Think About It
The best way to help the country
By Jun Velasco
OVER a cup of coffee at his Monetary Board office, former Press Secretary Ignacio “Toting” R. Bunye betrayed a deep wish for Filipinos to reassess PGMA’s performance and give her a kinder place in history.
The dapper ex media czar told us “let’s praise her, too, because she did well in certain areas like the economy, especially infrastructure, information technology, and others. Give credit where it’s due.”
Right, Toting, but this is the whole trouble. We can’t compartmentalize success. History is cruel on those who didn’t complete the job fully well.
But he said a mouthful worth pondering: Let’s hope history will indeed be kind to her l0 years from now.
On other subjects, Toting doubts if the “kruzada” against jueteng would succeed on a permanent basis because out there are millions of people who depend on it for their very lives. This could be why President Noynoy and DILG Secretary Lobredo seem lukewarm about its instant and immediate finish.
Our view is that an improved economy will kick jueteng away.
All our Philippine presidents tried to grapple with it in vain. It would be best probably if it is legalized. Since time immemorial, the illegal business has never been eliminated. It works like the oldest profession. We condemn but can’t defeat it.
Back to Toting, who sees the Yuni-introduced micro-financing scheme which we believe, if widely implemented, could be a savior of Philippine economy … in tune with the policy that the country’s rural areas be made to cope with the ways of the 21st century if we are to stabilize the economy.
* * * *
A Noynoy supporter — probably out of habit — has expressed his reservation about the ability of the new government to fully put back the country to its old sound track.
What a supporter (sic)! We have been critical to the increasing legions of cynics whose euphoria has been swallowed up by the upsurge of negatives amidst us. How can they claim affinity with Noynoy when their cynicism and negative attitude are pushing him down?
It’s for this reason that we ask the advocates of hope and rebirth to shut up and remain busy doing their thing — be building blocks for a nation in rebirth and do their share, however little, in the renaissance movement. There should be less time for empty talk because it stunts growth debases the self. Find your place in the sun, and be a joyful part of the solution, not the problem. It’s the best way yet to help our country and ourselves.
* * * *
Powerless now. That stolen shot of former President Arroyo with hubby Mike and son Datu going through all the motions of ordinary travelers has all the elements of sadness that has descended on once the most powerful family in this country. It evokes unwritten sorrow and pain that shouldn’t have been there if they enjoyed the people’s affection.
Then find the DILG Secretary Lobredo—just change to Jessie Robredo .
Share your Comments or Reactions
Powered by Facebook Comments
