Treason and disloyalty?

WHEN I was in the Law School, my professor discussed the law on treason for three and half hours. He discussed it with all gusto and with all his examples and enthusiasm.  We listened to him with eagerness and with so many questions in our mind.  Before the bell, he told us that one could only be charged of treason when there is war.  Treason would be of no effect if there is no war going on. That very moment, all the questions in our mind came off and our minds were shut down.  We sat silently on in our chairs.

What is happening with the legal minds in the Philippine Senate? A ball of fire was thrown in the center of the arena, shouting at each other on the issue of treason.  The intelligent minds did not discuss properly the events and they silently listen to the arguments.  I wonder why did not the “red tails” do something to stop the accusations and discuss things that are of national concern.  What is the message that they are sending to our young minds?

Discussing things that would bring about peace in the land and the region entails treason? Do we agree on this? The gentleman from the military was simply suggesting to drop any useless solutions to the tension in the disputed islands. We are not in war, we are simply threshing out differences in the opinions as to the claim of the islands. The senator simply had spoken loudly his ideas. Now, he is branded as a traitor.

Next to be branded as traitor is the President, himself. He is looking for means to solve the useless conflict in the pacific rim and now he is charged of giving a part of our patrimony and our sovereignty. Pnoy thinks that a compromise could be arrived at.  He is trying all modes to arrive at a certain peaceful negotiation.

I guess the next to be accused or charged with this is DILG Secretary Mar Roxas. He went to China and met with the Vice President. What transpired in that meeting? Nobody knows but looking at the reaction of the executive, one could come up with a conclusion that they arrived at a peaceful compromise.

The questions that keep bothering me are : “What are we fighting for?” I cannot comprehend why is it that some politicians are dying to get a land that would spark a useless conflict? Is there something in those islands that need to waste the lives of many Filipinos? What is it?

Loyalty to country is one that is immeasurable. One’s loyalty to any political party ends as his loyalty to his country begins. In this country, loyalty is measured by his loyalty to his party and his padrino.  Our local papers banner the great political figures of Negros. Reading between the lines, one could see and feel the great influence of big businessmen in the province. The numbers’ game has started in the provicne.  The show of numbers between once-friends are now out.  “Kingmakers” are now spotted and made popular.  With just barely two weeks before the final list of politicians would come out, many are now dancing with the tune of the bosses.  Is this the loyalty that we are looking for?

This year the term “Traitor” had been generously used by politicians. They called each other with this title.  It seems that this term will become the most used term of the year.  We have traitors everywhere.  Traitors had been with us since time immemorial. Christ was betrayed. Bonificaio was betrayed and a lot more. Betrayal has been part of the Philippine value system. When will this end? I guess after the election fever is down, traitors will fall from their sit.

A student told me yesterday, is betrayal and loyalty the same?

Belated birthday greetings to Mr. Teodulfo “Teddy Boy” Infante.  He celebrated his 71st birthday yesterday.  Congratulations to Rev. Fr. Emeterio Buñao, OAR, UNO-R President on his 45th sacerdotal anniversary. My congratulations also to Mr. Noynoy Lampinez on his appointment as station manager of DYAF – Veritas.

St. Lorenzo Ruiz, St. Ezekiel Moreno, Blessed Pedro Calungsod and Blessed John Paul II, and Sir Faraon Lopez, pray for us.