SITTING down is an idiomatic expression with many interpretations. It could mean relaxation or a halt in whatever one is doing. It could also mean to settle down. It could also be interpreted as a break from the usual routine. Or, simply it means that the program is about to start or has started.
This week, the Philippines had a lot of fanfare as to the inauguration and turn-over programs for our local and national officials, who got elected during the midterm elections. As early as 2018, most of our politicians were no longer “sitting down” and doing the things that they were supposed to do. Most of them were too busy courting and doing magic to retain or grab a post in this beloved country. We have heard promises and “pasaligs” from these people as early as the second quarter of 2018.
So, the fanfare is over. May we request the people to please sit down, settle down and focus on what you have to do? It is now “work, work and work.” Make good on your promises and your platforms. As public servants, there should be no personal interests but only common welfare. There should be no time for selves but only for the people you serve. There should be no more courting but should already be working. However, this is not utopia. This is the Philippines.
In this part of the world, to be rich means to be an official in government. Most government officials go out rich from the government. Of course, there are some real and true to public servants who really understand their roles in society. There are also others who get stupid and get caught, they end up in jail or end up bankrupt. What saddens me in this country is the fact that those who are honest are the ones who get charged.
Concretely, the issues on the sugar industry had been used by some senatoriables before the May 2019 elections. Most of them got a seat in the Senate for providing hope for the ailing sugar industry of the country. They made promises that when they get elected, they will seek the root that rots the industry and legislate laws that would really protect the sugar industry and eventually saving the province of Negros Occidental. Now, it is payback, many planters believed them and influenced their workers to vote for these people for them to represent us in legislation. Now, we have them to help us and to resuscitate the sugar industry. In case, they cannot do anything, then we are the losers, we have given them assured income for the next six years while here we are chewing the sugar cane.
Projects for the education of the youth should be looked into. What a pity, those who were supposed to be in fourth-year college are still in their second year. They will waste another two years for them to get employed. I hope our good legislators will wake up and realize that the expanded basic education is not helping our country. It is a ploy for us to be kicked out of the international labor market. Take note, we have two years to wait for graduates from college. Graduates of Senior High school are not yet prepared for the labor force. What will our dear officials do? Which is better for them, infrastructure program for schools or review of the relevance of the EBEL (evil) law?
So, my dear masters or shall I call you now “slaves” of public service, please be seated and focus on the development of people and not of your bellies and pockets.
Pope St. John Paul II and Bishop Antonio Fortich, pray for us.