If Not Us, Who?.....If Not Now, When?
If Not Us, Who?.....If Not Now, When?
This exhortation has often been used with great frequency during my college years at the University of the Philippines before and after the declaration of martial law in the Philippines in the early 70’s. Indeed, it created such a resounding effect to student activists, most of whom became active in the mass protests during that time. Many, including some of my friends, even forsook their college education, went to the mountains and joined in the armed struggle against the oppressive/dictatorial regime of then Pres. Marcos. Thousands lost their lives via the extra-judicial salvage killings perpetrated by military authorities hell-bent in crushing any and all opposition to the dictatorial regime, including no less than the late Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino. After EDSA I and II, a lot of earnest hopes and lofty dreams were pinned on the succeeding administrations of Presidents Aquino, Ramos, Estrada and now, GMA, but it appears that we are no closer to the forecasted Renaissance of the Philippines. Interestingly enough, many Filipinos are now even nostalgic about the accomplishments of Pres. Marcos, who despite his notoriety, was allegedly able to accomplish much more than any of his presidential successors. And with the political scenario the way it is today, there seems to be no respite in sight for the Filipino people in its continuous search for the right kind of political leadership.
Throughout our nation’s history, seasoned politicians, a housewife, a military general, a movie actor and currently, an economist served as Presidents but no one seems to have any lasting and effective solution to our country’s social, economic and political woes. I do not profess to have all the answers but I have always believed with all my heart and convictions that it is perhaps time to encourage God-fearing men/women with the moral resolve/integrity and genuine Christ-centered spiritual principles/convictions to get more involved in Philippine social/political affairs which are as stagnant as it can ever get. Men and women who have the competence and political will to eradicate graft and corruption, instill honesty and transparency in government affairs, promote justice and equal application of the laws regardless/mindless of so-called "sacred cows" and thereafter transform our corrupted government bureaucracy to be genuinely of the people, by the people and for the people.
I am personally inspired by the trailblazing example set by Gov. "Among" Ed Panlilio, a Roman Catholic priest, who has shown that, by the grace and favor of Divine Providence and sheer guts, it is possible to win against well-entrenched, robustly-financed political warlords. The issue is whether it is possible to duplicate the same in the national level? I firmly believe that in 2010, it is highly possible indeed. Without an incumbent President sitting on the throne, I foresee that the vaunted/manipulative COMELEC Operators will have divided loyalties among the various presidential contenders/political parties which will in turn, check and balance one another. Much like what happened in Pampanga where Gov. Panlilio won by a hairline number of votes, the country may very well experience an unprecedented clean and honest national elections in 2010. As such, it behooves Holy Spirit-inspired Christians, the so-called people of God, to make the move now to support the installation of morally upright political leadership especially in the national level. Indeed, Bishop Ted Bacani, the Spiritual Director of the multi-million member El Shaddai DWXI-PPFI headed by Bro. Mike Velarde, commented that the last bastion of Philippine society which must be conquered is the political arena. For too long, many Filipinos were misled to believe that Philippine politics is a decaying and darkened institution in our country and that decent, God-fearing ones should not even think of venturing into the same. As a result, many false prophets appearing in sheep’s clothing but who are underneath, wolves on the prowl, have practically monopolized the political scene. But as written in Matthew 5:13 and 14, didn’t Jesus exhort us and said?…"You are the salt of the earth…You are the light of the world." Salt serves to prevent decay and when there is light, there can never be darkness. Isn’t it time for many of us to live up to our respective roles as such for our country’s future? Again, as has been exhorted before and even more so now…If not us, then who? If not now, then when?…Di ba?
Ramoncito Poblete Ocampo, "Bro. Ramon" is a licensed attorney in CA and Philippines, an elder-disciple of the El Shaddai DWXI-PPFI and the President/Stewards’ Servant of the Bangon! Bagong Pilipinas, an advocacy/movement for the moral, economic and political transformation of the Philippines. For details, please log on to globalhello.com/bbp.