Jesse and the MMDA traffic aide

Two events involving three totally different personalities with different lessons to be learned transpired over the last several days. One story highlights another obnoxious and reprehensible instance of abusing one’s higher socio-economic status, occupation and educational attainment to oppress others, especially the poor.

The other is about a public servant who is (at the time of this writing on Monday) still missing after attending to official duties and was travelling on his way back to perform a familial duty. While tragic, the incident should remind those who do not appreciate the inherent hazards of public service and inspire those who continue to their work of serving the country quietly.

The first event, involves a Robert Blair Carabuena who was caught on video camera hitting in the face an MMDA traffic enforcer, Saturnino Fabros who wanted to enforce the law after Carabuena allegedly beat the red light in Commonwealth Avenue.

In a sense, the Carabuena bullying brings to mind the view of enlightened and perceptive sports people that sports is more than just another venue for displaying one’s athleticism, superior firepower and supposed invincibility by winning one title after another. These thinking sports leaders believe that sport is another golden opportunity to promote rule of law and respect for authority. In this respect, Carabuena’s behavior was an example of blatant disrespect of authority and a violation of the dignity of another man.

Carabuena’s display of “courage” had a tremendous viral effect, it being carried in both traditional and social media. Thousands saw a person of superior economic status and with important professional responsibilities exacting “punishment” from the lowly traffic enforcer.

Fabros, 47, who has been with the MMDA for the last 27 years, was attacked by Carabuena, human resource manager of a multinational tobacco firm following a supposed traffic violation. The story is that Fabros tapped Carabuena’s precious Volvo when Fabros tried to apprehend Carabuena who had just beat a red light.

Carabuena’s name, literally translated from Spanish to English means “good or pleasant looking face” was aided by an equally burly man in restraining Fabros who, minutes later, got an unwanted, stinging facial massage.

Fabros, a widower with six daughters, had the good sense to just turn his back on his attackers, all the time thinking of his children, aged seven to 18, that his wife Juliet left him when she died in June 2010. According to various accounts, Fabros was worried that the slapping incident could escalate to something deadly had he fought back. He had figured that had he gotten hurt, who would now take care of his children who he was supporting and sending to school with his meager monthly salary of P5,000 for nine-hour’s work as traffic aide?

One wonders if Carabuena’s past and present environment and personal circumstances and frame of mind at the time of the incident triggered his twisted sense of justice and abusive behavior.

The incident also highlights the unforgivable actuations of those who have more in life towards those who are poor and are vulnerable. A society which will tolerate such abusive behavior is certainly headed towards ruin and destruction. One is reminded of what John F. Kennedy said in his inaugural address on January 20, 1961 as the 35th (and youngest) President of the United States: “If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich”.

Kennedy’s message was, the poor are at-risk and therefore need more protection. The incident was a shameless display of contempt for the law and lack of respect for authority, two values that genuine and authentic sports people cherish and value.

While the slapping incident sparks outrage, the story of another public servant, DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo inspires. Robredo has been reported missing after the Piper Seneca plane he had taken Saturday afternoon from Cebu to Naga crashed into Masbate Bay, some three kilometers from Masbate airport where Robredo and his three companions were headed for an emergency landing after encountering engine trouble.

Robredo, former Naga City Mayor, a 1980 industrial engineering graduate of De La Salle University, former member of the Board of Trustees of the DLSU Professional Schools Inc (who consented to join the Board at my invitation) and Ramon Magsaysay awardee, among others, is regarded by his fellow Cabinet members and colleagues at DILG with respect and admiration.

Against the advice of his wife, Leni, Jesse proceeded direct to Naga from Cebu to join his loved ones in honoring one of three daughters who had won a medal in a math contest. It is our prayer that Jesse and the two pilots who are also reported missing are safe and well, wherever they may be.