Differential welcome for Manny and Dinky

For sure, these two events will be in all forms of media tomorrow. The arrival of Manny Pacquiao and Dinky Juliano Soliman on the same day will definitely be covered by reporters. Their return to their country, however, will be accorded differential welcome. And this is what we need to reflect on as a nation, as a people.

Who does not know Manny Pacquiao? The whole Philippines practically stopped to watch this boxer knock out an opponent who has never been knocked out at all in his entire career. The streets were deserted last Sunday except for those where big screens showed the biggest fight of the year.

There was silent anxiety as the game started and progressed. There were shouts of jubilation as Manny started to successfully pummel Morales, especially from the 6th round onwards.

The whole nation went crazy when Manny delivered the last two fatal blows by the 10th round. And as the reigning champion Morales fell and crawled on his knees to touch the rope, and seconds after, as Morales fell a second time and the fight declared over by the referee, Filipinos went wild with indescribable mixed emotions: Joy, cheers, tears, pride and more!

It will not be an exaggeration to say that the Filipinos became one united nation once again that afternoon, with that Manny Pacquiao experience. Though fleeting, it was a sweet moment to relish as unity has become ever so elusive in this problem-plagued nation of ours.

Once the politicians stepped into the limelight rightly earned by Manny, however, the nation went back to reality mode. How dare tarnished politicians try to borrow some of Manny's glitter to "untarnish" their blemished images and leadership?

Filipinos always love underdogs who end up winners and victors at the end. Manny Pacquiao was the underdog in this fight and found himself the winner at the end. His dedication to practice and sacrifice, his faith in the Lord, his offer to fight for the country and our people, his relentless drive to win for God and country made him a hero in the eyes of his kababayans.

In gratitude, Filipinos flocked to give him a hero's welcome. Guess who made sure they were conspicuously by the hero's side when he arrived? Let us reserve the apt descriptions to you about those who tried to undeservingly grab or share the limelight with Manny.

In stark contrast to Manny, Dinky Juliano Soliman, resigned secretary of the Department of Social Work and Development, will be met with her warrant of arrest upon her arrival from Cambodia Friday evening. How is it that a committed and honest public servant, one who has lived most of her life in the service of the needy among our farmers, among our rural and urban poor, is now welcomed with an arrest warrant upon her arrival?

Why is one who has braved not just 10 rounds but years of storms and faulty helicopters to reach the victims of storms, floods and other disasters now being beckoned to appear in court upon her arrival?

Is the answer linked to her breakaway from her former employer, from Malacañang? Is the answer linked to her being the most outspoken among the Hyatt 10 who resigned from their government posts, demanding the resignation of their boss who apologized to the nation but did not follow through the truth behind the public apology?

It is very sad to see a nation accord a hero's welcome to one with some minutes of glory offered to the nation but, on the other hand, deny a similar welcome to one who has spent a lifetime offering her service to our people.

Dinky will move to be given bail for the libel suit filed against her. Whether she will be allowed bail or not, whether Dinky returns to husband Hec and her children or is sent off to prison from the airport will be one drama that will be known as this article goes to print Friday evening.

Prayer brigades have been mobilized to ask the Lord to deliver justice, freedom and peace to Dinky as He did with His disciples tossed out in the stormy sea. Dinky has battled many storms in the past and always, thankfully, God delivered her. Prayers will be the best welcome for God's disciples of sincere service and sacrifice like Dinky.

No doubt, God will give her the best welcome that she deserves upon her return just as God will, in due time, give this nation and our people what we rightly deserve.

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