Reflections on the future

The first quarter of the year is almost over with the Lenten season usually the time when people take a break from the hustle and bustle of Manila. For many of us especially those engaged in politics, the Lenten season is that time of the year when the “enemies” usually take a break from the wrangling, the intrigues, the backbiting, the plotting and the scheming. I could not agree more with Senator Miriam Santiago when she aptly said, “enemies are precisely why God created the middle finger.” President Aquino, too, had something to reflect on for Easter after going through months of intense criticism. He says he prayed for the people whom he thinks are biased against him – those he labeled as “haters.”

The Easter holiday week is the perfect time when all of us should examine our faith, ponder on the future and prepare for our departure from this world. Maybe God’s timing is perfect, and so it was no coincidence that Pope Francis came to visit at the start of the year and a week before the tragic Mamasapano incident. The pontiff’s presence renewed the faith of Filipinos and gave them the fortitude to keep believing that the situation in this country will get better as long as they do their best because God will take care of the rest.

We all have to seriously think of the upcoming 2016 elections when we have to choose the next leaders of our country. According to the CIA World Factbook, 52.7 percent of the population consists of the youth (24 and below) while 37 percent is composed of the 25-54 age group – putting the youth in the best position to determine the future of this country. The good part is that, with the advent of social media, they are better informed and updated about what’s happening not only in the Philippines but all over the world.

Now more than ever, choosing the right leaders has become critical because of the challenges – domestic and international – that our nation must face. For one, the economy which, fortunately, has been resilient – although it’s been moving slowly with complaints from certain sectors that it has not really been inclusive. While the reforms instituted by the administration has generated a lot of praise from the international business community, the Philippines has to boost infrastructure development to sustain economic gains and position the country as a strong player in the global arena especially with the upcoming ASEAN economic integration.

On a bright note, the country’s justice system is moving towards the right direction with Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno at the helm, pushing for judicial reforms and programs to decongest the courts and speed up the resolution of cases.  The Justice on Wheels program for instance has resulted in the release of over 8,000 prisoners, many of whom were accused of petty crimes but have been languishing in jail because they do not have the means to hire the services of a lawyer. 

One other problem that the next administration will “inherit” would be the territorial disputes involving the West Philippine Sea, with China exhibiting what one analyst described as “incremental assertiveness” as seen in its “seizure of individual features and massive land reclamation activities” while absurdly fuming at the Philippines’ resumption of repair and reconstruction activities in some small islands and reefs in the disputed territories.

Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario has done his best in doing everything he could to elevate our claim before an international arbitration court in The Hague. It is very likely that this may not be resolved amicably, so clearly the next administration will have to focus on strengthening our military alliances with other countries like Japan and of course the United States in light of the continued Chinese aggression.

 We can only hope that a peaceful resolution would still be possible. We certainly want this especially with regard to the Sabah issue. After all, our relationship with Malaysia is much better because both Malaysians and Filipinos recognize that they come from the same Malay race. We should be able to talk like true brothers. 

Naturally there is the Bangsamoro Basic Law that has spawned so much anger from majority of Filipinos. While the president may dislike unsolicited advice, he should listen to the voice of his “bosses” and not rush the passage of the BBL that some “legacy-minded” advisers want to happen. Instead of pointing us towards the path of peace, the proposed measure as is could lead to more violence.

Climate change is another issue that poses a major problem for the Philippines which the UN identified as the third most vulnerable country affected by this phenomenon. We can expect more killer typhoons spawning floods and landslides in the future.  One can never be too prepared when it comes to natural disasters because they can displace millions of people as past experiences have shown us.

For Metro Manila residents, a perennial problem is the traffic exacerbated by an inefficient mass transport system with people packed worse than sardines in old and frequently malfunctioning MRT trains. Economic losses due to traffic could reach P6 billion per day by 2030, but the worst part is the pollution which is responsible for thousands of unnecessary deaths due to respiratory illnesses like pneumonia and lung cancer.  Another problem is the growing population density which has already made Metro Manila unlivable, rendering the poor most vulnerable.

Our youth must seriously reflect in choosing our country’s next leaders. No doubt they will be confronted by the plague of P’s – poverty, pollution and population aggravated by the worst “P” of all – politics.

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