Young Roots
Let’s fly to Venus
By Roselle P. Gale
FILIPINOS have gone through many presidents – 15 precisely.
Filipinos have gone through pains over the years with different presidents – 15 precisely.
I wasn’t a qualified voter yet when I first heard about corruption, crimes, violence, and poverty. And I wasn’t a qualified voter yet when I’ve actually seen those for myself. From that day on, I promised myself that when I reach the voting age, I will give my vote to the person who can enlighten Filipinos and lead the Philippines towards development. That person, as I envision it, will inspire every Filipino to be more productive. That person will work toward a goal wherein there will be no more OFWs like my mother because the Philippines will provide more job opportunities.
But I have come to realize that it isn’t as easy as I thought. I am but one voter among the millions of Filipinos. It could very well be that the person I wanted to rule our country is not the same as the majority’s choice.
I feel that the country’s situation is deteriorating. Corruption, crime and violence, and poverty still surround us. It is everywhere, both in small and large scale. It is alarming. There is no vaccine for it like for dog rabies; no treatment unlike for cancer; nor no liposuction unlike for those who want to get rid of unwanted fat.
Sometimes I think the country should be declared in a state of emergency. What we have been experiencing for many years now is worse than that with the disaster caused by the eruption of Mount Pinatubo, the 1990 Earthquake, or Typhoon Ondoy. It is more than the combinations of all natural calamities. And living in this situation is most traumatic.
If I could have a boat like Noah’s — or a space shuttle might be more apt for my generation — I will bring Filipinos to live in planet Venus. Ok, maybe that is too much fantasy. But that’s how I feel sometimes, wanting to run away, imagining becoming a fugitive.
A recent survey about our current president, P-Noy, indicates that many believe in his power, that he can help the Philippines stand tall again. But I have to ask, who are being surveyed anyway? Those who are in the palace and those who live in skyscrapers? Why can’t the survey be done per province? Wouldn’t that be more credible?
Proof of the economic hardship that people live in is how crazy so many have become with the recent lottery jackpot, and there is the undying jueteng. They, and myself included, tried our luck to win in the hopes of a better life. The jackpot was P741M — and Filipinos got obsessed over it! Many people waited in line, got squeezed in crowds for hours just to place their bets. (It could have easily led to a stampede as it did in ULTRA for that show Wowowee where several died and many got injured). Someone was even reported to have almost lost his mind because of the lottery. He was about to claim his price, believing that he won, but apparently he placed his bet in the wrong card, 6/45 instead of the winning 6/55. Poor guy.
How many more will go crazy, will die just to have a better life.
I am a qualified voter now, but still I hear, see, and experience corruption, crime and violence, and poverty. When the day comes that I can’t walk anymore to cast my vote, will I still experience those?
How many more presidents will it take to make things better for the Philippines?
