One cannot miss the similarities between the Jews in Jesus' time and the Filipinos today. More than anything else, there is little to distinguish our poor judgment and lack of taste. When the Jews were made to choose between Jesus and Barabbas, they went for the latter in what could well be the fire sale of all time. What was supposed to be a giveaway turned into the steal of the auction. Barabbas was the kind of man you would never invite into your home. He represented what was the worst in mankind. He was no stranger to scorn and rejection and had little doubt Jesus would get the crowd's nod.

On the other hand, Jesus was your typical host's delight. Except for the Pharisees and those in the citadels of political and religious power, Jesus was a prophet, a teacher, a healer, a friend and so much more. As to why the Jews chose Barabbas over Jesus, we can only shake our heads. And yet, Filipinos are the last people to wonder over the Jews' folly. If we go by the choices we have made in the elections over the last three decades, our choices are not exactly causes for elation.

In varying times, we have elected murderers, rapists, thieves, swindlers, felons, crooks and jesters to various offices. Some had proven to be pleasant surprises but they are by far exceptions to the rule. Of course, perceptions can also be deceptive. Filipinos voted for Ferdinand Marcos owing to his scholastic records and legislative accomplishments but he turned out to be a dictator who would have made Barabbas look like a choir boy. When Erap Estrada was unseated by a popular revolt in 2001, hopes were high that the Malacañang-bred, foreign-educated then Vice President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo would lead the country to the promise land of progress.

Today, she is rocked by controversies like the “Hello Garci”, juetengate and fertilizer scandals. While reeling from questions over the legitimacy of her mandate, her pilot project is the Cha-Cha that could well be democracy's dance of death. Of course, it was a difficult choice between Erap's indiscretions and Arroyo's short temper. When one is punch-drunk, the punches all feel the same.

The Filipinos still have a lot to prove as far as making choices is concerned. The misfits who buy, threaten or steal elections have not diminished but even increased in numbers by leaps and bounds. Easter is a continuing glory in the realms of faith. However, the Filipino's Easter of deliverance from suffering and irresponsibility remains a future event.