Same, same, same,” cried most people. It was the same megalometric diatribe of the Chief Executive Officer of the country, which ran up to almost two hours. Some said it was ”boring” and other similar reactions. But did you really listen to the content and substance of the speech? Where is the direction that P-Noy is taking us?
P-Noy, like his mother, was placed into this high office by a people tired of the prevalent graft and corruption in all sectors of government. The only difference is the context wherein Cory was elected by People Power to drive away a corrupt regime of government.
However, when the Marcoses left, some people reacted: ”When Ali Baba left, he left behind 40 thieves!”
Because of unbridled greed, those remnants further improved the skills at undermining democratic institutions in the executive, legislative, and the judiciary branch of government.
The principle of transparency, checks and balance, vital in any democracy, was eroded along with the integrity and reliability of the Fourth Estate — the press.
Every sector was not exempt because even the private sector, civil society, and the church were not exempt from the virus of corruption. Thus, giving birth to the saying: ”He who has the gold makes the rule!”
The silent majority remained silent and indifferent until the time of Erap, then GMA, and now, NoyNoy.
Somehow, under this backdrop, P-Noy set his administration’s direction: “Dito tayo sa daang matuwid!”. (We take the straight path.)
Now in his fourth SONA, it seems that P-Noy still has to tackle an upward climb. Whether local or national, in high and low places, we hear of reports of graft and corruption.
What changed is the reaction of government — they admit to the existence of corruption, and are transparent about their actions to address the anomaly. For that alone, the nation can hope for change for the better.
So it is the task of each and every citizen to also change from an attitude of silence and indifference to one of active involvement and participation.
Remember, the effectivity of democratic institutions and mechanisms rests on an alert and informed citizenry.
Locally, what can an ordinary person do to assist in making democracy work? It is important to recall your duties as citizens — monitor and report questionable activities of government officials.
Those who have access to the Internet must use their talent for the country. Malacanang has Twitter and Facebook accounts, if you cannot trust anyone else to act on your observations.
The only person who can hold government officials accountable is the person on the local level, meaning, that is you and me. We are the particle of democracy who can ensure good governance for an improved nation building.
While P-Noy narrated his achievements, we must admit that he and his handful of believers cannot do it alone. “Evil men flourish when good men do nothing!”
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Author’s email: [email protected]
