Real needs vs politics

“We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.”

Romans 15: 1-2

It pains me to see that the current state of affairs in the Philippines is one where our elected officials and public leaders are so focused on politics, rivalry and the doom and gloom. So, who is minding the store or paying attention to our daily challenges?

We have become a collection of warring political tribes, vested interest groups, social media addicts, to the point that very little attention, time and action are taken to fix real day-to-day challenges of Filipinos.

Now would be a good time for many “failed” leaders and narcissists to seriously reflect on the words of St. Paul: “Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor” (1Corinthians 10:24).

The lesson is timely for believers and leaders in the Philippines, where we have adopted the position of “What’s in it for me?” or selfish short sightedness that plans and calculates on three-year political agendas and re-election or influence.

To that, St. Paul said: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:3-4).

Congress and Malacañang plot or work at another impeachment while unworthy or unqualified Cabinet members grab every chance to hold press conferences and present themselves as potential candidates for senator or president.

On the side, we have people sowing division and discord among Filipinos, dangerously labeling kababayans as “traitors” just to make sure their name and incendiary comments make it to the front page or headlines.

Such style and tactics are too dangerous for the cheap thrills of landing on the front page. Proverbs 6:27-28 warns: “Can a man take fire in his bosom and not be burned? Can one go upon hot coals and his feet not be burned?”

Ironically, many patriotic or “makabayang” politicians have not done or legislated any law that actually protects or insulates Philippine-based businesses or industries that have national security significance from predatory attacks of geopolitical players.

Who is even minding the store? The Philippines’ economic growth as of 2025 was dismal, somewhere around three percent. Every Tuesday is not with Morrie, as the book title goes, but rather every Tuesday is now unofficially “fuel price hike day.”

Tuesday is when fuel companies jab us with price hikes, government takes their cut via taxes and we try to think of yet another way to trim our expenses or travel. As Ariel Ureta is quoted as saying, “Sa ikauunlad ng bayan, bisikleta ang kailangan!”

The mention of the price of rice by government is like having someone scratch a scab from previous lies until the wound bleeds once again, or to remind us that Filipinos were fooled into believing that quality rice would become affordable.

Meanwhile, the last man standing among rice farmers has learned to accept the truth that they have become obsolete. They cannot continue selling their lands, belongings or go into debt just to feed the Filipino gluttony for rice.

In the last month, many folks who drive or ride through EDSA have witnessed the unexpected speed and quality of rehabilitation or repaving being done on the highway. It didn’t require a one-year shut down.

So, was President Bongbong lied to or made a fool by DPWH/MMDA officials, given how the current rehabilitation is being done at high speed? If EDSA can be upgraded so quickly, why is no one talking about the dilapidated and dangerous road quality of C5?

C5 is the main thoroughfare for majority of trucks and commercial vehicles driving north to south and back. Such a highly commercial roadway should be treated with double the importance of EDSA.

Speaking of roads, well-lit roads are essential to road safety but that does not seem to be a priority at the DPWH, DOTr and DILG nationwide. Neither is pedestrian safety and convenience. Majority of roads in Metro Manila and the Philippines are the domain of the Prince of Darkness.

My senior citizen neighbors and I often find ourselves walking with our heads looking down on the ground, not in shame, but in fear of tripping or spraining an ankle because of the lunar-like surface of Metro Manila roads and sidewalks.

Even in the Book of Hebrews 12:13 it states: “Make level paths for your feet, so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.” Sadly, many physically and visually impaired Filipinos find it safer to walk on the road than on sidewalks!

I’m proud and happy that Pasig City and our Barangay Kapitolyo have embarked on paving sidewalks at street level, complete with stainless steel bollards to prevent drivers from parking on the sidewalks.

Instead of a truly universal and equal system of service and assistance in public health, taxpayers and contributors find themselves discriminated against, in favor of the poor or indigent.

Why does a Filipino need to be dirt poor or be the “new poor” in order to get something in return for the taxes we pay? Only the poor and indigent get benefits, but they must first be dirt poor, ignorant and helpless!

No, hindi mahirap mahalin ang Pilipinas, huwag ka lang umasa sa mga nagnanakaw sa bayan! Our country is not the problem, it is the majority of our fake leaders!

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