Strong leaders in times of crises

Time and time again, it has been shown here in the Philippines that, in times of crises and awesome problems, people usually look for strong leaders to lead them. This is true not only with our own country but in the provinces and municipalities where anarchy reigns. Look at Davao City’s Rodrigo "Rudy" Duterte, incumbent mayor. He won convincingly in the last elections, as he had won in previous mayoralty contests in that huge city, because of his "tough guy" stance and performance. The man he defeated in the 2001 mayoralty contest, then incumbent Mayor Benjamin "Ben" de Guzman, had an outstanding record as Davao City mayor. But De Guzman lost because Davaweños wanted a tougher fellow.

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Look, too, at Cagayan de Oro City where nobody seems unable to beat Mayor Vicente "Dongkoy" Emano who is now serving his second term. Before he became mayor of that place known as the "City of Golden Friendship", Emano was Misamis Oriental governor, a post he held for three terms. Dongkoy was numero uno in Misamis’ political world, mainly because he is identified as a tough guy, one who would not wince before the barrel of a gun.

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The late President Ramon Magsaysay, Sen. Joker Arroyo, Education Secretary Raul Roco, former Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, Naga City Mayor Jessie Robredo, former Puerto Princesa Mayor Edward Hagedorn, the late Manila Mayor Arsenio Lacson, incumbent General Santos City Mayor Adelbert Antonino, incumbent North Cotabato Gov. Manuel Piñol – all of them and many more rose to political power mainly because people thought that they were strong leaders, tough guys who could solve the crises and mind-boggling problems that raged in their time and in their constituencies.

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Now, why do I take up the issue of toughness in the area of governance? To underscore the public perception that toughness, in the case of the presidency, is associated with the willingness and determination to impose the death penalty. When the country’s highest leader shows reluctance, or perhaps even fear, in meting out the supreme penalty for heinous crimes, then the President is perceived to be spineless, not the person of sterner stuff that the great majority of Filipinos would want to have as their leader.

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I am sure that countless people are going to welcome President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s "turn-around" on the issue of imposing the death penalty. Previously, she had announced that no one would be administered the lethal injection during her presidential watch. The other day, President GMA decided and announced that the death penalty shall be imposed on persons convicted of kidnapping for ransom. Her move came about because of the spate of kidnapping cases that recently hit Metro Manila. Concerned Filipinos hope that the President will expand her list, to include all heinous crimes, especially drug trafficking.

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Right now, the situation of anarchy in our country, insofar as kidnapping for ransom and drug trafficking are concerned, has become intolerable. Crime is being committed with impunity and brazenness, and no one seems to fear the law. Somehow, a costly lesson must be given to those who commit crime, especially heinous crimes – and the death penalty appears to be the needed recourse of a nation brutalized by criminal elements.

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It is unfortunate that the enthusiasm and zeal of President GMA have not infected many government functionaries. Many remain lackluster and listless in performing their jobs. That is why garbage dumps are seen in many places in the metropolis. Or why potholed streets and conked-out traffic lights remain unrepaired despite the passage of many months. Or why there is hardly any beat policemen patrolling the streets of the city. Or why paperwork gathers dust in many bureaucrats’ desks. One can go on and on reciting the litany of sins of commission and omission committed by so-called public servants – and the list seems unending.

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Most of the government functionaries get the inspiration to serve the general public, it will take a long, long time before our country can move forward. And these functionaries’ lack of zeal and enthusiasm can only serve to breed disenchantment, discontent, and eventually even anger among the people.

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PULSEBEAT: Bobby Tordesillas, chairman of a past Mother Teresa Awardee Nomination Committee, wrote to ask why the American government condemned the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center, yet legitimized the act of abortion of some 30 million unborn babies since 1970. "While the American people cry out to God for justice for the death of 7,000 innocent people at the WTC, do they not realize that the millions of unborn babies that are killed also cry out to God for justice? When a mother can kill her very own child and the government legalizes it, does the government still have the moral authority to condemn murders? As Mother Teresa once said, there will never be peace in the world, as long as unborn babies are continued to be murdered," Tordesillas said… Is there anyone who needs an artificial leg – free? The Rotary Club of Pasong Tamo, said youth director Alvin Jules P. Romero, has an ongoing project involving the giving away of free artificial legs to indigent beneficiaries, in coordination with the Mahaveer Foundation. For particulars, please contact the Rotary Club’s secretariat at CCJS, The Plaza Royale, 120 L.P. Leviste St., Salcedo Village, Makati City, Tel. Nos. 812-5246 up to 48.

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Thoughts For Today:

If people around you
are trying to pull you down,
be proud of it.
It only means one thing:
You are above them.

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An honest talk with the Lord
is a first step in finding
real peace of mind.
Do it everytime you wake up.

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My e-mail address: <[email protected]>.