Three persons, one topic of concern
Two weeks ago, a long-time friend of Carmen, my lady, dropped by our humble home for a brief consultation with my daughter Charisse. After the legal conference, I joined Carmen and her friend (from whom I have no authority to mention her name in this article) as they reminisced old times. It was in the middle of their banter that Carmen's friend remembered an article I wrote. She then asked me not to stop expressing my thoughts, in this column, on matters of public concern, even if, at times, I sound critical of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
Last Sunday, I received a text-message from Justin. By the way, I had met another Justin, when we organized the Volkswagen Club of Cebu, about 18 years ago. He was not the one who sent the text. Charisse also knows a lawyer named Justin. Neither of these two sent the text. Though I have never met the Justin who sent the text, I would like imagine the texter as a lady.
Justin asked me if I did not harbor any fear when I wrote my column last Sunday. To her, I had harsh words against the "China, Russia and me against the world" message President Duterte gave while on tour in China.
Then, on my way to school, I met a gentleman who reminded me, over my protestation that I am not and have not been involved in politics anymore and that he is "a loyal political supporter" of mine. God, that was more than two decades when I sat as a member of the Cebu City council! Anyway, as I thanked him in that quick conversation we had, he left with few words I cannot just put aside. "Ayaw pangatake ni Digong, torney, kay kuyaw!"
Three people on three different occasions talked about the few adverse opinions I had on the administration of President Duterte. The first among them agreed with my comment that our president should not have said "go to hell" to his American counterpart. Her being a former Fullbright scholar could probably explain her bias. But really, there was appreciable sense when she quipped, rather philosophically, that "heads of state, no matter how peeved they might be, are not supposed to use gutter language in their public appearances."
Actually, I exchanged messages with Justin. I believe that she is looking at the president's leadership with hope although. In her subsequent texts, she revealed that her Davao connections which include friends and relatives, "keep rationalizing away his (meaning, the president's) stupidities." Each time they hear unpleasant commentaries against the president, they would get back at the adverse commentator with the proverbial forks and tongs. Justin did not use the word "bullying" but the context of her message to me was her apprehension that it would be useful to be more careful.
The third person raised the necessary alarm. Out of the abundance of his caution, he reiterated for me to write less criticism against the president. If I were to paraphrase him: Being critical of the president is dangerous. That position is common to many. The president's rating in the survey polls is high and, at this point in time, when everything he touches seems to turn gold, it is swimming against the current for anyone to see attempt to show the other side of his governance.
I see, however, something worse than what the third person conveyed in precautionary term. Threat was just leveled on me. It did not come from my "political supporter." He simply echoed what I might not have realized. Indeed, I like to know his innate goodness was not compatible any form of harm, emotional, financial, or physical threat. That he was motivated enough to warn me of some possible harm only indicated the purity of his intention.
Be that as it may, should I entertain the thought that it is so perceptively wrong to criticize the president that harm should come his way to anyone who does not view the president's governance with favor? No, that is not what the third person wanted to tell me. All of us must understand that the strength of our government gets eroded when fear pervades in the heart of the unconvinced.
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