Rock bottom

CEBU, Philippines — Many thought Hidilyn Diaz would not suffer the brunt of oil crisis. She was for life guaranteed free gasoline after winning the first ever Olympic gold for the country. Reportedly however, the strongest Filipina enjoyed free fuel for only two years, discontinued after she endorsed a competitor. Conflict of interest. Betrayal maybe, but  Hidilyn did not ask for it.

It looks like no agreement to that effect was however written. Neither was there handshake agreement. Else, it would have been a donation where donee accepts liberality of the donor including conditions, if any.

Not pure liberality though, what lies beneath was advertisement. Just like communal altruists who appear to selflessly serve others but in reality invite attention to themselves for publicity and validation. They feed the hungry but at the same time feed their bloated egos.

If it was made out of goodwill, it should not have been contingent upon future events, anticipated or unexpected. The fuel supplier must be too ecstatic a Filipino finally struck the elusive gold for the country that it bargained away a commodity for free. Exactly why no one should decide whenever they re happy, mad or sad. Feelings are fleeting, but from commitment no one should be fleeing.

Whatever, the issue is propriety. For indeed, why would the recipient of free fuel continue to enjoy the privilege while telling others there is an alternative? Pretty much like, no, ugly much like high-ranking government officials assuring the poor and the sick their country s health care is effective while they seek medical treatment elsewhere.

Amid the noise however is the deafening silence of Hidilyn. She must have a good reason, but mum is the word. Dignity in silence. Or, maybe she thought what for, even if she spoke, it wouldn t change a thing anyway, including or especially the mind of many who judged her guilty without trial, even by publicity.

Harsh comments on social media are not only sickening, it is alarming. It informs how far, or myopic, and deep, or shallow, and wide, or  narrow, it empowered the rude, the dumb and the stupid. Filipino consciousness has gone so low, where does this country go. The price to pay for being in a democracy, it has a space for stupidity.

Benefit of the doubt though. The timeless and wisest poem implored humanity to listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, for they too have their story to tell. Unfortunately today, they spread fake news, even the smart and the informed peddle them like gospel truth. Worse, with millions of views. Natural stupidity is winning, despite artificial intelligence.