The words "Unity" and "Peace" seem to be the most abused terms in political gatherings. The unity forged between President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and Vice President Sara Z. Duterte, symbolized by the green and red letters of the "Unity Team," remains fresh in the minds of the people.
Even before their campaign tarpaulins fade from the walls, the alliance between the Marcos and Duterte factions has already shown cracks. Their conflict has escalated to a point where it doesn’t even need to be written—it was something I had expected to happen. As the saying goes, "When two giants clash in the garden, all the plants get trampled." Everyone caught in the crossfire suffers. It is now evident that we are experiencing the onset of political instability in the country, and its effects are widespread.
Amidst this political turbulence, the so-called Occidental Mindoro Calls for Unity and Peace press conference, convened by Governor Eduardo B. Gadiano in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro today, serves as a poignant reminder of the people’s yearning for a united and thriving nation. It is a plea for genuine leadership—one that prioritizes the welfare of the citizens over personal agendas and political vendettas.
Coincidentally, the local press conference attended by the province’s mainland mayors and Rep. Leodie “Odie” Tarriela came three days before The Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) holds its “National Rally for Peace” on Jan. 13 at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila, expecting to draw mammoth of its members all over the country.
The gathering was held at Season's Hotel and Convention Center a day after the Social Weather Stations (SWS) released the result of its survey showing that 41% of Filipinos were in favor of impeachment, 35% were against it, and 19% were undecided.
For Catholics like me, the proper understanding of "peace" in this context does not imply allowing government officials to escape accountability. True peace is rooted in justice, integrity, and responsibility. It requires addressing wrongdoing and ensuring that leaders are held to the highest ethical standards. Peace is not the absence of conflict but the presence of fairness, where transparency and accountability pave the way for harmony in society.
Whether or not the impeachment process against the vice president proceeds as a political move, the problems remain undeniable. The discord at the highest levels of government only fosters division and delays the resolution of critical issues such as poverty, education, health, and economic recovery. In times like these, more than ever, we need unity, professionalism, and integrity to guide the nation through its challenges.
Human rights are essential for true peace and unity. Peace thrives on justice and equality, while unity requires respect for every individual’s dignity. Upholding human rights fosters trust and harmony, creating a foundation for lasting peace. Without justice and inclusion, calls for unity and peace remain empty.
This intensifying struggle among the ruling elite proves the emptiness of calls for unity and peace if they lack a clear and actionable framework. A call for peace and unity without action is hollow!
++++
(Photo:
Mio Lgu Sanjose)
No comments:
Post a Comment