We Have A Long Way To Go

Hearing how the recent election was labeled ‘peaceful’ (relatively) gave me but little comfort about the condition of our nation. They say technology and more vigilance from the people have made it more difficult for fraudulent schemes to succeed. But then I watch the news, I read the news paper, and I hear of controversial ballots, flooding of counterfeit money in the provinces, bombs going off, a school getting burned, teachers, watchers, and even some officials getting killed, ballot-counting by candlelight, the never-ending count update of our utterly slow canvassing system (when, oh when will we be automated?), and how the partial senatorial tallies reflect what the people think of the administration.

There may be a few fresh winds blowing our way—a priest wins as Pampanga governor and vows a jueteng-and scam-free term, a positive alternative to the Senate presenting itself in the form of the Kapatiran party (yes, even if they’re trailing far behind), the Stars are fading, and most of the not-so-deserving did not really make it to the Top 12. At least we have that. (And maybe a few more that I am not aware of and so fail to mention here.) But I think these little sparks of hope are still in a big struggle to keep from getting snuffed out by the darkness. I strive to stay hopeful for my country, but sometimes the pessimism tries to strangle my dreams for this nation, and I cannot help but lament. We are still a corrupt people.

Let me share this vision for the nation that I am holding on to. Our church pastor was the one who wrote it, and he shared it with us a year ago (I can’t remember if it was during a worship service or a teaching session). The piece of paper got buried in the clutter on my desk, and I got reminded of it when I went on a mission to clear up that clutter. =) I hope this becomes your vision too.

What kind of PHILIPPINES do I long to see?

A land that is PEACEFUL. Where Muslims and Christians and animists and those with no religion at all can live together as friendly rivals but not as enemies. Where disputes are resolved by discussion and debate and not with the barrel of the gun. Where one may walk the streets at night unarmed and remain unharmed.

A people who are FREE. Free to think even the unthinkable, free to worship God according to one’s best light, free to elect rulers and to replace them, free to argue one’s case in the media, free to travel wherever one pleases, free to live and work anywhere in the islands.

A territory that is SOVEREIGN. Friendly with all her neighbors, and working in solidarity with them in promoting regional interests. Cordial with all nations in the East and the West, the North and the South, but sovereign in her foreign policy. Free to chart her own destiny for Filipinos have the special duty to promote the welfare of their nation.

A nation that is JUST. Every man and woman and child receives his/her due. The poor are not discriminated against because of ignorance or lack of access to legal services. Judges and justices cannot be bought but dispense and apply the law with impartiality. Equal pay is given for equal work. Everyone has equal opportunity for education, housing, employment, medical care, and other social services.

A community that is PARTICIPATORY. People taking responsibility for their lives, and increasingly empowered to do so. Making decisions that affect their families and neighborhoods, their towns and cities, and the entire country. Being responsible for one another for “each man is his brother’s keeper.” Political in the broadest and best sense. Our stewardship includes the care of the planet Earth, God’s appointed habitat for mankind.

A country that is PROSPEROUS. Not prosperity at the expense of freedom, but a progressive economy that grows from wise policies, efficient, government, and honest business practices. Prosperity that does not merely make the rich even richer, but one that benefits all the people, reaching to all parts of the countryside, finally breaking the back of centuries of feudalism.

A society that is RIGHTEOUS. Only through the Christian gospel are people “put right with God,” so we evangelize as vigorously as we can. However, there is a public righteousness that Christians can promote as salt of the earth and light of the world. As an “overwhelming minority,” we can influence the rest of society to minimize graft, tax evasion, violence, prostitution, and other expressions of a corrupt society. “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people” (Proverbs 14:34).

(Sgd.) Ida Ingrid Rocha
Date: June 25, 2006