Afraid to dream

When the local oil giants kept on increasing energy prices because of the continuous hike in world crude oil prices, they were taunted and hurled with all kinds of invectives by firebrands from the militant groups and do-gooders in Philippine society who refused to accept the rationale behind the price increases. Even media gave front-page treatment to the sometimes violent protest actions in the offices of Shell, Petron and Caltex. And, yes, opinion makers joined the fray by fanning the fire of anger and hate generated by the upward oil price movements.

* * *

When world crude oil prices turned around and gradually skidded downwards, the local oil giants began oil price rollbacks. Slowly but surely, the prices posted in gasoline stations went down, down, down. And ten times during the past several months, Shell, Petron, Caltex and the other players in the local oil market brought down their prices.

* * *

Strangely, the oil price rollbacks did not merit applause or draw cheers from the militant groups and other sectors that, in the past, mouthed words of anger because of the oil price hikes. And only the initial price rollbacks got front-page treatment from media.

Because of the apparent lack of public interest in the price rollbacks, there was no outcry at all for the public utility transport companies to roll back their transport fares. And did the local oil giants get a pat in the back for what they did? Certainly not.

* * *

Today’s Philippine society is weird. The people seem uncaring, unconcerned and indifferent to the good things happening in their country. They seem to have no passion at all to shout out with joy and cheer their hearts out over positive events that can push their country forward. Apparently, the Filipino people have become so benumbed that they can no longer dream to have that "feel-good" feeling about their motherland.

* * *

What is sad is the drift towards national apathy. It seems the people have become so used to the inferiority in their quality of life that they no longer care, that they no longer dare to dream about the good life. This attitude is one principal reason why the Philippines cannot make that much-needed breakthrough to a better life. Yes, it is tragic and pathetic that the Filipino people have agreed to chain themselves to mediocrity, to a life without meaning.

* * *

There are strange goings-on in the House of Representatives regarding the impeachment raps filed against Ombudsman Aniano Desierto by lawyer Ernesto Francisco. Apparently, a power play is raging, with faceless people and their fronts undertaking covert and overt efforts to undermine the Ombudsman, not because there is strong evidence against him but because they have selfish interests to protect and advance. In this power play, the loser will not be the Ombudsman but cherished democratic institutions that have to be preserved.

* * *

There is a pattern in this power play: The use of Joseph Goebbels’ art of systematic lying. Goebbels, as everyone knows, was the propaganda director of Adolf Hitler’s Nazi Party. Note how, in today’s Philippine political landscape, masters of propaganda have resorted to spreading unfounded accusations against certain personages and, with media hype, succeeded in making the public believe that what is untrue is true.

* * *

Take the impeachment raps filed against Desierto in the House of Representatives. Even before substantive evidence could be presented before the congressmen, the House committee on judiciary has already given the impression that there is basis to impeach the Ombudsman. I do not know if the judiciary committee conducted what could be accepted as a substantially thorough probe into the raps filed against Desierto. But the facts seem to show that the public has not been given access to sufficient information. As a result, many people have been misled into believing that, at this stage, there is already prima facie evidence against Desierto.

* * *

The Ombudsman’s accuser, lawyer Francisco, has presented to media a tape of what he claims is a conversation inside Westin Plaza Hotel involving the alleged "solicitation" of video equipment by Desierto and the latter’s alleged receipt of half a million pesos from Luke Roxas. While unauthenticated tapes are not admissible as evidence, the Francisco tape has already been gobbled up in media as something that contains the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. From this tape alone, one can see the disadvantage faced by Desierto in his effort to belie Francisco’s allegations and clear his name.

* * *

It is easy for the public to believe the raps filed against the Ombudsman. Desierto, for one, does not have the demeanor and mien that can elicit admiration and love from the general public. His face, his hair, and his physical appearance remind one of unloved characters of Roman times. And even his style of speaking does not make him a charismatic figure.

* * *

But if you view Desierto from a closer angle, your impression of him can change. Behind the facade of his physical appearance is a big heart, plus a sincere desire to do a good job. This, unfortunately, has not been seen by the general public because of Desierto’s failure to effectively counter the Goebbels attacks that he has been coping with for quite some time now.

* * *

It is strange that the Commission on Appointments has taken so long a time to confirm the nomination of Guillermo "Gem" N. Carague, one of the most honest, dedicated and sober public servants I have ever met. He is very qualified for the position of chairman of the Commission on Audit, being a CPA-lawyer and having held many public positions in the past involving auditing, accounting and budgeting. But more than that, Carague is ruthlessly honest and devoted to his work, characteristics so badly needed in today’s Philippine society.

* * *

The last time I talked to Gem Carague, who was my schoolmate at the Ateneo de Manila University, was several months ago. Over the phone, I congratulated him for holding such a sensitive post in the government service – and I suggested to him to take a higher profile in media so that the public will know what he and the COA are doing.

* * *

Gem’s reply was a big no. No, he wants to be low-profile so that he can be more effective in his effort to reengineer the auditing system in the public service. Gem expressed fear that high visibility in media might hamper his and the COA’s work. Giving a second thought to the matter, I realized that Gem Carague was right – at this point of time when so many things have to be done to make COA more efficient and productive in delivering its services to the people and protecting the coffers of the national treasury.

* * *

Many organizations have expressed support for Carague’s confirmation. For one, the 12,000-strong Government Association of Certified Public Accountants, headed by its national president Tito S. Nabua, has come out with a manifesto, pointing out the first-ever initiatives of Carague in enhancing auditing work in the government service. Other organizations have likewise followed suit, with their own testimonials of support for Carague’s immediate confirmation. And then, many officials and employees of COA have issued a similar appeal to the Commission on Appointments, which proves their high regard for their boss and their admiration for his humility and honesty.

* * *

Thoughts For Today:
The best way to start a new day
is to clean your heart,
no hatred, no fear, no shadow
of bitterness, loneliness.
Enjoy the gift of life.
God bless you!

* * *

Everyday is a wonderful opportunity
to care, to love, to smile, to pray,
and to be thankful for the blessings
we receive.

* * *

My e-mail addresses: [email protected] and [email protected]