Reports claim that Zaldy Co ‘is shopping for a house in Europe.’ That can only mean he has no intention of returning to the Philippines ‘post-haste.’ Since he has resigned, is it time to take a shot at Blue, as in a Blue Notice with Interpol for the return of exs-congressman Zaldy Co?
I just saw a very timely and accurate proverb related to the Senate and congressional investigations now slowly but surely floating towards Malacañang and the executive department:
‘The accomplice of a thief is his own enemy; he is put under oath and dare not testify’ – Proverbs 29:24. In legal terms, they invoke the right against self-incrimination!
Last Monday evening, I chanced upon a video where a retired Marine officer suggested that we all get a patch of the Philippine flag and wear it red side up. As you all know, that simple act is a declaration of war against another nation, the government or a revolution.
That was what the retired Marine officer was suggesting in defiance of the subtle threats of politicians, officials of the Armed Forces, the PNP and talking heads in Malacañang. I have thought of doing the same thing on numerous occasions as an act of protest against political abuse and corruption.
In fact, I actually went a step further that evening by asking a couple of friends if any of their suppliers could produce such t-shirts and how much. In a matter of seconds someone immediately suggested ‘black shirts with the inverted Philippine flag.’
Then another asked, ‘How many, how soon and what sizes please.’ All I had to do was fill in the order and we would have the shirts in a matter of days.
But instead, I asked a friend to first check with a lawyer if it was against the law or illegal to don the Philippine flag red side up or not. Half an hour later, I received ‘mixed’ opinions and replies to the question.
One lawyer immediately said it was against the law. Another said the law prohibits using the flag as a ‘garment’ or actual clothing like a robe or cape. Ultimately, the answers depended on who you asked.
The historical commission has set rules, even about the positioning of a statue of Jose Rizal on the right side of the flagpole/flag and must be facing the front of government buildings.
Others view historical rules as ‘dated’ or irrelevant with current culture, especially to the millions that have seen flag-inspired uniforms and many Olympic athletes draped with a flag doing a victory lap.
A valuable lesson I am reminded of from all of this is not to rush out and make an order, instead sleep on it, pray for divine wisdom:
‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes: fear the Lord and shun evil’ – Proverbs 3: 5-6
The answer came the next morning through an FB post of my friend Charmaine who posted a heart-shaped painting of the Philippine flag. One nation under God – marching behind one flag.
Instead of political colors, symbolism of rebellion, placards and titles of movements, use the Philippine flag to symbolize our unity and patriotism! That is exactly what my friends and I will do; ‘wear’ the flag closest to our hearts!
In a post from Heneralunacy ‘What kind of country have we become,’ the author stated: the Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce, normally a late political responder, recently issued a strong statement asking for real structural reforms and accountability.
Yes, said chamber is very prudent and circumspect about issuing statements, especially concerning politics, governance and peace and order because business and industry view the chambers’ pulse very seriously.
Even when their community is under attack by kidnappers, extortionists or corrupt government officials, they respond with restraint, opting to address the problem calmly and strategically.
The fact that the FFCCCII has now issued a strongly worded statement about the current levels of corruption in the Philippines is a cause for concern, because it is no longer just their backyard or community concern, it is the entire country that has been affected by corruption.
Below is the FFCCCII statement:
An urgent call against corruption
Public statement by the FFCCCII
The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. urgently calls on the government, private sector and every citizen to resolutely confront the cancer of corruption eroding our nation’s foundation.
The Need for Systemic Reform – Prosecuting corrupt individuals is reactive. We must go further and dismantle the entire ecosystem that allows corruption to thrive. This requires sweeping systemic reforms built on radical transparency, efficiency and ruthless accountability.
Learn from Global Success – We need not reinvent the wheel. We must look to exemplary models in other jurisdictions where powerful, independent anti-corruption agencies have full autonomy to investigate and prosecute without fear or favor.
Corruption is a Crime Against the People – Corruption is not a victimless crime. It is a heinous betrayal that robs our most vulnerable citizens of essential services and a better life. It stifles innovation, repels investment and essentially destroys our nation and kills its people.
The time for half measures is over. Let us unite to build a system that rewards integrity and paves the way for a just and prosperous Philippines.