Reflection

WHETHER out in a beach or mountain destination, on a staycation at home with the family, or gallivanting abroad, reserve some time this week for some deep personal reflection. It is, after all, the Holy Week.

In this predominantly Catholic country, it is not uncommon nor surprising to hear people — including politicians, other public officials, businessmen, athletes, professionals —  invoking Jesus Christ (or God as a more general term) in any given circumstance – a victory, a calamity, or even in situations involving allegations of dishonesty and corruption.

But how Christ-like, indeed, are Filipinos and their leaders? How truly Catholic is this nation?

While the Holy Week has come to be almost synonymous with vacation time, a long summer weekend spent relaxing and enjoying the break from the daily grind, it does not have to totally lose its meaning if at least a few hours are spent thinking about what and how it is to be Christ-like in every day life.

For the politicians and other leaders in society, particularly, they can train their reflection on how they have been in dealing with their constituents and clients. Have they sincerely been as Christ was to his flock? And whether you are a Catholic believer or not, it is worth understanding what it means to be Christ-like.

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Fearless ambassador

 THE amount of the alleged extortion at the Metro Rail Transit was mind-blowing enough, but how about the fact it was an ambassador hurling the accusation?

Czech Republic Ambassador to the Philippines Josef Rychtar said that MRT chief Al Vitangcol III, through an emissary, had demanded $30 million in exchange for a contract to acquire 48 train cars for MRT. Rychtar, whose allegation he had unleashed in 2012 and was corroborated by CEO Josef Husek of the losing bidder Inekon, later said the payoff deal had been chopped down to $2 million through Vitangcol’s alleged “envoy” Wilson de Vera, a member of President Aquino’s Liberal Party who was a losing mayoralty candidate in Calasiao in the 2013 election.  A Senate probe on the matter “in aid of legislation” is presently ongoing.

Every ambassador is the alter ego of a country’s president or leader.  We say Rychtar is daring, fearless, of sterner stuff.

The government shouldn’t take Rychtar’s accusation sitting down, or with a mere shoulder shrug.

The international community is watching.

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