EDITORIAL - Measures of character

Former congressman Antonio Cuenco has announced his withdrawal from the congressional race in 2013 and his retirement from politics. Cuenco, one of the staunchest opposition leaders during the darkest years of martial law, served Congress for nearly three decades.

Told the news, Rep. Tomas Osmeña, who now represents the district Cuenco used to serve, said the decision of Cuenco to withdraw his candidacy is because he knows he cannot win back his old seat next year.

Vice Mayor Joy Augustus Young, like the proverbial bamboo to Osmeña’s wind, said the withdrawal of Cuenco was expected because he knows he is headed for defeat, that his experience tells him the end of the road is near.

Other allies of Osmeña and Young were kinder with their words. Rep. Cutie del Mar and her father, former congressman Raul, issued a joint statement that, rather than rub salt on Cuenco’s wounds, dwelt instead on the indelible contributions Cuenco gave to Philippine politics.

The Del Mars expressed sadness at the end of Cuenco’s illustrious career. “He has done us Cebuanos proud with his achievements, especially his being one of the few opposition members who bravely fought the formidable forces of the dictatorship during the dark years of martial law.”

The sharp contrasts between the reactions of Osmeña and Young on the one hand, and the Del Mars on the other, speak very eloquently and clearly of the kind of people that they are, and of what character they choose to define their politics, though they may be on the same side.

Cuenco cited health reasons for his retirement. He could be telling the truth. Or Osmeña and Young may be right that Cuenco knows it is time to let go. But in retirement, as in death, it is never appropriate nor respectful to accentuate the negative.

Cuenco has submitted himself to history’s judgment. But if he has a place in history, he most certainly earned it. And the kind words of the Del Mars will serve Cuenco well in his golden years than the snide remarks Osmeña and Young chose to gift him with on his leaving.