Answers and vigils

When word got out that Secretary Jesse Robredo had figured in a plane crash and was in all likelihood lost, everyone I knew had only one response: “Why did it have to be the good guy?”

As it turned out, Secretary Robredo was more than just a “good guy”; he was a loving father, a devote husband, and a great family man. Alongside Secretary Robredo, we also learned about Captain Jessup Bahinting who by all accounts was a godly man, served as a Pastor and who was always generous with his time and resources particularly in flying mercy missions, the most recent of which was to bring anti-snake venom. Then there is the young student pilot Kshitiz Chand whose dreams of becoming a commercial pilot brought him to the Philippines to learn, only to die so young.

Such goodness genuinely brought out more than equal measure of goodness from others, as people voluntarily knocked on Heaven’s doors with their fervent prayers. Young and old, friends and perhaps even foe could not resist the call to care and to say a prayer. But yesterday it seemed as if all our prayers had been denied. Why couldn’t the good guys be given a miracle, why did heaven keep its doors close?

I once emailed a message to my friend William when his mother passed away after a long drawn out battle with diabetes. Back then we also stormed heavens doors with our prayers, but after a few hopeful moments, the mother eventually died. The following day I wrote:

“There comes a time when our most fervent prayers are nullified by the glorious invitation of the almighty God, calling those we love, to come home to heavenly glory.”

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Reflecting on the unexpected death of Secretary Robredo, pilots Bahinting and Chand, we are once again confronted by the age-old question: “why do the good die young?” Most people say it’s because they are good that it’s almost like a reward to die young. Interestingly enough there is such an answer in the Bible that more or less speaks along these lines. One of the greatest prophets of the Old Testament named Isaiah gave us an insight in the 57th chapter of the book of Isaiah where he said in the first two verses:

“The righteous perish, and no one ponders it in his heart; devout men are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil.

 Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death.          — (Isaiah 57: 1-2)

My family and I sincerely extend our condolences and prayers for the families of Secretary Robredo and pilots Bahinting and Chand.

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Some people remarked how extraordinary it was for President Noynoy Aquino to stay overnight in Masbate during the search and rescue operations for Secretary Robredo and his pilots. Yes it was an “extraordinary” situation but it was not extraordinary for the President to wait in vigil or do an all-nighter especially for a fallen comrade or a friend.

I may be wrong on this one or I might be confusing P-Noy with one of his cousins, but if I remember correctly P-Noy did the same for Popoy Lagman, the almost legendary leader of the Alex Boncayao Brigade aka the ABB when his remains were being prepared to be laid in state. It had been a day marked with violence and it was now late in the night almost crossing into morning. Popoy Lagman had just been assassinated /murdered a few hours ago and it was certainly risky to be in a waiting line that could make you suspect or a target of Popoy Lagman’s enemies. Nonetheless, there we were, people who simply needed to pay our respects.

For whatever it’s worth, The President’s presence, as well as personal concern and action to personally meet with the Robredos in Naga City, is highly admirable. I hope that the President continues to conduct himself as such because compassion and kindness never goes out of fashion and is a never ending need.

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After writing several columns about the need to upgrade the airplanes for the President and the AFP, I’m glad to hear that Senator Tito Sotto has called for the replacement or purchase of newer aircraft for government officials.

As I suggested many, many moons ago, Malacañang can study the idea of buying a plane or several types of plane that can be managed by a professional charter group where the planes can be used by various government officials and agencies on a shared cost basis or on a pay as you fly basis. Under a professional management group, the aircraft would then be subjected to international maintenance and manufacturing standard.

Under such a system, the government will have ownership as well as exclusive use of the planes. Instead of chartering or renting private or commercial aircraft, government will spend government funds on government owned aircraft. Because a professional group will maintain the planes there are less chances of corruption or overpricing for parts, service charges and travel expenses.

I sincerely hope Senator Sotto pursues the idea of a government aircraft charter center so we can at least say that one good thing came out of the Robredo tragedy.

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