I recently had the privilege of visiting my alma mater together with my three adult children. They were in awe by the vastness of the historic grounds and by the scenic grandeur of my rock bound highland home in West Point, New York. The century-old infrastructure remained intact throughout the years due to the superior workmanship or regular maintenance funded by the US Army. Monuments, revered by cadets, are kept pristine. Cadet barracks constructed many years ago still stood, sturdy and solid.
Founded in 1802, the United States Military Academy was built on a large rock overlooking the Hudson River to stand guard against British ships during the Revolution. My children and I were particularly impressed with Washington Hall where 5,000 cadets eat three meals a day like clockwork, all at the same time! Athletic facilities in Arvin Hall have been renovated and upgraded quite a few times to keep them abreast with the physical conditioning requirements of the Army. And of course, Michie Stadium, which hosted football games opposite the Lusk Reservoir, is undergoing a multi-year renovation project to modernize the East Stands and celebrate the stadium’s 100-year history.
This was my home for four years, from 1983 to 1987. I am simply amazed at how West Point has remained majestic throughout the years. Unfortunately, I cannot proudly say the same for my home since birth, the Republic of the Philippines. After working briefly in the United States and considering immigration, I returned to my homeland with a clear understanding of the challenges facing developing countries.
Due to poor governance mechanisms, corruption has proliferated in almost all Philippine institutions. Powerful political dynasties have drained national resources through various schemes, the most notable of which comes by way of budget insertions. Worse, this budget conspiracy has circled back to the President himself.
As a result of these kickbacks, roads, bridges, and schools have been constructed very poorly. Some are substandard but most are badly maintained to the detriment of others who call the Philippines their home. Resiliency has its limits. Fortunately, hope in God has none, at least for believers. This dark period in Philippine history has a divine purpose, according to my pastor and Bible study friends. I agree. Knowing that God has full and total control, I submit that there will be something greater that will come out of these anomalous events.
These are all done by government leaders with little or no fear of the Lord. The wrath of Almighty God comes to those who do not fear Him. These corrupt people may evade justice from the law of the land but never from the Law of the Lord unless they truly repent and follow His command. So for believers like me, let’s keep the faith and encourage others to do the same.
Home is where the heart is. Our hearts and minds should be with the Lord according to His reminders in the Bible. ‘Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.’ (Romans 12:2).
Years ago, after I served with an ounce of fulfillment combined with a pound of frustration in the Bureau, I was already losing hope for the country. Efforts to curb corruption evidently went for naught. Erstwhile powerful Congressman Zaldy Co already implicated no less than the President in this flood control corruption scandal. Conspiracy theories will be in earnest these coming days as Filipinos expect persons to be in jail.
Greed in public service has been tolerated for so long and practically ‘legalized’ by some unscrupulous lawmakers and public servants. It makes me wonder whether their eternal home would be a penthouse with a perpetual ocean view or a basement with no heat during the winter or no air conditioning during the summer.
Much as I want to have a home in heaven, I wish the same for those who will relentlessly fight corruption, while they can. I have witnessed prominent politicians publicly pronounce their faith in the Almighty God. Yet, they seemingly fail to live and practice what they preach.
There must be genuine repentance if we are to follow our Lord and Master in heaven. Corrupt leaders must understand that they are accountable not only to the people and to the ultimate Homeowner of Heaven. Let’s keep praying for our leaders in this country to enjoy their Final Homecoming, wherever it will be.
Siegfred has a diversified set of education and experiences which has made him a game changer and a servant leader in organizations such as the Philippine Army, Integrated Bar of the Philippines, Malcolm Law Offices, a US based software development company called Infogix Inc., University of the East, Bureau of Immigration, Philippine Airlines and SM Prime Holdings. His professional degrees came from the United States Military Academy at West Point in New York, Ateneo Law School, and University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA. He has delivered leadership and management talks in government agencies. Siegfred is a former soldier and a lawyer by profession, a teacher by passion, and a writer with a mission.