OpinionsOutside Looking InLiving in paradise

Living in paradise

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Last week I returned to my mountain home in Valencia from America. I felt the usual sense of exhilaration and well-being as the aircraft approached Sibulan airport. After the inevitable haggling over prices I was being charged on an ancient habal-habal through the bustling Dumaguete traffic, overflowing with throngs of laughing people, soon the mountain range of Mt. Talinis loomed invitingly in the distance. I was home.

*****

Have you ever briefly met someone whose conversation subsequently impacted you in a powerful way? I often have.

It happened again during last week’s flight from Cebu. Details of the conversation with the young lady who chatted with me keep resurfacing. Since she was soon to marry, we were discussing the importance of good parenting. Suddenly, she opened up about her evil father who, for some unfathomable reason, she still loves. I won’t go into significant details about this monster’s behavior, other than to say his reprehensible physical and emotional abuse of his defenseless children should have resulted in him being jailed for the rest of his life, and the key thrown away.

Adding insult to injury, he repeatedly taunts his now-adult daughter about the “conquests” he makes with young girls. He even shows his daughter photos of these unfortunates. Despite his abhorrent behavior, all his lovely daughter wants is some confirmation of love from him. Last Father’s Day when she called to wish him well, he put the phone down on her.

My heart breaks for this young lady, and for all others who suffer at the hands of evil monsters. If there is hell, let evil parents such as that father burn there, screaming throughout eternity.

*****

As my column title Outside Looking In says, I fully understand I’m an outsider and ignorant about most aspects of Philippine society.

One element that I’m at a total loss comprehending is the never-ending circus of scandals, alleged and too often real corruption, resulting in tribunals being set up, and televised senate and congressional hearings about alleged misdeeds of countless individuals.

What’s the reason for this corruption? The answer I’m usually given is that it’s a trait inherited from the Spaniards, an unwelcome gift from the colonial days.

But surely, that’s no excuse to allow perpetuation of this cancer in our society.

The recent case of alleged corruption involving the Chief justice of the Philippine Supreme Court particularly disturbs me. As a former attorney, I’m not naive about the sanctity of the legal system, but the possible impeachment of Chief Justice Sereno greatly disturbs me.

You know how critical I can be of America, but one shining jewel in the system there is the independence and integrity of the Supreme Court. It would be unthinkable for any Justice at that level to be involved in such nonsense.

What’s happening here is tragic, and reflects poorly on the judiciary, politics, and Philippine society in general.

*****

Never make any woman, particularly a Filipina, sufficiently angry to spew venom at you.

This is a lesson belatedly being learned by yet another politician currently running for cover. COMELEC Chair Bautista is involved in an embarrassing public display with his estranged wife Patricia, who alleged he has illegally-acquired a large fortune from the government, now placed in properties and cash accounts.

The presumption of innocence stands, but sadly, it’s another case in the never-ending series of probes into corruption in Philippine politics and society.

And as usual, it will probably lead to no jail time or any significant penalties if the accused is found guilty.

*****

Is it perhaps a form of spectator sport, an over-the-top drama that Filipinos enjoy, an alternative for the regular TV soap operas? Don’t people ever get tired of the ridiculous posturing of the politicians, the accusers and the accused, as they loudly proclaim guilt or innocence? And according to the accused, regardless of the merits, charges of corruption are always politically-motivated.

It’s revolting to see the politicians from all parties strutting like game cocks for the TV camera either indignantly proclaiming their virginal innocence, or vehemently condemning their opponents.

It would all be laughable were it not for the incalculable cost to Philippine society, and the harm it inevitably does to those most vulnerable. As always, after the dust settles, and the ignored Commission reports gather dust, those politicians and others who are corrupt will prosper, while, as always, the poor cry unseen tears.

*****

Earlier, I sat quietly sipping coffee while light slowly broke through the darkness, and the jungle broke into its ritual morning song. A rich cacophony of sound moved with increasing frenzy across the valley. Then further down, mist slowly drifted, showing me the ocean, with the island of Cebu in the distance.

Yet again, I’m reminded of my privilege living in paradise here in Negros Oriental. And for that I am deeply grateful.

_____________________________________________

Author’s email: [email protected]

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