Wednesday, April 16, 2008 Speak out: Leyteños should stand up and fight By Alvin Truya
(This is an open letter to government officials of Leyte and fellow Leyteños)
Many ask me why Leyte is still among the most depressed provinces or still poor despite its being so close to the powers that be during the Marcos dictatorship.
Also, why is its electricity rate still among the highest in the country even if it has a geothermal plant?
Lately, they ask me why people from Leyte failed to see the crimes of the Arroyo administration.
I don’t think so, I said.
The opposition won in our province in the last senatorial elections.
God, though, gives every man, whether he resides in the jungles or in the city, the capacity to think.
Still, it’s high time our local politicians take the right side of history.
Politicians sided with the much hated and ruthless dictator Ferdinand Marcos.
But Marcos was eventually ousted.
No tyrant can stay in power forever.
People will find a way of restoring their self-respect as they yearn for freedom.
When I read the news that almost all representatives from Leyte joined President Arroyo’s trip to Europe, I almost fell from my seat.
“Do Leyteños like to travel for free?” a Cebuano sarcastically asked me.
I could not answer.
But I am giving our representatives the benefit of the doubt.
I was told that local officials, especially from the provinces, have to knock at Malacañang’s door, otherwise, they won’t
receive what Gov. Ed Panlilio once received (which he returned).
For this reason, they don’t care about national issues that affect the country.
But is there no end to pragmatism?
Isn’t national interest as important, if not more, as the President’s desire for political survival?
My friends tell me appeal to politicians is an absolute waste of time.
But I am not discouraged
“Man is good by nature,” says my professor.
Ninoy Aquino came back to the Philippines with the strong belief that there is a little Jesus in every man’s heart.
I believe it.
I trust the nobility of man, politician or not.
The people have already rejected this regime, and no force can stop them.
To our elected government officials, please understand that Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has no more moral authority to govern.
