by Dona Pazzibugan
from Philippine Daily Inquirer
Manila, Philippines – Priest-turned Governor Eddie Panlilio on Tuesday (July 22, 2009) announced that he had decided to run for president in 2010.
Unlike other politicians, Fr. Panlilio said he has no political agenda, no business interest to protect, and no family to feed. “I can serve full time.”
“When I decided to offer myself (as a candidate) I felt at peace. I’m doing this not for me, not for myself. I felt God wanted me to go on higher service,” he said.
“The priesthood that I love so much, I’m willing to give up for a greater love and that’s love for the country. For me the heart of priesthood is accepting the love of God and working for other people especially the poor,” he said.
On a lighter note, when asked who would be his first lady should he be elected, Fr. Panlilio said: “I have no plan to get a wife. Maybe one of my sisters (can serve as first lady).
A priest who asked not to be named in deference to the position of the Church said, I trust his discernment and for all the criticism hurled at him, he can’t be accused of corruption. The priest also said he would vote for Fr. Panlilio for President.
The cancer of corruption in our country has reached an all-time high and unprecedented , and when brides and payoffs are expected as part of the culture, and when corrupt practices are tolerated - even endorsed- truth and justice are lost. Government officials accept money for their influence. Officials take away funding intended for the poor and hungry. Government appears to become more of a circus, in which propaganda reigns supreme. Government officials taking brides and perverting judicial decisions, when will the scourge end ?
Dishonesty and fraud at the top eventually spread to lower levels. Few seem to any longer believe that character does matter!
Corruption had reached such a high level that the “checks and balances” of self-policing written into the Philippine Constitution proved to be ineffective. Congress, the legislative branch, is paralyzed because of its own corruption and immoral behavior.. In effect, each branch had the other blackmailed into inaction !
Preference given to one group as a result of gifts or payoffs is unfair to others who have an interest in the influenced policy, funding or law. Honesty and integrity is overwhelmed by graft and corruption when such exchanges become commonplace. Corruption in business punishes honest men and women, and provides advantages - and wealth – to those willing to be the most dishonest and ruthless.
When the media (radio, newspapers, and television broadcast) becomes controlled and manipulated by political and financial gain and interests, they (major networks) are reduced as servants to corruption. We have seen these types of manipulation not only in major newspapers of the country but also right here in the Province of Pampanga. They work tirelessly to twist and spin news critical of the governor.. Photos are carefully selected to manipulate and mislead the public. Words are chosen to infuse emotions into events, and to turn evil into good and good into evil. We read and observed that the media “spin” always leans culturally toward amorality – and anyone who speaks out honestly in a moral tone, with authority, is vilified.
Corrupt behavior causes an entire nation to become spiritually sick, from the highest levels of government to those charged with enforcing its laws.
But there is hope . An independent and objective news media can sometimes correct and even prevent the abuses of the rich and powerful. Let us be prepared for the dawn of a new era but we must be willing to “march into the gates of hell for a heavenly cause.”
YOU must be the CHANGE you wish to see in the world. – - – Mahatma Gandhi
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” – - -Martin Luther King, Jr.
No comments:
Post a Comment