June’s notable themes

This sixth month of 2018 ushers highly noteworthy themes very important for our people and our country, in the past, at present, and for the future.

First on the list is independence. Jose Rizal, our Filipino hero who played a highly instrumental role in the movement for independence of our country from colonial Spain, was born on the 19th day of June, 1861. A person with many talents (he was a doctor, a writer, a linguist, an artist, and more), Rizal’s powerful novels “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo” moved many Filipinos to take up the cause of fighting for our country to be liberated.

Today, our country is battling to keep the independence of the three branches of government. This June 5th, the Supreme Court justices will decide finally to oust CJ Sereno on the basis of Quo Warranto or not. Due to pressure from Duterte and his personal battle with the feisty CJ Sereno, the House of Representatives launched but has yet to file their impeachment decision versus CJ Sereno to the Senate which the Constitution mandates to be the sole authoritative body to decide on the ouster of several officials, the CJ included. The Supreme Court has no constitutional right or role to oust the chief justice. If the majority among the SC so decide to oust CJ Sereno on June 5, that will mean the death of the independence of the SC from the dictates of the Executive branch. Their move also means the death of the independence of Congress, particularly the Senate, and their constitutionally-based and mandated role for impeachment.

At this juncture in our history, our country is also battling for the independence and sovereignty of our territory from the Chinese allowed by Duterte and his officials to set up military installations and so-called “research” teams in our islands. The increasing number and presence of Chinese nationals in various parts of our country is also alarming and worrisome for our independence. Will the Philippines be dragged into war or conflict because of this Chinese factor? Will our country’s independence be threatened by this Chinese intrusion into our lands and seas?

Aside from independence, environment is also a notable theme celebrated this month. June 5 is World Environment Day and here in Cebu, a learning session on the implications for the environment and the people of the Alegria oil field will take place.

This oil field covers 197,000 hectares with six exploration wells in Montpeller, Alegria, Cebu, and is operated by the China International Mining Petroleum Co., Ltd. Will our environment and the independence and lives of our people in Alegria be affected by this oil fields and the Chinese presence in our midst? The June 5 learning event is part of the campaign on the Rights of Nature by the Philippine Misereor Partnership Inc. and the Philippine Earth Justice Center.

Education is just as important as the themes of independence and environment that June reminds us about. Schools and classes will start this month. Beyond the unresolved perennial problems of shortage of classrooms, materials, funds, and teachers, June reminds us of the priceless value, role, and benefit of education as a right of every person, as a vehicle for empowerment and equality of opportunity, as a vital enabler for all to actively participate in constructing or transforming their lives and their societies.

Aside from independence, environment, and education that June reminds us of, we note religion is a theme remembered on June 24 and 29 (with the feasts of St. John the Baptist, St. Peter and St. Paul, respectively).