PamagCUSA Blog

Independence Day...Are We Truly Free?

With the 2010 Philippine presidential election looming in the horizon, it is not quite a far-fetched idea to envision that in this and succeeding elections, more overseas-based Filipinos especially those based in the USA may be inclined to throw their respective hats into the Philippine political arena. This distinct possibility of Filipino-Americans vying for political offices in our country bodes well for a nation which is constantly seeking/searching for alternative choices in the Philippine political arena. However, before Filipino-Americans could realistically venture in Philippine political affairs, there is an equally urgent need for us to put our acts together for the common good here in the USA . For example, in celebrating the forthcoming Philippine Independence Day (June 12), is it not possible to institutionalize a multi-talented, ever growing and diversely-represented entity to, once and for all, closely coordinate on an annual/ongoing basis the efforts/resources and activities by consular officers/different organizations if only to jointly promote and showcase the best of the Filipino people’s culture and traditions? It has come to my understanding that there are at least 3 Independence Day celebrations scheduled simultaneously in the Los Angeles county by different organizations working independently of one another. It is truly a sad commentary to the Filipino people’s utter lack of visible cohesion on a day which inevitably happens every year and ought to be one of the most important occasions to remember and celebrate our identity as a nation. Indeed, it is not unusual for organizations with supposedly common objectives/agendas to compete needlessly, duplicating, impeding, belittling or worse, demeaning the efforts of another if only to make themselves and/or their respective organizations get all the credit, commendation/accolades and hug the limelight, so to speak. This dismal lack of cohesiveness/continuity and seemingly unresolved rivalry/factionalism among Filipino leaders/organizations in commemorating an event which celebrates our freedom reminded me of Galatians 5:13-15 which state…"Remember that you have been called to live a life of freedom but not a freedom which gives free rein to the flesh. Out of love, place yourselves at one another’s service. The whole law has found its fulfillment in this one saying, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ But if you go on biting and tearing one another, I warn you, you will end up in mutual destruction."

It has been commented that with more than 2 Million Filipino-Americans, we could and should have, by now, achieved substantial clout in US political affairs which would then, redound to the fast/easy passage of legislation benefiting our people such as the Filipino Veterans Equity Bill. Unfortunately, this rather divisive, aloof, rivalry-oriented mentality/attitude of our so-called community leaders aggravated by indifference and apathy among many of our people, has remained unabated all these years and will continue to derail our people’s thrust towards mutually beneficial social enhancement, economic stability and political maturity. It is my prayer that more Filipino-Americans, particularly those endowed with God-given integrity (MAKADIYOS), deeply-seated patriotism (MAKABAYAN) and Christ-centered compassion for the poor (MAKATAO) and blessed as well with an abundance of worldly resources, start getting more actively involved and someday instill a united, Christ-centered dimension in Philippine economic, social and political affairs not only here in the USA but even more so in the Philippines. After all, as written in Ephesians 4:3-6…"Let us make every effort to preserve the unity of the body which has the Spirit as its origin and peace as its binding force. There is but one body and one Spirit and one calling to which God has called us There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, Who is above all, works through all and is in all." As such, there is a clarion call for Christians, the chosen people of God, to stand fast in the gap and hold its ground as one body wielding weapons of righteousness to free the Filipino people and resist the evil one whose tactics/spirit of pride, envy, jealousy, division, selfish rivalries and parochial factionalism is very much at work and has already wrecked havoc, confusion and disillusionment as it is…Di ba?

Atty. Ramoncito P. Ocampo, "Bro. Mon", a licensed CA lawyer, is currently the Stewards’ Servant of BANGON! BAGONG PILIPINAS (BBP), an advocacy/movement dedicated to the moral, economic and political transformation of the Filipino people. For details, visit www.globalhello.com/bbp or log on bbp.1010@yahoo.com.