Just relaxing?  

Here we go again with Senator Bato dela Rosa letting the country know how his mind works. According to him, while they were killing and dying fighting the NPA, “others” in the government were just relaxing in their offices. What a thing to say. Who forced him to become a policeman or a soldier? Wasn't it his decision to join the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), to take an oath to become an AFP officer? Did he think upon graduating from the PMA, that life would now be a bed of roses? Isn’t he now part of those who have time to relax in the office? Perhaps someone should remind him of his “sarap ng buhay” comment after working from home.

He took an oath upon graduating to defend the country from its enemies, foreign or domestic. What exactly did he understand about defending the country? He chose this career, this occupation, as well as his commitment to the people. There is nothing in that oath saying one day he would call out those in government who merely relaxed while they were fighting and dying. He then calls out those in the DSWD, DOH, DPWH, and Security Council accusing them of not caring because they were in their comfy offices.

He might as well include those in the Central Bank, the Supreme Court, the Bureau of Customs, the DILG, the DOT, the DOTR, and all government agencies except the PNP and the AFP. He should also include those who have not served in the military or police and have become legislators. While he’s at it, might as well call out the president and vice president. They all have some time to relax in their respective offices, right? And why stop at the government? He should also call out those in the private sector. The doctors, lawyers, businessmen, or employees. Or even the clergy.

Everyone who serves in the government has a role to play, no matter what position it is. Everyone is needed to properly run the government, even society. Even those in menial jobs such as building maintenance have value. Not everyone can be a soldier or policeman. I don't know where Dela Rosa is getting this. No one belittles the sacrifice of police and soldiers who have given their lives in the preservation of our way of life.

A strong police force and military are needed to suppress criminality and insurgency. For those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the country, we honor them with the utmost gratitude, nothing less. This statement from Dela Rosa reeks of self-aggrandizement. This is a lot coming from one whom himself now has the time to relax.