Good manners 101 in times of global crisis

No matter what you say about President Duterte, call him by any name, describe him by any adjective. But one thing is sure, he will be remembered in history as the president who reinstated GMRC or Good Manners and Right Conduct into the school curriculum. And that, to me, is indicative of the intrinsic goodness in the man. The truly good pretending to be bad.

And by signing into law, Republic Act 11476 on June 25, the president has officially triggered the amendment of the school curriculum for Grades 1 to 6, by including good manners and right conduct, as was practiced during my time. From Grades 7 to 10, value education shall be included and assimilated with the other subjects. Thus when English and math are taught, the examples and the facts of the problems to be used by the teachers shall be value-based and anchored on good human behavior. This is really needed today and needed all the time. One of the greatest errors of the Marcos regime was the abolition of GMRC. Now, we are back to the good old days of respect, courtesy, honesty, loyalty, kindness, compassion, and patriotism.

Talking of good manners in times of crisis, I have a two cents worth of advice to our politicians and LGU leaders, our police and military officers, and the professionals, especially doctors, lawyers and teachers. My advice is called the 4 Rs of professionalism, social graces and ethics: Respect, Restraint, Reliability and Responsibility. First, on respect. When the Governor Gwen issued a memo on “tuob” to her own staff, in the capitol, she was doing in good faith and with the noblest intentions. It was not good manners, I'm sorry to say this, for doctors to insult her in public by making her appear ignorant of the basic sciences. The proper thing to do was to call her privately or write her and gently remind her of the medical implications.

Next is restraint, both public officials and the citizens should restrain themselves when interviewed on air. Those who do not agree with Governor Gwen or Mayor Labella should exercise temperance in their language and not allow emotions to get the better of them. When you are not the governor or the mayor, you should not openly criticize the chief on air or in print media. You should call him or her and gently suggest in a subtle and respectful manner. To attack the official openly is not helping at all, because the more such leader would insist to go his or her ways just to prove the point and to protect ego. You cannot get cooperation when you antagonize the leader. Do exercise restraint. That is a sign of good breeding.

Third, reliability. For leaders, fulfill your promise. Deliver the output expected of you, by mandate or by contract. Be punctual and never renege on your commitments. Do not make ''bola'' just to please your constituents. Walk your talk, and talk your walk. Fourth, responsibility. If you are an official, do your job the best way you can. And if you are a citizen, obey the laws, pay your dues, do your work. Do not cheat and be honest in your dealings. Respect your superiors and be kind to your subordinates. Be fair in your dealings and be true to your principles. Give all persons what are due them. Be responsible, take charge of your own area and do not feel entitled to help or ayuda. Stand on your own feet, feed your own family, survive on your own.

Indeed, we need to go back to basics. We do not need to be doctors to learn to respect our governors and mayors, as we respect our parents. And public officials should exercise full reliability to earn the respect of people. Those who disagree should restrain themselves from opening their mouths, if all they know is to criticize. Responsibility means that you should help find solutions and not complicate the problems. We should all watch our own manners, even if our teachers are not around to see us.