Where is our faith in the Filipino people?

There is no doubt that many Filipinos are still politically immature despite our reputation as “Asia’s First Democracy” which only means we haven’t changed our political ways since the Commonwealth Era. In comparison, for many decades, Philippine Airlines (PAL) proudly declared itself as “Asia’s First Airline” but it started with a very poor reputation that the common joke was PAL was “Plane Always Late!” Yet let me say that during its 70th anniversary, PAL has totally changed because its on-time record has been impeccable, to say the least. It is not the same PAL that we used to know, but a very professionally run airline that Filipinos can be proud of!

As for our politics and our politicians, including our clergy, let me say that they are a total disappointment! I included the clergy because too many of them have become too politicized like that Caloocan Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez who threatened to revolt if there is a failure of elections! It is sheer stupidity to call for a revolt based on someone’s fear! How revolting!

Bishop Iñiguez should read the Bible story in Luke 8:22-25 when our Lord Jesus Christ was on a boat in the Sea of Galilee and there was a brewing storm. His disciples were so struck with fear, they woke up the Master saying, “Master, master, we are perishing!” The Lord woke up and rebuked the wind and the waves and these calmed down. Then the Lord turned to his disciples and asked them, “Where is your faith?” We should ask the same question to Msgr. Iñiguez… “Where is your faith in God’s people?”

It is very easy for people, especially radio commentators, to blurt out that we could have a civil war scenario if there is a failure of elections. But I will put my money that there will be no such event that could ever happen in our country! We are too diverse, too archipelagic for a civil war to happen. Worse, Filipinos will never shed blood for this country! A great majority of them who dislike our system of governance would rather leave for a better life in other countries than stick it out for someone’s political fears!

I have heard pundits say even that if there is a failure of elections, Mindanao will declare its independence! This should be a great scenario for Cebuanos… but then how can Cebu even declare independence (though many Cebuanos often dream of this happening) when our political leaders cannot even unite for the love of Cebu? Who will take the cudgels for Cebu’s leadership? If at all, the only people we can trust are those in the private sector! Hence that silly scenario is next to impossible unless Cebuanos unite.

Talking about Cebuano politics, a national daily came up with the headline last Thursday “GMA Allies in Cebu Nix Gibo for Manny.” What a huge front page lie! In truth, what really happened was a meeting of Sen. Manny Villar with the Kugi Uswag Sugbo (Kusug) party of former Mayor Alvin Garcia who declared his support for Villar. But former Mayor Garcia (a cousin of Gov. Gwen Garcia) was never for Gibo! So how could they consider him an ally of Gibo? Furthermore, the former mayor has for the last three mayoral elections… lost his bid to retake the mayor’s seat! Hence, he is not expected to win the May 2010 elections and therefore his declaration to side with Sen. Villar is no huge advantage for Villar!

That the mainstream media would sell the people’s fears or worse, come up with obviously misleading headlines in order to distort the reality in Cebu is truly shameful in our practice of journalism. The truth is, this presidential race is so tight, no one can really predict its outcome! We just have to have faith in the Filipino people and above all, in God that the elections will push through. I bumped into Comelec Commissioner Rene Sarmiento and he was oozing with confidence that there will be no failure of elections, and I believe him!

What really happened in Cebu was that GSIS Chairman Winston Garcia, the brother of Gov. Gwen Garcia, declared his support for Manny Villar. However in a press conference last Wednesday evening, Gov. Gwen Garcia pointed out that One Cebu Party officials fully support former Defense Secretary Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro and disallowed any so-called “exploratory talks” with other political groups. This was the front page report of a local daily (affiliated with the national daily that came up with the erroneous headline) that declared “Gwen: I’m still for Gibo,” complete with the One Cebu Party officials, including all of Garcia’s allies and family.

As for Winston Garcia, Gov. Gwen took pains to say that her brother Winston is not a member of the One Cebu Party and has no role in her administration. Hence, the unity that Gov. Garcia fought so hard to keep is intact. All Cebu congressmen (with the exception of Rep. Eddie Gullas who is for Villar) have vowed to push for the presidency of Gibo Teodoro. Gibo will be in Cebu today for the miting de avance of the One Cebu Party!

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