A sight to behold

To a society that idealizes wealth and appearances, the dressed down and ascetic Rodrigo Duterte is a puzzle. His relaxed sartorial style and his austerity pronouncements have been commented on though never in a negative way. On the contrary, the Duterte look has become the latest fashion trend.

Clearly, the President has captured the imagination of the people. Fresh from a famous 16,601,997 vote victory, a margin of 6.6 million over his closest rival, his trust rating has soared to 91%. Fashion style or frugality has little to do with it.  It is President Duterte’s words and deeds that are primarily responsible.

Edmond Rostand might as well have referred to President Duterte, rather than Cyrano de Bergerac, when he wrote: “I have a different idea of elegance. I don’t dress like a fop, it’s true, but my moral grooming is impeccable. I never appear in public with a soiled conscience, a tarnished honor, threadbare scruples, or an insult that I haven’t washed away. I’m always immaculately clean, adorned with independence and frankness. I may not cut a stylish figure, but I hold my soul erect. I wear my deeds as ribbons, my wit is sharper than the finest mustache, and when I walk among men I make truths ring like spurs.” Truly, what greater armor or adornment could one need than truth and independence?

From Day One, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s quest for truth and streak of independence was evident. He has not been afraid to rock the boat (to disturb the balance or routine of a situation: American Heritage Dictionary). He has been successful in initiating promised reform. And it has been a sight to behold. Because of this, adulation of the President has gained its present mythical proportion. This is a heady brew which, like all intoxicants, can be deadly. Hence, the attendant duty: that of restraint. True power also means knowing when not to use it. The President’s men should take care to not rock the boat too violently lest everyone in it falls overboard.

The urgency and the brutality (the President’s word) of the campaign against illegal drugs may be, to many, justified by the means employed by the drug lords. The argument is that no rules should bind us against an enemy who follows no rules. Specially when it is defenseless children who are targeted. But Madame Leni Robredo raises a valid point in pressing for a stop to the culture of fear: anyone can be a victim. Our children are defenseless either way.

It takes courage to counsel temperance of a popular campaign. Perhaps those in charge can take pause and listen to the cautions of Madame Robredo and Co. and, before resuming the pursuit, check if there are still people left in the boat?

Climate Justice. My brother Edmond “Macky” Maceda, currently sustainability consultant to Megaworld Corporation and director of sustainability for Enderun Colleges, shares his thoughts on President Duterte’s recent pronouncement that he will not honor the Philippines’ commitment to the Paris Climate Treaty.  The President invoked the concept of “climate justice,” wherein industrialized countries like the United States achieved progress through the use of fossil fuels for power production and, therefore, less-developed countries like ours should also be given the same opportunity.  It also brings to mind the fact that the Philippine contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions is miniscule as compared with developed nations.  Nevertheless, local efforts to develop renewable energy sources and promote energy efficiency and clean technology will continue, as evidenced by the surge in solar, wind, biomass and hydro-electric developments, so environmentalists should not feel terribly alarmed.

The crux of the controversy lies in the President’s implied approval for more coal power plants to be built – since coal is considered to be the cheapest raw material for energy production – to help curtail the looming power shortage and to service heavy industries like the new steel mill proposed by our dad’s good friend, Ramon “RJ” Jacinto.  In reality, coal power plants account for only 27 percent of our country’s greenhouse gas emissions; vehicular emissions account for much more than that. So if the President’s commitment to solve the traffic problem bears fruit, this would significantly reduce our overall emissions.

May we also suggest that the President and DENR Secretary Regina Lopez take a closer look at waste-to-energy power plants, such as the one built by Asian Carbon Neutral Inc. near Capas, Tarlac, which uses chicken manure, pig manure and milk waste to produce methane gas which is then converted into electricity. This new plant, which uses German technology, is extremely cost-efficient and also provides the twin benefits of reducing waste and producing organic fertilizer.

Condolences. We are truly sorry to hear of the passing of heroic Emmanuel “Em-J” Jose Pavia, a 24-year old Ateneo High School teacher. News reports say that he was coming to the aid of a robbery victim when he was shot dead by an unidentified gunman in Marikina City last July 18. Our condolences to his family. Condolences as well to the family of the late Rafael Iboleon Jr. of Binondo, Manila. He was 83.

The Search for Truth. Comte De Guiche to Cyrano when the latter, though penniless, refuses an offer of support from a patron in exchange for a small measure of his independence: Windmills, remember, if you fight with them may swing around their huge arms and cast you down into the mire! “Or,” answered Cyrano, “up among the stars!” To be cast up among the stars – this is the promise of the search for truth. To the Knights Errant, Wuxia, Samurai like President Rodrigo Duterte, the Phl Team in the Hague, EM-J Pavia, the many faceless public and private employees who accomplish heroic thankless deeds daily, and to my father, Senate President Ernesto M. Maceda, the search for truth continues.

(Starting today Ernesto Maceda Jr., president of Universidad de Manila, takes on the writing of Search for Truth.)