Why does God take away the good ones?

January, the month for new beginnings, new hopes and new dreams has turned wayward a bit too soon. From its origin, Janus, a two headed Roman god who guarded doors and gates with one head looking towards the past and the other to the future – does this mean that we have a bleak year ahead of us?

The appointment of the new Chief Justice alone is making us frustrated and disappointed with the way the law is interpreted. Why don’t we just let the JBC members do their work and hope that they comply with the mandates written in the Constitution.

The surreal presence of Elly Pamatong as presidential bet at the COMELEC last week presented a harsh reality to many of us. He castigated the COMELEC officials after they disqualified him from running. After accusing them as thieves – one realizes in hindsight that indeed there are still many underlying issues that need to be resolved. The Hello Garci fiasco, the unexplained cases of lost ballot boxes in the past elections, the disorganized registration process which brought about total dismay on the part of the voters and the questionable efficiency of Smartmatic machines are some issues that have caused uneasiness in the people. Such perceptions (if they are) should be changed before all hell breaks loose in the coming elections.

Our senators are bringing the house down with a ruckus. Is this really what our leaders have turned out to be? They are groping in the darkness of the present morass. It is sad that they have lost the vision which illumined the previous generations who fought the Good fight. This is the time when honor and delicadeza must prevail.

The latest development of the Ampatuan case sends chills down our spines. From the news about a relative of the star witness being killed, the discovery of thousands of high-powered weapons to the money allegedly found worth P120 million during a raid. Just when we thought justice would be served, we witness too much delaying tactics. As the saying goes, “justice delayed is justice denied.”

The dramatic capture of Jason Ivler has made it clear that Marlene Aguilar, his mother has coddled her son way too much. Media should cut her “air” time since there is too much nonsense coming out from her end. Her husband Stephen Pollard, a British economist working for the Asian Development Bank is keeping mum about the situation. I wonder how the ADB executives are reacting to his moves? Are they going to coddle him as well? Abangan!

Another unexpected event that happened this month was the sudden death of Press Secretary Cerge Remonde. He was one of the longest-serving cabinet officials of GMA. He was the administration’s most competent, faithful and loyal stalwart. He even took the blame for GMA’s continued negative ratings. Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita described Remonde as a hardworking public official whose heart was focused on service and integrity. My father used to call him the virtual “poor boy” from Argao, Cebu who fought his way up to success. But above all he was a man greatly loved and respected by many. Remonde was a prayerful man. Perhaps it was his last prayer to be “released from fear and worry” that touched the heart of God – and He gave him his wish. He was indeed a good man. In grief we must find solace in the thought that maybe it was Divine Providence that saved him from further lost of his soul.

We, the citizens of this troubled land, in this time of uncertainty and self-doubt in which a President is beleaguered and accused of wrongdoing, can learn much. Why not recall the forgotten Civics and Ethics Code promulgated by the first President of the Philippine Commonwealth, Manuel L. Quezon, which is amazingly pertinent to this day:

1. Have faith in Divine Providence that guides the destinies of men and nations.

2. Love your country for it is the home of your people, the seat of your affections, and the sources of your happiness and well-being. Its defense is your primary duty. Be ready at all times to sacrifice and die for it if necessary.

3. Respect the Constitution which is the expression of your sovereign will. The government is your government. It has been established for your safety and welfare. Obey the laws and see that they are observed by all and that public officials comply with their duties.

4. Pay your taxes willingly and promptly. Citizenship implies not only rights but also obligations.

5. Safeguard the purity of suffrage and abide by the decisions of the majority.

6. Love and respect your parents. It is your duty to serve them gratefully and well.

7. Value your honor as you value your life. Poverty with honor is preferable to wealth with dishonor.

8. Be truthful and be honest in thought and in action. Be just and charitable, courteous but dignified in your dealings with your fellowmen.

9. Lead a clean and frugal life. Do not indulge in frivolity or pretense. Be simple in your dress and modest in your behavior.

10. Live up to the noble traditions of our people. Venerate the memory of our heroes. Their lives point the way to duty and honor.

11. Be industrious. Be not afraid or ashamed to do manual labor. Productive toil is conductive to economic security and adds to the wealth of the nation.

12. Rely on your own efforts for your progress and happiness. Be not easily discouraged. Persevere in the pursuit of your legitimate ambitions.

13. Do your work cheerfully, thoroughly, and well. Work badly done is worse than work undone. Do not leave for tomorrow what you can do today.

14. Contribute to the welfare of your community and promote social justice. You do not live for yourselves and your families alone. You are a part of society to which you owe definite responsibilities.

15. Cultivate the habit of using goods made in the Philippines. Patronize the products and trades of your countrymen.

16. Use and develop our natural resources and conserve them for posterity. They are the inalienable heritage of our people. Do not traffic with your citizenship.

The vital lesson we must learn from our past is that we can triumph if we only persevere. The Filipino people, by grit, hard work, and faith in God, will march forward to fulfill their destiny.