I'd like to share a good commentary on Filipino politicians by Larri-Nil
G. Veloso of Mandaue City. Veloso is an ordinary employee whose
sentiments reflect that of thousands of salarymen in the Philippines
affected by what's happening in Metro Manila. He has practically written
everything that I've wanted to say about our present situation. ______
FOR "A FEW DUMB POLITICIANS"
"Here we go again. The dumb politicians are once more holding the whole
nation hostage. In the past several days, the likes of Sen. Nene
Pimentel and Congressmen Francis Escudero and Jacinto Paras are again
posturing at the expense of the Filipino people. This time their excuse
is the truth.
Exactly what truth are you trying to find out, sirs? Eh, umamin na nga
ang Presidente! ano pa ba ang gusto niyo? If you think the President has
committed an offense, then please file the appropriate actions and shut
up! Stop holding press conferences or appearing on television to air
your grievances because the media is not the proper forum for it. Being
members of the law-making body, you're supposed to use the legal
framework that Congress itself has created. You should be the first to
follow the law.
The trouble with these politicians and those calling for a leadership
change is that they don't know their action is bleeding the country dry.
MGA BOBO KASI. They are not only insensitive, they are ignorant of the
sufferings of ordinary men like me.
I bet my last pair of socks that you, Congressman Escudero, don't even
know the simplest needs of the common tao. Or that you and your fellow
useless politicians are so stupid to know that your calls for GMA's
resignation is, in fact, the reason why the stock market is down and the
exchange rate up. Heck, I seriously doubt you can stipulate the effects
of a fluctuating peso, let alone know what a Moody's "downgrade" is. MGA
BOBO KASI.
I challenge you Congressman Escudero to take a one-year leave of absence
from Congress to take a job in the private sector and live-off the
salary of a daily wage earner. Isama mo pa si Susan Roces at saka si
Bro. Eddie Villanueva. I can guarantee all of you: you will not last 30
days before calling it quits!
Now, if you're not willing to come out of your comfort zone, then I
challenge you to a debate---- to prove to our countrymen that you're all
stupid. Don't be intimidated: I am just an ordinary workingman and not
connected to any group that can tutor me about policy issues.
It's easy for you to hostage the economy because you know your
congressman's salary is assured for the next three years. I challenge
you to stop living off the taxes of the Filipino people or the tithes
and offerings of your members!
The other night Susan Roces' apo declared to the media that what his
lola is doing will benefit the Filipino people. Are you nuts? what do
you know about our plight here in the Philippines? What do you know
about the effects your lola's speech will have on the economy? You're
living in the U.S.A. for Pete's sake! Before you open your mouth, try
living here first and enroll at a public school with insufficient number
of books!
It's so unfair that a few dumb politicians and reckless individuals have
the power to bring down the whole country. Doubly unfair that Cebuanos
like me suffer for the stupid decisions made by the horde of uneducated
people in Manila.
I studied hard--heck, even worked to pay for my last year in college to
be where I am now. I pity the employees of foreign-owned companies like
me, who are now in danger of losing their jobs because of the
uncertainty now besetting the nation.
The Filipino people deserve better. Kung hindi pa niyo nalalaman, tapos
na po ang election. It's time to move on. Congress has better things to
do than to meddle in governance. Congress and the Arroyo administration
must work together to cut the deficit now, keep the exchange rate stable
and the inflation rate in check.
Simple lang ang kailangan ng bawat Pilipino---ang mabuhay ng maayos. I
do not aspire to run for Congress or lead a congregation and live off
the tithes and offerings of flocks. I just want to live a comfortable,
if not decent life.
Truth has no profound meaning for me if I lose my job and sleep with an
empty stomach. "