Pride and Shame


Philippines seem to be experiencing all sorts of pride, shame, chaos and achievements these days. A looming challenge of the world’s 1st nationwide automated elections a potentially proud and shameful moment in the near future; the passing of an icon, the 1st Female President Corazon “Cory” Aquino which made Filipinos all over the world Proud; The shame of Ondoy’s aftermath (Government response & systems) and the creative use of web2.0 in response to the disaster which we can also be proud of; The victory of People’s Champ Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao over Miguel Cotto winning his 7th world Title in seven weight Divisions; The Inspirational Story of Efren Peñaflorida the 2009 CNN hero who educates street children using his “Kariton”; and now the worst massacre of innocent women, human rights lawyers, and journalists in the Philippines and of the World!

We made another mark by overtaking Iraq, Somalia and Pakistan in terms of the number of journalists killed for the year 2009. In just one day, numerous journalists were killed brutally and buried in deep soil, is a difficult thing to imagine. I will ask those who committed the massacre, “How could you be so heartless?” What came into your mind to kill, rape and disrespect individuals both innocent well meaning? Whether you were just a mere “goon” who was merely “Following Orders” or the one who thought of, and order such killing, did you ever consider the consequences of such actions? It’s impact to the victim’s family, to your community, your country and world? Or were they just aiming to send a message to the media/journalists or worse a new world record.

If you’re a fan of CSI, you can easily conclude that time was of the essence in this case. Members of the so-called massacre team may have ran off, disbanded or whatever. Important forensic and physical evidence may have also have been contaminated. So why the idiotic act of doing preliminary investigation? So that the state may still save what little trust that remains from their citizens, to act fast and have positive results. Based from what I understand and have gathered so far from the media, there is a maguindanao government owned backhoe was present on the area which was used to probably cover up such a crime from the public. I may not be lawyer or a law student but the presence of that machinery in the vicinity is very fishy. But how come it took a ridiculously long time (4days or so) to get these suspects in-custody, my mind is shouting Conspiracy Theory!



Another weird thing is after hearing of Efren Peñaflorida’s International Recognition from CNN, the government will confer to him the “Order of Lakandula,” one of the highest honors given to people that show dedication to the responsibilities of leadership, prudence, fortitude, courage and resolve to the service of one’s people. I don’t mean to be a sour grape but the recognition from CNN stems from Efren’s effort to help save children pushed to a life of ignorance and neglect of government failures and shortcomings. And to think Efren has been doing this almost all his life in Cavite, Philippines; So if he didn’t win CNN Hero, then the government wouldn’t even try to look at him? Same thing for Manny's situation, some people just have no shame in trying to take advantage and put him down, he is a good man and he has done his share of social work, his decision to run is sincere, leave it to the powers that be.

Don’t just give awards, be inspired of manny's life story and of Efren's as well and let us all do something about our country's plight:

“Our planet is filled with heroes - young and old, rich and poor, men, women of different colors, shapes and sizes. We are one great tapestry.

Each person has a hidden hero within. We just have to look inside you… and… search it in your heart… and be the hero to the next one in need.

So, to each and every person inside in this theater and those who are watching at home, the hero in you is waiting to be unleashed. Serve… serve well, serve others above yourself, and be happy to serve. As I always tell to my co-volunteers of Dynamic Teen Company and Club 586 Incorporated, you are the change that you dream as I am the change that I dream. And collectively we are the change that this world needs to be.

Mabuhay!”

— Efren Peñaflorida, CNN Hero of 2009




We and Public Servants should learn and act upon our future, not only to think of oneself but of others for when you serve and lift others, it will also come back to you and in turn lift yourself and make you happy. Let us hope and pray for the crisis in Maguindanao, Manny Pacquiao’s Political venture, and for the continued success of Kuya Efren.
Pride and Shame Pride and Shame Reviewed by Vernon Joseph Go on Saturday, November 28, 2009 Rating: 5

1 comment

  1. this is true..yet knowing the limitations of the people (with their selfish motives of most people in the position) in the government and all their mishaps,,,this should not be an avenue for them to portray the role Pilate instead they should be more vigilant of the plight of the people they ought to serve.hope they will be more reflective of the consequences of their decisions and actions as many Filipinos are trying to speak up for the country despite the lack of support given by our government.this also pose a challenge for all of us specially the young people to stand up and do something great for our community..our country even how simple and smart it may be but later we shall realize that it will make a big difference to other people's lives.

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