The article of columnist Solita Collas-Monsod, “The ‘Buwaya Problem’” (1/08/2022), is a well-argued and evidence-based diagnosis that high political corruption is the main culprit underlying our country’s socioeconomic syndromes. It gave me three insights.
First, using the crocodile as a metaphor is a compelling way to depict the breadth and depth of greed for political gain. On the one hand, it is a fact that there are many similarities between politicians and animals, and thus we can compare their behaviors. On the other hand, it seems not fair to the crocodiles, and for that matter, to other animals, when we, without qualifying, compare the politician’s behavior to theirs. Because while the crocodile is wholly driven by pure instincts to grab its prey for lunch, the corrupt political dynasts are driven by unbridled greed for power under the guise of altruistic intent. In addition, aside from the fact that there are politicians who would not hesitate to go down to the level of animals to perpetuate themselves in power, there are others who would unconscionably do things animals themselves cannot do, such as the intentional killing of the weak and the innocent, for their political gain.
Second, the article should provoke anger against the systemic injustices committed on the poorest and vulnerable. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) wrote that “he who is not angry when there is a just cause for anger is immoral because anger looks to the good of justice and if you can live amid injustice without anger, you are immoral and unjust.” Moreover, the social injustice becomes more inexplicable because we pride ourselves as the only Christian country in these parts of the world. Where have gone the values of social charity and justice that 500 years of Christianity taught and upheld as the way to genuine peace and prosperity?
Third, in a democratic society like ours, elections are the most effective way to boot corrupt politicians out of power. This coming May 9, 2022 national elections, we can only hope that many of us will elect as president the one candidate who has the proven integrity, probity, and competence to lead our country from darkness into light. Matauhan na po sana tayo!
NOEL G. ASIONES
noelgasi2000@yahoo.com