Fists of folly and bad publicity

One of Bruce Lee’s most famous films was titled “Fists of Fury”. You don’t forget such a title especially when both the actor and the movie were action packed. Recently I saw something in the news that could be titled as “Fists of Folly”.

The scene involved the “Morong 43”, the now controversial health workers who were rounded up in a raid by the military against suspected subversives and terrorists. In a matter of days, leftist organizations had managed to stir up a lot of publicity, which of course attracted a lot of publicity hungry politicians as well as well-meaning groups.

From a PR stand point, the leftists were doing quite a job against the military, up until the time when the “Morong 43” came out of a bus each of them raising a “clenched fist”, the stereo typical salute of leftists, rebels or subversives and nationalists.

That singular act or moment in time completely undermined whatever advantage or sympathy there was for the Morong 43. Their salute of defiance instantly turned into “Fists of Folly” that cast doubts on their complete innocence.

More than the admission of one, as being a member of the NPA (New Peoples Army) or the identification of two females as NPA Amazons involved in an ambush of a police patrol that killed one policeman and led to the captivity of another, the “Fists of Folly” displayed by the “Morong 43” supported what the military had claimed from the very start.

What could have been a major PR victory for the leftists has turned into a continuing series of contradictions, where outsiders and supporters make allegations, which were contradicted by the statements and admissions of people from within the “Morong 43”.

They say that no secret remains hidden, from the looks of it, the case of the Morong 43 has started to reveal who among their “many” supporters are for real or just for politics and propaganda.

Ultimately that will be the outcome of the case. It won’t be about individuals or human beings and their human rights. It will be about political agenda, propaganda and pseudo ideologies. The Morong 43 may be true health workers or true rebels. Their case may be about human rights or national security. But right now it’s all about publicity.

Publicity intended to gain political ground. Publicity intended to gain sympathy and membership. Publicity intended to generate funds and donations, publicity intended to cover up malicious intent on either side. Ultimately it will be publicity at the expense of the “Morong 43 minus 3”.

* * *

Still in the area of publicity, may I suggest to the BIR and to the VACC or Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption that success and accomplishment does more for you than publicity.

It seems that some people have started to believe or are being made to believe that “publicity, whether good or bad, is still publicity”. If you are a short-term thinker who are merely trying to attract attention or look good for a few months, that may be the case.

But for important institutions such as the BIR and relevant organizations such as the VACC, publicity is worthless when it compromises integrity and respect. In case the current Commissioner of the BIR has not noticed, each time some issue or celebrity news pops up, the BIR announces that they will go after this or after that person to collect taxes.

It all started with Pacquiao and is now about going after political endorsers etc. I would like to believe that the new BIR chief is serious enough to realize that this publicity announcements may be good only at the start but when used too often, it makes the agency look like an “amateur — trying hard” agency without a real collection plan.

As for the VACC, the leaders should consider a new attitude and a new approach to gain recognition based on real work and real accomplishment. They should study different organizations and individuals with similar history and learn how support groups and lobby groups gained respect from various sectors of society.

From personal tragedy the VACC transformed into a support group. Right now they’re beginning to look like war veterans waiting for recognition. Gimmick driven publicity or photo ops have seriously eroded the credibility and character of the group.

The VACC might do better by telling people their story, teaching people what they learned and what people can do to prevent crime and violence. We have enough young people who want to be involved in something right and something good, unfortunately there is an equal number of “Old” people who don’t appreciate what young people can do.

People tend to devalue the impact of “telling stories” in schools and colleges. When victims tell their tales people listen and learn. In doing so the VACC might prevent even greater tragedy and violence. That’s a lot better than publicity.

The group needs to develop a continuing program for education, reform and legislation on the two fronts against Crime and Corruption, Programs that brings in what other people can contribute and distribute.

The VACC needs to realize that all armies that constantly go to battle will need new soldiers and new leaders. Perhaps that is what needs to be done.