The most beautiful girl in the world

Hey, did you happen to see the most beautiful girl in the world? Eighty-six beautiful ladies from all over the world have been basking in the beauty of the Philippines and the warm hospitality of the Filipino people these past few days. Yes, after 23 years the Philippines is once again hosting the Miss Universe beauty pageant. And it would be such a shame if our ‘macho men’ missed this opportunity of a lifetime. Touchè.

Today is the day. One of these beautiful ladies is about to be crowned Ms. Universe 2016. Who will hold the title of the ‘most beautiful’ woman on earth? Oh by the way, I am reminded of Melania Trump who for a second sure caught the attention of the public’s eye. Her every move was scrutinized and analyzed. What a hot and sexy First Lady! Let’s see how she will hold up.

But going back to today’s most awaited and highly publicized event in the country, billions of people around the world have their eyes glued on the screen. Even if you think that beauty pageants are a thing of the past, it isn’t in this country. Filipinos are fascinated with beautiful people – man or woman. We are great lovers of beauty (in any form) and we’re not shy about it at all. Every corner will always have a group of men either by a jeepney stop, a sari-sari store, a café, or even in a barber shop or beauty salon – plainly admiring the beautiful people walking pass them. And today, whether you like it or not, it’s a fiesta. Even Malacañang had to make it clear that today is not a holiday.

The President himself was silenced for once in the presence of all the candidates. When he met them last week, he said, “he hoped the day would never end.” Grinning from ear to ear, he was euphoric. He agreed to host this year’s Miss Universe pageant with the prodding of the new Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo and Pia Wurtzbach, the reigning queen. We should give it to the organizers who pulled it through despite the high cost. It really takes guts. And what’s promising about it is that all these contestants will be talking about their wonderful experiences about the Philippines all over the world while the viewers will see the natural wonders of the Philippines. This is indeed an opportunity to showcase our country.

Thanks to Manong Chavit Singson whose love for women has brought about this commitment to mount this event no matter what. So far, the bill is running a whooping $14 million and still counting. At this point, major sponsors including Philippine Airlines, SM group, Japanese mogul Kazuo Okada and Solar Entertainment are not talking about profits anymore, it’s about love for women, I mean love for country. So let’s enjoy the ride, be happy and take pride as we show the world the beauty of our country and people.

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Amidst all the excitement that led to today’s momentous event in our history as a nation, comes the horrible news about the killing of Korean national Jee Ick Joo inside the headquarters of the Philippine National Police Force in Camp Crame. Sanamagan This simply shows how much purging this institution needs. Yes, not all cops are bad. There are also good ones out there. But at the end of the day, the PNP image is already terribly tarnished and something drastic must be done.

In order to support the President’s program on the war on drugs and the war on corruption, some things must give and sacrifices need to be made. Statistics show the accomplishment of the project “Double Barrel” Alpha from July 1, 2016 to January 25, 2017: 584,975 houses visited, 213,302 persons surrendered, 16,741 arrested, and 1,026 killed. The same report showed a total value of drugs confiscated amounting to P2,290,268,618.66 and 1,338 confiscated firearms from Cal.45 to M16 during the period. But despite this laudable accomplishment in such a short period of time, I believe that due to the recent turn of events in the force, the President must order Chief PNP ‘Bato’ to start a cleansing period within the different ranks of the PNP. More than this, he must demand a revamp of the entire system. This goes for other government offices as well. A new image must be created; one that emanates respect, discipline and order.

How can the police get things right? They must change their ways and be clear about their goals and aspirations. First, why did they decide to become policemen? If you ask the young Philippine National Police Academy trainees, you will be disturbed by their answers. What is worse is that when you discover all what they are going through inside the academy, you will note that there is a wrong kind of conditioning happening (the physical pain, the psychological sufferings, torture and harassments) – that of which is not good for the force. The elders will definitely not admit to this, but they must or else that vicious cycle of producing the wrong kind of cops will continue. Do we want “guardians” and “protectors” for the nation? Or do we want “killers,” kotong-cops, drug lords? Something must be done.

Why can’t we trust policemen? History shows the long tradition of cops involved in different modus operandi. How I wish the President can kill all of the bad cops first before the drug addicts on the streets. He should purge the PNP and the AFP first. He must prioritize the violations and crimes inside these institutions first and bring back its honor and glory.

The President must direct all PNP and AFP establishments to clean their environment, put order and discipline. Police precincts must be clean with policemen on duty in proper uniform to command respect from the citizens. By the way, I suggest that PNP Chief ‘Bato’ pay a surprise visit to precincts around the country to see for himself the pitiful condition. Police officers must also handle themselves in a more professional way, mind the words they utter and manner of speaking and ensure that they give correct information at all times.

Has this “noble profession” lost its legitimacy? How do you prepare a police officer? How well has he been trained to handle and respond to different security and criminal situations – murder, rape, hostage taking, carjacking, protest rallies, etc.? Do they know how to handle confidential information? Do they know how to communicate? How can the PNP create a more “humane” force? How do they close in the gap between the community and the police, creating a balance of a positive force? Are the policies archaic and inundated?

Our young children look up to the police. They think of them as heroes. It is this impression that the police force must live up to. Good police work is about attitude. It is about that intrinsic goal of service to country, to protect the people. Errant cops make all the cops look bad. They do not belong in the force. All cops must be properly screened again. Transfer them, demote them or fire them if you must. Use your iron hand Mr. President. Don’t let them get away.