Christmas for all
Merry Christmas to all! Hopefully your Christmas was happy, and of course, did not forget the real reason for celebrating Christmas. The message from the Palace was to “put aside the poisonous and murderous politics.” They also encouraged all Filipinos to be kind and compassionate. I can only say that those in Palace should take the lead in heeding their own messages.
Doesn’t President Rodrigo Duterte continuously attack his perceived political opponents, even though elections are over? Doesn’t he often insult the opposition, the human rights advocates, the bishops, the priests, the Catholic Church and of course, Joma Sison and the NPA? So maybe those in the Palace must first practice what they preach. It would be nice if their words of reconciliation, along with kindness and compassion start with them. If everyone were on the same page, sans the bickering and the obvious political persecution that some have received under this administration, we would probably get somewhere. Even killings don’t seem to stop during the holidays. The recent murder of AKO Bicol Representative Rodel Batocabe and his bodyguard is most likely political. This seems to be the new normal nowadays. According to House Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, life is just too cheap nowadays. She should say that to her allies in the Palace.
On another note, according to NCRPO director, Chief Superintendent Guillermo Eleazar, more than a thousand people begging on the streets, mostly indigenous people who routinely come to Metro Manila during the holidays have been “rescued” from December 11 to 25. Most were returned to their provinces, while those who were homeless were assisted by the DSWD. But just outside Camp Crame, indigenous people continue to ask for alms. They should likewise be rescued and sent home to their provinces.
But while indigenous people are being rounded up and sent home, thousands queued towards the home of Duterte in Davao City to receive a gift from the president. It would have been nice if the government also gave gifts to the beggars on the road, specifically the indigenous people, so that they would no longer have to come to Metro Manila just to beg. Or perhaps they should make the trip to Davao City during Christmas to receive a gift as well. After all, Christmas isn’t just for politicians, rich families, and “townmates”, but for everyone. Merry Christmas to one and all, and a truly peaceful New Year ahead of us!
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