BUKELYA

Whether you agree or not, it’s a fact: We have unconsciously developed a culture of ignominy over standards, rules, and regulations. We tend to console ourselves by saying, “If you’re not caught, then there’s no problem.” Somehow, this notion is acceptable—especially if you’re going to view “decisions” and “choices” from an existentialist’s point of view. But what appalls me is the fact that when people get caught, they are not so talented as to make up stories and save their sorry asses.

The recent discovery of PNP’s P6.9M “contingency fund” is one hell of a catch; and I should say that these men in uniform didn’t undergo any drama classes as they are so poor in presenting themselves in the Senate inquiry.

Indeed, everyone suddenly shifted attention from the economic recession, Meralco bills, and transportation fare issues to the junket-looking trip that our noble cops—sworn “to serve” (probably their big bellies) and “to protect” (their personal assets, perhaps)—and their wives have gotten themselves into.

But “getting caught” isn’t new.

We caught Erap on tape, having fun while gambling people’s money.

We caught Gloria over the phone talking to Garci, and asking him to manipulate the election in Mindanao to her favor.

We caught Jocjoc hoarding the fertilizer funds in favor of his ingrate boss.

We caught Ben Abalos profiteering from the canceled NBN-ZTE deal—and witnessed how the issue “bukoled.”

Indeed, the current issue about the disputed Moscow trip isn’t really “new.” We have proven since time immemorial that this country is run by greedy and corrupt officials who never had the conscience to consider that the money that they are squandering came from the sweat and blood of common people like us.

But I think we should never be contented by exposing their crimes. The issue will never be closed unless someone gets penalized for his/her wrong acts.

I just hope and pray that the Senate inquiry will lead into something fruitful, because it has also been proven that we’re just good in catching, but these big fish criminals seldom get punished. Why not remove the blindfold of that Justice statue?

Re-educating the Bloody Britons

I find it quite ironic. The nation that presented a culture of elegance and sophisticated etiquette is exactly the same nation that shows intolerable and offensive behavior.

True enough, the way BBC defends itself is a reflection of how boastful and conceited this nation has become.

This isn’t something new of course. Edward Said, author of the book “Culture and Imperialism” and proponent of the term “Orientalism”, has presented a lot of Imperialist nature from the literatures coming from European countries, especially that of England. Indeed, this nation continuously raises their pointed noses on top of the world.

The portion in a “comedy” show—where a Filipina househelper was commanded like marionette, making her the subject of laughter—clearly showcases the imperialist nature of the Britons. They even had the nerve to defend themselves by saying that the controversial show was “so far beyond the realms of reality as to be absurd—and in no way is intended to demean or upset any viewer.” (PDI, 10 October 2008)

Of course, any person would present an “It was not intentional” alibi for such matters that raises discrimination issues in the global community. But these Bloody Britons should have thought of that before playing god towards the Filipina househelper (and besides, it was them who defined “Filipina” as a brown-skinned househelper in a controversial dictionary. Correct me if I’m wrong.)

Moreover, even if they claim that it was not intended “to demean or upset any viewer,” nobody would believe them since their actions are not parallel to their words.

Come to think of it, when you unintentionally said something derogatory to someone, and you really didn’t intend it, your automatic response (if you don’t belong to the imperialist culture, of course) would be to say “sorry” and appease the person—make him/her understand that it was not your intention to hurt his/her feelings.

But the Bloody Britons kept their noses high, as if saying “We didn’t do anything wrong. Hence, there’s no reason to be sorry about.”

Should we hate the Britons? Not exactly.

I think we should re-educate them on the good manners and proper conduct that, in the first place, came from them.

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Let’s continue to raise the Filipino voice and tell the world how disgusted we are about such actions.