The evil of politics

It truly breaks my heart when I read the headline news again about how a mistah is maltreated by the very establishment that he was sworn in to serve so well from the time he graduated from the Philippine Military Academy. Many of my classmates have fought the enemies of the state from the jungles of Mindanao to the various military and civilian uprisings that brought many a President to power. Others have fought the many lawless elements of society at grave risk to their lives and their families. While others have rendered exemplary services during the many natural disasters that befell the country over time.

Some have already died, while others have their battle scars and stories to tell to friends, family and their grandchildren later on. Their homes are littered with the so many medals, awards and plaques that will attest to their unselfish service to God and country. A few others fell mentally ill as a result of their war wounds.

I did not graduate from the PMA, but have been as an associate member an active participant to the many heartwarming and memorable class activities over the years. We raised funds for the education of the class orphans, to build homes for the homeless, to buy relief goods for typhoon victims, to finance the sick mistahs who were incapable of fending for themselves, to bring cheer to the less fortunate during Christmas time, and to pass the hat around when a classmate is financially distressed or may have died a poor man. I can count myself as one of those the class helped during my time of need when my business was at its lowest point.

It was perhaps a twist of fate that not long ago, a former senator was made an honorary member of the class at a time when friendship was the key reason for the affiliation. Little was known to all that someday she was to rise to power as the country’s chief executive. Her historic ascension had its happy and glorious moments while as well their sad and controversial stories as she served her term.

Despite this, the classmates continued rendering the unselfish service demanded of them as officers and gentlemen, and did not earn their promotions by virtue of political association.

What many of the class detractors don’t realize that among others, many classmates are God-fearing and really have good hearts for the next man despite being warriors of the state on the other hand.

Despite all these good points which the class does not openly brag about, the class nevertheless has been the darling of intrigues, malignments, hate and envy. The negativity in the air did not however deter anyone from continuing to do what they do best for God and country.

Thus, it really is unthinkable that in our case, a classmate could not serve his full term as chief-of-staff only because of someone’s disdain and contempt that he may be a waiting snake in the grass, versus a strong ally on a rainy day. And now, another classmate has fallen into controversy all because he is apparently disliked by someone for reasons only the detractors can say. The evil of politics has reared its ugly head again.

And so, is there any way that my classmates be judge on their merits and not for our affiliations? Please give them a chance, and allow them to serve their time and lead the military and police to greater good as their fate was meant to be. Many thanks to all from a mistah of the PMA Makatarungan class of 1978.