The enemy within

In the last presidential election (2016), we have seen the Filipinos unite – not in the streets but through ballots to show support to the man who will bring the change that our country needs – Rodrigo Roa Duterte. We have seen various supporters of the President: people from different religions, people who support different vice presidents, and people who do not always share the same ideology. However, even with their differences, the Duterte die-hard supporters are united by their support for the same man and their sincere love for the country and hope for a better future.

From the start of the campaign up to the final seconds of the election, our bond seems unbreakable, which is why it is saddening that after just a few months it seems that we are letting our differences divide us. It seems that we are letting small issues grow and destroy the unity that made us brothers and sisters. Sad to say, I have also noticed divided DDS groups during my visits to different countries in the Middle East, Hong Kong and other countries. I know that we do not always share each other’s ideas – and let me make myself clear – I’m not saying that we must always agree to each other’s opinions or thoughts. I’m not saying that we must not criticize the Duterte administration at all. However, if we continue to bicker with each other through social media, aren’t we forgetting our real enemy? The enemy of change is organized and well-funded and if we will not unite again as one DDS fighting against this enemy, then we will soon lose the battle.

Just an example of the division of the DDS groups, when we made a poll in twitter asking who the people want to be the next DSWD Secretary, several Duterte supporters sent me a message to delete the said post just because Vice President Leni Robredo was the top choice. My response to it is that if President Duterte himself allow several groups to rally against him and protect their rights, then shouldn’t we do the same? If the result of that poll has proven anything, it is that the yellow groups are organized. When we posted the poll, it was not VP Leni on the top until it was retweeted by several fake accounts. I’m not claiming the whole vote VP Leni got was from fake accounts but this shows that their group is organized. Now if they can unite to achieve a common goal, then surely the DDS groups can let go of their petty fights and do the same, especially because we’re fighting to achieve real change in our country, we’re fighting to achieve a better tomorrow.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte only has five years left in his term, and that time will not be enough to achieve real change in our country especially without the united support of the people. And this is what the other side wants to happen, a divided people so that they can paint the image that they want against President Duterte without being challenged. If we do not learn to unite amidst our differences in opinion, we will never get to our goal of achieving REAL CHANGE in our country, and all that battle we fought together will be wasted. So how do we unite? First, I believe is acceptance, let’s accept our differences and think about what we are fighting for. In delivering our different opinions, let’s focus on the topic and not persons themselves; in our own language “Walang personalan.” And if we face different opinions let us not be too sensitive, sometimes we are getting hurt not because of principle or who is right but of ego. 

As the scripture says “...Let us not think highly of ourselves...” (Rom 12:3) and “...consider others better than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3).

Humility, I believe, is the very essence of having a harmonious relationship.Ourselves must die to pursue the higher calling, like we always say: “BAYAN O SARILI?”

There are a lot of times where I was corrected and criticized by another DDS Blogger but never did I retaliate even if I know I was right because just like what President Duterte always say, we live in a democratic country, it’s everyone’s right to speak their opinion. We will always be criticized with what we do and there will be a lot of times where someone will not agree with us even in our own group. But at the end of the day, what we’re here for is not ourselves but our country and our fight for real change through the leadership of our President.

I call for unity of all DDS and DDS bloggers in our country and abroad.  I am saying this not because I am entitled to do so but just as an ordinary Filipino longing for the Real Change I know we all desire. I humbly ask you to stop the bickering as it won’t do us any good, but just affect the result of our battle against the enemies that will unite and do anything to bring down the Duterte administration. If we will not stop waging war on each other because of petty issues, the yellow selfish people will win and it’s not just us who will lose, but the future of our beloved homeland. I know you are all bright, especially the bloggers, but put this in your heart not only in your mind: Do not forget the “DIVIDE and CONQUER” strategy. Many DDS groups are telling me that when they see the bloggers fight with each other, they’re losing their will to fight as well. Whether you like it or not, we represent their voice and our fight affects them more than we know. They see us as generals of this war and it is my hope that you will consider my humble appeal for all DDS to unite together. Unless you want the yellow politicians to dominate our government, then we must unite as one DDS.