Lobaton: PNoy’s death and unity
IT WAS a surprise to hear about the death of former president Noynoy Aquino. While we are oriented to hear deaths from Covid-19, his death could be different because of his status as the former leader of this country.
It is sending a message that while somebody like PNoy would die, how much more the ordinary individuals who are less in life and are struggling to survive the pandemic. The times ahead remain uncertain and we could not choose the mode of our calling once our time is up. We will all have our appointed time, yet it depends on how we want to be remembered while we’re still alive.
PNoy had set an identity to be remembered as a true servant like his father, Senator Ninoy Aquino, and his mom, President Corazon Aquino. After his term as president, he lived a quiet life away from the limelight. But many recognized him as one true leader that had taken part in the building up of the glorious past of our country.
The news of PNoy’s death elicited sadness. In the midst of the pandemic, the country seemed to have sounded in unison to express grief on the death of the former leader. The expression of sympathy somehow crossed boundaries and ignores the division set by politics.
The national government expressed sadness and President Duterte declared the days of mourning on the death of Aquino.
This is something to note in the context of how we consider politics as the element behind our people’s division. This division could have been the reason why we have not prospered over time and may have created the brand of instability in our solidarity as a country and people.
Every six years we vote for a president and some national and local officials. Election time has made division so intense, especially in times we knew some got the mandate, while others did not.
The political scar reinforced the division and the fragmentation of relationships despite the inherent close solidarity of Filipinos. Even among members of the family, possible divisions derived from politics are similarly inevitable.
Our brand of politics, however, though intense, could have a dramatic turn. Just like the death of President Noynoy, expressions of sympathy have actually crossed beliefs and affiliations. After all, we believe that when someone died, there is always a part of us being civil to respect the dead. By nature, Filipinos possess that kind of value system that many might have failed to recognize.
Politics are matters that should not get into our personal sphere. Political actors could shift alliances in this type of political system in the Philippines. Politics are supposed to be taken from the academic perspective despite and it deals with decision-making on how to run the affairs of the state.
But it helps us think that we are capable to be one as a society and people. Expressing our concern and sympathy for others are given qualities of Filipinos. Politics or not, our concern for others are innate.
How we wish, it could turn things and help us understand that standing united could help us move forward. With our very nature of being compassionate and civil despite the divisions, no doubt we are capable to make this country move forward.
Given the scarce resources as the possible source of divisions, we can unite and create these resources for our people so that conflict can be avoided.
The indications are clear, we are blessed with the value system that most of all, emphasized concern, sympathy, and respect for our fellow Filipinos. Differences can be set aside and we can be one.
While we are still alive, we have the pleasure not to wait for someone to die and stand up to advance the attitude of help to shape our social institutions and secure the future of our children.