With the daily traffic nightmare, it's hard to be on time for appointments in Metro Manila. Even without traffic, however, there are still many people who think it's fashionable to be late. Filipinos in particular have become so notorious for tardiness there is even a phrase -- "Filipino time" -- to describe the seeming national penchant for being late. This stereotype was reinforced during the Marcos regime, when being an hour late was still early for the flamboyant Imelda Marcos.
Now the traffic mess has become a convenient excuse for the perennially tardy. But there are also Filipinos who frown on being late. The Organized Response for the Advancement of the Society Inc., or the ORAS Movement, is spearheading the observance of punctuality week. President Estrada, himself often late for his appointments, issued Proclamation No. 255 last March 17, declaring April 9-15 as National Consciousness Week on the Value of Time and Respect for the Rights of Others.
In his proclamation, the President cited the need for a new Filipino who values time and regards punctuality as a manifestation of respect for the rights of others. In this fast-paced age, time is precious. If you're late for an appointment, it could throw askew the other person's schedule for the rest of the day. This campaign for punctuality can succeed only if change starts from the top. There are Filipinos who think that VIPs have a right to keep lesser mortals waiting, that the true mark of a VIP is if an event can't start without him.
The true leader, however, is one who sets the example, especially in public service. Government officials led by the President should make it a point to be on time, at least for their public appointments. They should be on time not only during punctuality week, but at least while they're holding public office. In this rapidly changing world, few people have patience for Filipino time. If Filipinos don't change this bad habit, the country is bound to finish last in the international race.