Many among us Filipinos continue to claim we are far outpaced by other countries in Southeast Asia in terms of economic development.
These sectors are saying that the reason is that the leaders of our government are not doing their job according to what they are expected to do. These are the same sectors that continue to sow intrigues and half-truths using as their most effective venues the various platforms of the social media.
The latest of these intrigues sowed is the one on the alleged brewing discontent in the military pinpointing to the Armed Forces chief of staff as engaging in activities not in accordance with the duties he Is sworn to do.
Then the same sectors drag the name of National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro. They claim the Defense chief is sabotaging the country’s military modernization program.
Meanwhile, they insist that the Philippines is way behind in economic strides by countries like Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand. Unfortunately, the number in the economic growth rate of our country does not support their claim. This is possibly the reason they have shifted to other issues in their efforts to destroy the present government.
And even in terms of the general stability of the country which the sectors claim is in the brink, it is our take that we have not yet reached the level where the government is in that level.
All these claims though of discontent, of a brewing hatred to the current leadership due to its failure to effectively govern the country come from the sectors, or even individuals, identified with the opposition.
We also feel that the country is in a very dangerous situation when the business/industry and labor sectors start rising against the government, its policies to the point that they slow down operation or undertake work stoppages and take mass actions to the streets.
So far the supposed grim situation of the country is more carried and highlighted in the platforms of the social media and not in the mainstream media. And considering the acknowledged presence of trolls and vloggers hired as modern “Goebels” by political personalities and organizations, twisting the truth or inventing stories becomes an effective weapon for destroying governments and personalities.
Clearly, these sectors who are interested in bringing down Marcos, Jr.’s government are using this modern communications vehicle to further their objective.
We can only imagine what can happen to our country if instead of further stoking the fire of hatred and fanning the alleged discontent, they offer to the present government the alternative means of governance they have in mind?
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Newly elected Partylist Representative Leila de Lima will likely be in an acid test in the House. This after she was reported eyeing to introduce a bill in the House aiming to criminalize Red Tagging.
The plan immediately drew reaction from a former woman rebel leader in the Davao Region who had surrendered to the government.
According to a certain “Ka Marikit, De Lima should talk to them (former rebels) before she introduces her planned legislation.
Well, this is something new. Imagine former rebels demanding that a lawmaker should first get inputs from them before introducing the bill in the House!
But of course there could be some sense in the proposal. What will come out in the talks between De Lima and the former rebels might give the lady representative a more acceptable version of the proposed law.
There is no harm in doing so unless the former Senator and Human Rights Commission chief considers it degrading to talk or consult former rebels.
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Now what is the United States government up to when it issued a warning to its citizens who want to travel to the Philippines including those who are already in the country?
According to the report the warning was issued to make the Americans aware of the potential risks when in the country such as high profile crimes, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, etc.
Is that country joining the Filipinos who are claiming to be disgruntled by the present government? We really have no idea if crimes involving foreign nationals as victims and the perpetrators are their fellow countrymen, enough reason to consider the country a risky destination.
Yes, we believe the US government could have been referring to the Chinese businessman who was killed together with his driver. And the irony of it all is that the suspect is his own son. And it is allegedly all about money matters.
Isn’t the travel warning unfair to the Philippines? What if the country shifts friendship to China?
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