Oprah Winfrey makes a lot of sense about new year’s resolutions. She toasted, “Cheers to a New Year and another chance for us to get it right.”
For that is truly what every New Year offers: an opportunity to do better, the possibility to become better versions of ourselves.
Oprah is the epitome of tenacity, honesty and purpose. Before she reached the pinnacle of power, some crabs tried to dismiss her as a flaky New Ager in constant search for the meaning of life. Now, as an established and beloved philanthropist, multi-billionaire media-mogul, many seek her advice to find their life’s philosophy and fulfill their potential.
It took many years of resolve for Oprah to overcome the abuse she was subjected to as a child, and the consequences of such trauma. Despite her never-ending battle with the bulge, she has pretty much conquered all her fears and achieved what she had set out to do — all in the unblinking and sometimes unforgiving public eye. Before reality-TV, FB and Twitter, Oprah was already baring her soul to her viewers and casting her wishes and pledges to the Universe. She must know something we don’t.
Resolutions typically come in positive and negative forms — dos and don’ts, start or stop, adopt or modify, look to the future or reflect on the past. Doing an Oprah, here’s pitching wishes to the heavens, for our country and our countrymen.
Freedom of Information (FOI)
It’s the third part of the “three kings of landmark bills” that needs to be passed urgently, before the House and Senate catch election fever. The more controversial Sin Tax and RH bills have both been put to bed, leaving this last-but-not-least crucial legislation in a tight squeeze. We heard from the grapevine that some legislators are against it because of the fear that media hacks might abuse the unrestricted release of SALNs, budgets, project costs etc. Others want a Right of Reply inserted in the bill, as a remedial measure for misinformed, misinterpreted or malicious reporting.
Whatever it takes to allay genuine concerns should be included in the final bill. But for those with something to hide, the FOI will surely shine the light on anomalous transactions. The late DILG Sec. Jesse Robredo was pushing for a full disclosure policy for local government units before his untimely demise. Imagine how much easier and faster it would be to expose overpriced lampposts and convention centers!
Investor grade
Incredibly, the Philippines is just a hairline away from investor grade. P-Noy and his economic team were able to achieve in two years what his former professor couldn’t manage in nine years! Investor grade means lower borrowing rates and more attractive foreign investments pouring into the country. Better implementation of the Anti Money Laundering Act and the passage of the FOI bill will most likely clinch the deal.
Inclusive growth
The Harvard Business School definition of poverty is “badly distributed wealth.” We are witnessing firsthand the decline of America. Many socio-analysts attribute this in no small part to the shrinking middle class, increasing poverty due to unemployment and the un-moderated greed of Big Business and the top one percent-ers.
We are projected to end 2012 with a GDP growth of over 6 percent, way over the initial forecast. If unemployment and anti-poverty programs are consciously and conscientiously integrated into this bright macro perspective, peace and prosperity will come with the New Year.
The China syndrome
It is not a fictional nuclear reactor that might induce a global meltdown but the aggressive stance that China’s leaders and Media have manifested over the brewing territorial dispute. These saber-rattling antics seem to be deliberate attempts to rile ASEAN nations into war.
Many feel that relying on the United States to protect us against the big bully is pie in the sky. The US has its own problems to worry about such as the looming fiscal cliff. Diplomacy, hand in hand with global opinion and ASEAN unity might fend off Goliath. What is important to remember is that little David beat the leviathan with one well-placed slingshot.
Anti Sin-Tax/RH crusades
History points out that before the first Holy Crusade was launched in Year 1096, the Christians, Jews and Muslims lived in relative peace and harmony. Two centuries and nine religious expeditions later, the war was still raging with no definitive gain. The Crusades as measured against their goals, was an “inglorious failure.” Despite the enormous amount of wealth and lives wasted, the coveted Holy Land remained in the hands of the Moslems.
Those who wish to continue beating a dead horse like the RH-bill by following Enrile’s advice to seek relief in the Supreme Court should remember the fate of the Crusades. It finally ended when the proponents came to realize that Jerusalem could best be won the way Christ and the apostles did it, “by love, prayers and shedding of tears.”
Election 2013
In May 2013, we have another chance to get the right leaders. Let us not choose based on name recognition and/or multi-million campaign ads. Let us scrutinize the candidates’ past and project how they will be in the future. Will they serve the country or just protect their own interests? Discern the character that will not succumb to the temptations of power. The gold standard has been set by Jesse Robredo our nation’s greatest servant leader. Guns, gold and goons belong to the garbage, alongside trapos and dynastic candidates without track records.
It is high time that the Filipino show the world what he is capable of: the genius of Jose Rizal, the courage of Andres Bonifacio, the passion of Gabriela Silang and the artistry of Juan Luna.
May this New Year find in each of us, a better Filipino.
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