IN his his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) that lasted for one hour and 32 minutes, President Rodrigo Duterte came up with something straight from his heart. Here are some quotes whose messages are worth following specially by those in public service.
--”If we cannot, as yet, love one another, then in God's name, let us not hate each other too much.”
I would address this to people who harbor ill-feelings and grudges towards his fellowmen, especially politicians who are vindictive to their political opponents. One such politician is here in Cebu City. I hope he will always be reminded of this quotation. Iya na untang hunungon ang iyang pagkamangginukdanon ug pagkamadinumtanon sa iyang nga kaatbang sa pulitika.
--”Human rights must work to uplift human dignity. Human rights can't be used as an excuse to destroy the country.”
Some quarters are concerned about the human rights of others, even of those who intentionally and wantonly violate the rights of their victims, and disregard the laws like the criminals. If they are killed, their relatives would cry and shout,”human rights violation.”
What about their victims? Don't they have human rights too? This should not be used as an excuse. If they violated the law, then they should pay for it.
According to Singapore's great leader, Lee Kuan Yew: “In criminal law legislation, our priority is the security and well-being of law abiding citizens rather than the rights of the criminal to be protected from incriminating evidence.”
--”We cannot move forward if we allow the past to pull us back.”
I agree. Past is past and we should not dwell so much on it. Yes, we also think and reminisce sometimes of the past, especially the good and positive ones. But if we always think about the bad times we can never move forward.
Mao bitaw nang naa tay higala nga napakyas sa gugma, atong tambagan nga “kalimti na aron maka-move on na ka.” Pero ang mga tam-is og nindot nga kagahapon, angayan pod usahay nga handumon ug ihanduraw kay makapadasig man.
--”Those who betrayed the people's trust shall not go unpunished; they will have their day of reckoning.”
This should be a reminder to politicians and those in government service. People elect politicians to power because they enjoy the peoples' trust. If they commit wrongdoings while in power, then they should not go unpunished like those politicians who are now facing charges. Silotan gyud.
--”We have to bond and act together. We have to help each other. For only then we can truly prevail.” This is the principle of unionism. Bonding together. As the saying goes, “no man is an island.”
The President cannot solve all the problems in our country alone. He needs the support of all the people in order to achieve our dreams and aspiration. In a game, it's a team effort. Do away with “crab mentality.” Kun sa Bol-anon pa, “dili mag-ija-ija ug mag-aho-aho.”
--”I have to protect the country. The interest of the country must come first.”
This should be the guiding principle of all political leaders whether national or local. The primordial concern is the interest of the country and the people. But sad to say that some of our leaders nowadays are always thinking of themselves, their personal and their hidden agenda. Some of our leaders want to be in power not for public service but to enrich themselves.
--”This government does not condone violence and repression of media. The 'bonafide' media have always been our partner for change.”
At least, the President has opened up his mind on the importance of the role of media. Before he officially assumed office, he had a “spat” with the media prompting him to ban one-on-one interviews and to cancel his press conferences. He categorized the media into crusaders, those who pretend to be mediamen but double as public relations people of politicians, and interest groups like those involved in illegal activities.
He said he can work without the media. But now, Duterte's view on media's role has changed. He now recognizes the media as government's partner and catalyst for change. Maayo kay na-usab iyang huna-huna. Pero kadtong mga bonafide o legitimate media ra dili tong mga hawshaw.
(bobby@sunstar.com.ph)