Philippines was a dear and endearing Country. It had a
bountiful nature, a healthy environment. The plentiful and productive seas
surrounded its many islands and islets. The clear and clean skies were its
mysterious and delightful roofing. The Filipinos were loving and lovable. They
cherished their religious fiestas, enjoyed their songs and dances. Thus it was
that Filipinos sang “I love my own, my native land, Philippines, my
Philippines…” The children, the youth and the adults all knew the song and
repeatedly sang it with gusto and pride.
Then came the avaricious clans and power hungry individuals.
Then came one government after another immersed in interminable graft and
corrupt practices. Then came self-serving public officials instead of rendering
public service. Then came the businessmen who are incarnations of greed. Then
came profit oriented and dedicated corporations. Then came more and more
politicians who protect and favor their families/dynasties instead of promoting
the common good of the people. Then came the political culture with pursuant
twisted value system of anything and everything in exchange of partisan
advantage, eventual conquest and convenience.
So it is: That nature is not simply exploited but also
eventually rendered poisonous, that big tracts of land are now destroyed and
rendered unproductive. That the air is dirty, dangerous and poisonous. That
more and more Filipinos are made to pay more and more direct and indirect
taxes. That there are more and more men and woman without work, and as an immediate
consequence thereof, more and more families go hungry.
So it is: That the Philippines import not only fuel but also
toys, clothes, school supplies and other consumer goods. That even pork and
fish are being imported. That on the other hand, Filipinos and Filipinas are
export commodities – not only with the full support of but also with open
promotion by the government itself. That while so sad yet so true, it is the
exportation of Filipino citizens that is keeping the Philippines economically
afloat by their money remittances to the Country.
So it is: That the proud shout of the “Matuid na landas” is
but a nice declamation piece. Otherwise, how does one explain the exemption of
Jueteng, KKK and Hacienda Luisita therefrom?! That the loud proclamation of
“Kayo and boss ko” is but pure poetry. Otherwise, how does one explain the VAT
that precisely eats up the already meager resources of millions of Filipinos –
not to mention the privatization precisely of public utilities?!
“Philippines, my Philippines!” When will this song be sung
again with pride and gusto! When will the Philippines be really and honestly
loved again in truth and in fact? When?
