EDITORIAL - Remembering the dead

The nation takes a much-needed break from scandals and intrigue this weekend for the annual remembrance of the dead. Starting late yesterday, Filipinos lit candles, prayed and offered flowers for their dearly departed. This weekend is also a good time to pray for the living as the nation takes a breather from the still unresolved impeachment crisis.

During this holiday break, key players in the crisis can consider where they want to take the nation. Just one look at the country’s neighbors, particularly Malaysia and Thailand, and you will realize the depths to which we have fallen. Even Indonesia, struggling to contain separatist insurgents and a militant Islamic movement, is recovering and surging ahead of the Philippines.

The peso, stock market and investments are down. Corruption is worsening, according to a global perception index. The nation’s competitiveness has fallen steadily over the years. Filipinos are losing proficiency in English when other nations are moving to master the language. Corruption, tax evasion and a massive budget deficit have hobbled infrastructure development – a key factor for luring job-generating investments. The education system needs a colossal overhaul. Economic growth figures are dependent on remittances from millions of Filipinos who are forced to work overseas, many of them as maids. No one has the political will to curb population growth.

On top of all these problems, we are saddled with military officers whose main preoccupation is plotting their next power grab. We are also saddled with politicians whose main preoccupation is getting elected and receiving enough campaign contributions. And we are saddled with three branches of government that can’t get their act together in the name of national interest.

It may be good for our leaders to visit this weekend the graves of the nation’s heroes – people who gave up their lives to fight for a higher cause and build a free republic. The only thing we can brag about to our departed heroes is that the nation remains free. Everything else is a disaster.