i promised not to talk about poltics...

The CBCP got it right this time. The bishops’ statement on our country’s looming political crisis upholds the constitution by respecting democracy’s due process and respecting the separation of the Church and the State. With it they did not only fulfill their duty as pastors of the people, but also gave a gentle reminder to everyone involved that they lay aside personal interests and put forward objectivity: to the politicians who, most often than not, are driven by partisan lines rather than principle, to the media which are prone to personal biases and sensationalism, to the people who are easily swayed by calls to put the constitution in their own hands.

I cannot argue enough that the CBCP echoes the sentiments of the silent majority, of the many hardworking employees of Makati alienated and inconvenienced by rallies held in the business district, of ambitious students in our universities learning all they can to become better citizens in the future, and of millions of other Filipinos in the provinces marginalized by Imperial Manila. All of these people want lasting change that will never and can never happen – as the EDSAs teach us – by simply unseating a president. True change happens when people uphold the law and strengthen national institutions. This means that law-breakers are tried in courts, not in the streets.

The challenge for everyone amidst this crisis is to act with common sense; that is, to assume an objective outlook on the issue, to look beyond political biases, and consider some lessons in history before taking things in our own hands. It is worthwhile asking ourselves “Is another EDSA going to change anything?”

Not much really. In the same way as cancer is not successfully treated with one dose of medicine and a weak body, rooting out corruption and promoting transparency require strengthening democratic institutions and call for a change in people's attitudes - especially among our leaders.

One egregious figue in yesterday's rally in Makati is that Erap was there. Wait, was he the president ousted seven years ago by EDSA 2? Talk about politics.

Stop, look, and listen

Stop, look, and listen. Sounds like the old nursery rhyme I learned when I was four. But in the hustle and bustle of a young adult's life (I can't believe I'm calling myself as one - I was only starting in the University six years ago!), I can't help but stop at some corners and enjoy the momentary pleasure of stillness while the traffic light is red. Once it turns green, life goes on again as it does every single day. And from there I go speeding up or slowing down, until I finally reach and stop again at the next corner.

You see, bad traffic is not at all bad - at least when you talk about it figuratively.

Not again another political circus

These days, the country is again faced with yet another political turmoil. Year after year, month after month, day after day, what fills the news and keeps politicians busy are their own problems, leaving the very tasks they are elected for in the sidelines. This leads many to ask: What’s new?

The new political hot potato is the alleged graft that occurred in the aborted NBN-ZTE project that was supposed to connect and modernize, through internet broadband, all government offices of the country. While its goal was undoubtedly advantageous for government efficiency and economic growth, the process by which the deal was carried out was purportedly tainted with overpricing by government officials.

Now the issue has compounded to become a crisis, as politicians started pointing fingers, protesters with familiar faces who are always anti-government started agitating their usual sentiments in the streets, and ordinary people – albeit not completely informed – started concluding that it’s again timely to unseat a President extra-judicially.

While I don’t believe that officials implicated in this ‘scandal’ are all innocent, I am neither convinced that those who are pointing their fingers have hands untarnished of any misconduct. This lack of trust has led many to conclude that all this noise is just another political baloney. To put it more bluntly, what’s going on is just another political circus where government personalities are figuratively dressed as clowns, doing their acts, hiding their real skin with stylistic make-up and outlandish costumes – and they make us all laugh, if not frustrated.

Young people like me are starting to ask: Have we not got tired of this? For once in our youth, we are hoping to see change happening in our godforsaken country and leaders worth emulating who are working together to make things better. But our hope appears to falter as whatever progress achieved by the country is always wiped out by never-ending political hurdles – most of them unnecessary.

Young people today are confused who’s telling the truth, what to expect, when to stop hoping. Gloomy it may seem, but we can all learn one good lesson out of it: may we not follow the footsteps of today’s generation of ‘leaders’.

Mission: Tubbataha Reef

Declared a UNESCO heritage site, the Tubbataha Reef is a marine ecosystem located in the middle of Sulu Sea and south east of Puerto Princesa in Palawan. This isolated sanctuary is a reserved haven for diverse marine life ranging from the smallest plankton to thriving corals, rare marine mammals, sea turtles, sharks, manta rays, and sea birds.

Being part of the world-renowned Coral Triangle, the Philippines occupies a crucial role in marine life conservation, and Tubbataha Reef is one of the country’s most precious natural jewels. This marine park is well-known among conservation scientists and diving enthusiasts because of its rich biodiversity and pristine and untouched beauty. Preserving this natural treasure requires support from everyone, especially from the people blessed by its bounty. Further, international attention will put it in the world map and definitely boost its chances showcase a biodiversity paralleled nowhere else in the tropical world.

The Tubbataha Reef is the sole entry from the Philippines for the search for the seven wonders of nature. Sadly, other unique and beautiful places in the country as Mt. Mayon, Hundred Islands, Chocolate Hills, and Taal Lake that are likewise worthy for nomination are not in the list.

The voting process is ongoing at the New 7 Wonders website (http://www.new7wonders.com/). Your vote is your crucial contribution to conserve and treasure one of nature’s best wonders.

You may also visit Tubbataha Reef Marine Park’s official website.