AN ERAP joke went viral again on social media after a report from a TV news network circulated and viewed by thousands of netizens. But this time, the joke’s on him. The Manila mayor has been criticized for an apparent “publicity” clean-up drive in Manila Bay. In the video, one female staff was shown to be literally throwing garbage without remorse on the bay. While the dirt’s on the water, other personnel jumps to the stinking bay; grabs the thrown pile closer to the boat where the veteran mayor is so he can catch it with his net on hand.
This is the problem with “very old” public officials who handles executive duties. They tend to be used by their subordinates.
Historically, some people have mistakenly voted for the very old people thinking they know more. But being older is not necessarily wiser. They may be more experienced but not necessarily very capable to rule. It’s not automatic. While we do know that we have a great profusion of seasoned leaders, we also know a few who’ve past one’s prime who never accepts the reality. And when father time is calling them to quit, these people are stubborn enough to not listen.
When going up in bed is a struggle, how can you even govern a huge community? A person in frail health cannot even control his minions. And if the great grandpa gets elected, it’s his backscratchers who will carry out and administer on his behalf. And from the bad decisions they make great stories. You know there’s a problem when you leave the hospital and take home a tank of oxygen. And this stage, the only pole dancing these people in denial see is when they hold a stainless safety bar in the bathtub. And yet, they still have the audacity to aspire to lead a town, a city or a district. Is that what they call love for their constituents?
The point is the same with the old cliché that you cannot teach an old dog new trick. It’s already in their system. Geriatric public officials who cling to their position for so long cannot be expected to depart from their old practices and policies they have followed throughout their tenure. And what happens if people keep on voting the same old folks? It will result to stagnation and prevent innovation. With that logic, it is safe to say then that new ideas come from new leaders. And so, for us to have innovation, it would require turnover among who manages for so long in a particular post.
Have mercy on our elderly leaders. Let them enjoy their retirement. Allow them the precious time with their family and friends. Let this also be a lesson to our current elected officials. You have the opportunity to retire like Michael Jordan instead of Robert Parish. Leave the game after being in your prime.