Herminio Teves is right

In a recent privileged speech, Lakas Rep. Herminio Teves said, "Rebellion and terrorism caused by poverty and hunger cannot be solved with bullets; increasing the people’s access to viable livelihood programs still is and always will be the best weapon against them." He is right. One should not confuse the symptoms from the disease. The problem we have in Mindanao is mainly economic. And the ultimate solution is the development of the neglected parts of Mindanao. It is definitely not a religious war as there are no religious questions involved. The best proof is the Abu Sayyaf. What is it that they are demanding? Very simple. Ransom for their hostages. In short, money.

At this stage, however, it is a military problem. Ransom should not be paid by either the government or the families of the hostages. The only way to rescue them is through military action. But we must never lose track of the fact that the underlying cause of the terrorism, both national and international is poverty.

We have freedom of speech and the freedom to worship, what we lack are the two ultimate freedoms, freedom from fear and want. It is the fear of hunger and the lack of an education that is causing the present terroristic turmoil. The first freedom should be freedom from ignorance. If we attain this, the other freedoms will automatically follow. It is useless to grant freedom of speech to a totally illiterate person. And you cannot create employment for persons who have absolutely no training for the available jobs. The ideal society is the society that allows all citizens to maximize the development of all their God-given talents.

In the meantime, we will have to contend with current terrorists. They have substituted explosives for reason and the problem is world-wide. Their efforts are aggravating their own situation. For how can bombs and explosives bring about a more economically developed world? The best proof that the current terrorism is totally senseless is the fact that the terrorist have first, no demands; second, they don’t even own their acts. They are totally satisfied with just killing innocent persons. Going after them is a police and military problem. But the ultimate solution lies with all of us. We must be concerned for the welfare of all people.

We must show great concern for the underprivileged. At the moment, the lowest individuals in the totem pole are the streetchildren. There should be a special program for them. Every city, municipality and barangay should do its share to provide homes for these unfortunate individuals who, through no fault of their own, are in the streets not knowing where their next meal will come from.