Irresponsible people deserve to be scolded

One of the unpleasant tasks of a leader is to tell people that they are wrong. Even Jesus used to rebuke irresponsible people publicly, if it was the only way to teach them a lesson. When that woman in Carcar allegedly posted very damaging attacks against the provincial government, Governor Gwen had the right to put her in her proper place. The Human Rights Commission should be fair.

Some commentators say the reprimand should have been better done in private. My take on that is the governor acted in self-defense. She and her office had been attacked publicly. It’s fair and just that she should be allowed to answer publicly. It’s very convenient for people to recklessly post in social media some derogatory attacks against the government. They don’t realize the hardships and risks that leaders have to face each day. Instead of thanking and supporting them, people out there are always quick to criticize. Well, they found their match in the lady dragon from Dumanjug. Noy Pabling, the proud father, must have been giggling, while watching his eldest daughter in her usual fighting mood.

Unlike other officials who would let that pass without comment, Governor Gwen is the kind of leader who expresses her concern by teaching people lessons in good manners. If people have valid complaints, there are many fora to ventilate them. They could file their complaint or write a letter expressing their sentiments. But there’s always a right way to do the right thing. In this time of crisis, government officials are overworked, sleep deprived, overwhelmed by too many problems, all with extreme importance and utmost urgency. The people should understand that the governor has millions of Cebuanos to serve.

And the CHR shouldn’t be reckless in issuing biased and prejudiced opinions before hearing her side. The CHR is always invoking human rights when public officials are involved. When drug suspects are killed because they attempted to draw their weapons against the police, the CHR accuse the police of human rights violations. But when policemen are massacred while escorting DSWD personnel bringing food and medicines to frontliners, you never hear from the CHR. Policemen, soldiers, and governors also have human rights. They are human beings who can be harassed, insulted, and maligned unfairly.

People are just waiting for ayuda, and when they get them, they never thank the LGUs. They say it’s their taxes, but most of them aren’t paying taxes at all. They have never filed any income tax returns. The public officials are paying taxes religiously, even against their will. But those people out there who are too demanding, to the point of being arrogant, have the temerity to insult public officials. These irresponsible should learn humility and the fundamentals of good manners. I commend the governor for having the guts to tell them to behave and learn to have respect. And that is not a violation of human rights. The governor was in effect telling them: Your right to swing your arms ends where my nose begins. Never insult public officials again, especially Gwen Garcia.

While it’s a weakness to be silent when it’s time to speak, it’s a greater folly to speak when it’s time to be silent. Your right of free speech doesn’t include the freedom to insult public officials. You should know who you are, what you have done, before you open your mouth. If you have no sensible thing to say, better keep your mouth shut. Your silence may yet be your greatest contribution to the fight against COVID-19.