Impunity

A collegiate basketball player owned up to falsifying the script, er, transcript of records he submitted to play in the collegiate athletic league. Accordingly, he was too desperate to play and provide for his family. But he cleared the university he played for, its athletics office and coaches. He did it alone, except for the grade editor in his former school.

His admission however raised more questions than answers. Did he own up to it because he realized his mistake or he was constrained because he saw the probe coming. Admission to right a wrong is one thing, admission to minimize liability is another. Deep thought or afterthought. The first one is a matter of conscience, the second one is plea bargaining. Like truth is negotiable.

Did he really do it alone? He would not have dared sanitize his grades had no one assured him he can get away with it. Or better yet, had no one instigated him. Speculative, but it makes sense for a country that condones corruption and condemns those against it.

Curiously, followers of the athletic league are quiet about it. No one is angry, no one is offended, no one is disappointed, no one is even surprised. Easily forgiven because he pleaded guilty right away. Still speculative. But it makes sense for a country with the most forgiving people, both short on height and memory. In fact, forgiveness is given even if no one was asking. Such spontaneity. Or gullibility. Move on, without moving up or moving forward.

It also raised questions about integrity of vital documents released by his former school. There is no safeguard against evil cleansing to look immaculately clean. Still speculative. But it makes sense for a people willing to certify authenticity of fake diplomas. Lying, cheating and stealing have become a way of life for and in a predominantly Catholic country.

What have we become? What have we allowed? Or better yet, what have we enjoyed? The entire nation talks more about a starlet allegedly cheated on than a people definitely defrauded against. Or betrayed. No one is surprised though. The separation or the cause was bound to happen. Or both. But it shattered the hopeless romantic who continue to hold on to their dream of a prince charming, only to end up with the nightmare of a prince harming. Or fantasy of forever, only to end up in the reality of forbearance.

Couples stay and last for various reasons. Love, of course. No matter how it mutates. Or necessity, everyone wants to go home at the end of the day, either to a dwelling place or to the solace of a warm embrace. Or companionship, except the hermit or those who haven’t found dogs. Or choice, no matter the circumstances, including use, misuse and abuse. Or habit, muscle memory. Or a combination of some or all. Whatever, everyone has to be with someone. Even if that someone is worse than no one.