By Atty. Farah G. Decano

 

A GOOGLE search of “ism” yields Merriam-Webster’s definition of the suffix which means a manner of action or behavior characteristic of a specified person or thing.  Examples of isms are: racism, plagiarism, ageism and witticism.

Like some words, “ism” has acquired another meaning or usage. Slang or “urban” usage of the simply word means mannerisms, statements or conduct attributable to a person or groups either to praise or ridicule.

1979 Ms. International, Melanie Marquez, has endeared herself again to the Filipinos decades later because of her isms.  We very well remember her famous defense of brother, Joey Marquez, at the time he was embroiled in a controversy with Kris Aquino. She said, “don’t judge my brother, he is not a book.”   Who could forget that interview after she figured in a car accident in 2014 wherein she blurted, “[n]agpapasalamat ako sa Diyos na walang complication kasi pwede ako ma-parasite dahil sa car accident.”  These famous excerpts are now called, “Melanisms.”

Now, we are hearing “isms” again from presidential wannabes who are presenting themselves as heroes of the present times. They simply claim that that they are aiming for the most prestigious and powerful position in the land with control over billions of funds for the simple reason of “love of country.”  Yes, I am being sarcastic here.

Some even pronounced that they are running to end corruption and poverty as if oblivious to the fact that they have been in the national government for more than a decade.  What have they done in the past decade?   Ah, do Filipinos still fall into these usual ho-hum, …  fibber “isms”?

“The Filipino is worth dying for,” said former Senator Benigno S. Aquino.  With the repetitious victory of politicians whose platforms were only to deliver these usual campaign-isms, I cannot help but  be reminded of the witty Oscar Wilde’s famous quote,   “[a] thing is not necessarily true because a man dies for it.”  I still want to believe the dead senator though.

While I admire those who laid down their lives for the country, I see no relevance for this kind of bravery in the present times.  The country is in no need for that Shakespeare-“ism”  that, “[c]owards die many times before their deaths; the valiant never taste of death but once.”   Nowadays, we are desperate for those who could die to themselves repeatedly for the sake of the country. Yes, this is a quote from St. Paul in his letter to the Corinthians (15:31), to wit, “I affirm, brethren, by boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.”

“I die daily.”

What a beautiful “ism” from St. Paul.  It is to deny oneself of gratification to achieve a greater good.  This should be internalized by every Filipino politician.    How must they die daily?

In the face of financial temptation, say a bribe, our officials should be able to turn their back and forego the possible luxuries and convenience that such dirty money may offer.  When confronted with offers of power that is beyond their capacity, politicians should be able to admit their own inadequacy and reject this suggestion as foolish.

“I die daily.”

Ah, I fear that the jesters among our political leaders misread St. Paul’s letter as “I lie daily.”   If they do, then let us heed and follow another famous Melanism, “[y]ou can fool me once, you can even fool twice, you can even fool me thrice. But you can never fool me four.”

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