A good father looks after his family especially the welfare of his children. Like a good father and head of the family we expect no less from our President, to lead and help us get through bad times. Similarly we expect the same from our political leaders, each being heads of their own political units in our society. The recent pronouncement made at the national level of a drastic turnaround by the Chief Executive on his stand against amending the Constitution and his favourable view to another term casts serious doubt on his motives. Whether this is totally his own or forced by circumstance by party mates who fear the prospect of looming defeat in the upcoming polls remains to be seen.

From previous speeches he made in past SONAs and the apparent hesitation he showed when accepting the challenge to run for the Highest Office, the message was loud and clear that he will not be seeking another term. But politics is strange that it changes a lot of things. Singing a different tune now can conveniently be justified that it was different then and the present circumstances require a continuance of the reforms started that demand a term extension. Sad indeed but this is the reality in a system where lines are blurred between interests and principles. It is easy to be deluded into thinking that one's actions are intended for the greater good. There is no monopoly of goodness and good intentions by the way. Nor can one lay claim to a greater moral ascendancy than others. You may be honest, perceived to be upright and incorruptible but this does not make you far better than him or me. Everyone deserves a shot, a chance at responsibility and position. But thwarting the chances of another deliberately by clever manipulation is contrary to the tenets of a free and democratic society.

It is analogous to putting things in your own hands and by doing so you are slipping into some form of authoritarianism. Things are better left their way and left to the decision of the people. Although deep inside you firmly believe in your good intentions your motives can become suspect. The reforms started can be seriously put into question. Speculations could arise and headways gained could backfire. The Constitution was precisely drafted and intended by its framers to prevent an incident like this from happening. But is it right to amend and change things to suit the present? The Constitution was not meant to be dynamic and fluid. It was created to be straightforward and clear. No ifs and no buts. Laws and rules are established precisely to keep us in check and not to be modified every now and then to suit one's fancy or so it seems.

Although some of the Constitutional provisions may be outdated and unrealistic to the present, the intent and spirit transcend time. But amending it when elections are just around the corner makes the whole exercise questionable. Further discussion on the subject is fodder for a good debate and lengthy argument. There may be no winners or losers here except the majority of the people who will bear the brunt of the consequences of our leaders' actions. Put simply, taking back what one throws up is not an admirable trait that signifies strength of character. Leaders have to be firm and resolute in their decisions and careful in their choice of words. To backtrack is not a quality synonymous to good leadership. Being firm and fair and above all respecting the law are. Governance should be of laws and not of men, even though the laws were enacted and formulated by men to begin with. We may yet be in a fragile democracy where our elections and choice of leaders are anchored upon personality cults.

Most often we root for the person and not for what he can and might be capable of doing. We tend to go for the popular and disregard qualities that seem dull and boring. But this should not stop us from pursuing what is right. For all we know Divine Providence may just show us the way another day!

Postscript

Kudos to the Bohol PNP Command under the able stewardship of Police Senior Supt. Dennis Palo Agustin for the series of successful anti-drug operations! The drug trade has put a black mark to our province and our reputation as a gentle and hospitable people. There should be no place for drugs in our society. The lure of big and easy money can be tempting during these difficult economic times. But there should be no letup in the efforts to curb the drug menace that is endangering the lives of our youth. Everyone should get involved and rise up to the challenge! For your comments, opinions and suggestions you can email them to sevilladonald@gmail.com