is glaring.  In fact, some shamelessly flaunt this divide between their pledges to the constituency and their conduct.

We need not go through the pages of their platforms to know what their promises are. We just have to examine their election slogan. Remember, this famous candidate’s catchphrase, “tapang at malasakit?”   How inconsistent is tapang with his statements that we stand no chance against China in the West Philippine Sea dispute.  The remarks against the jeepney drivers, “[M]ahirap kayo? P****ina sige! Magtiis kayo sa hirap at gutom, wala akong pakialam!” is a total contradiction to the standards of malasakit.

Remember the candidate who assured the electorate to end his ring fights once elected as a senator? He just smashed this promise on television, right in the face of the viewing public.  Worse, though, millions of Filipinos cheered on. Applauding these supposed movers and shakers whose style of leadership bespeaks a blatant disconnect between their words and actions is a reflection of our own inconsistency as a nation.  We want our leaders to be righteous yet we do not demand the highest of virtues from them, especially when doing so is inconvenient and perilous because it may result to withdrawal of some benefits, assistance, or entertainment.

Sad.

Perhaps, the need for integrity is scarce in a nation that is damaged by this schism of values.  Maybe, this deplorable state is due to the brokenness of countless citizens in our country. The impact becomes severe when incongruence has reached their very core.   Every being has the metaphysical faculties of conscience, intellect, and will.  The conscience is the seat of judgment of right and wrong while the intellect is that which provides for reasoning and understanding.  The faculty of the will is that which approves the execution of certain actions. Natural philosophy informs us that the intellect seeks the truth; the conscience guides our will to choose the good; and the will is geared towards the good.   Should the will target something of no good to the individual such as succumbing to the concupiscence of the flesh with someone other than one’s spouse; the killing of another; or the stealing of funds, despite the voice of conscience, the intellect adjusts to justify the action. The frequency of these adjustments could force the conscience to be numbed and unable to function.   The individual may seem happy in the short run but will eventually feel his/her brokenness.

If we take time to do physical exercise to prevent our muscles from shrinking or spend hours to study to avoid degeneration of brain cells, we should also set aside some period for the fortification of our faculties: will, intellect, and conscience. Reading good books with daily, voluntary, and concealed mortifications are elixir to a faltering will, deformed conscience, and faulty intellect.

It may sound simplistic to say that the gap between visions for the country and the lamentable state, it is currently in, may be solved by its citizens’ willingness to frequently deny themselves immediate gratification of some needs.  But really, the greatness of a country is determined by the quality and political will of its leaders and people.  We need this country to be filled with steadfast constituency whose thoughts, words, and deeds are in unison. We need this country to be filled with people of integrity.

Share your Comments or Reactions

comments

Powered by Facebook Comments