A matter of priorities

Isn’t it a shame? A man who was nabbed by the American Federal Bureau of Investigation for consorting with terrorists has been identified as a Filipino-American. The FBI said Ralph de Leon was with the group planning to go to target countries, recruit members and engage in terroristic activities, especially in those with U.S. bases. And, as last reported, the Philippines was among those targeted by his group. We are relieved that he has been arrested, but naturally, we are concerned. His family name, De Leon, is a very familiar one in our province and city. Pray that he is not a kababayan, and if his ancestors are, let us disown him.

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But there was an interesting item reported recently. It said that of 100 countries world wide surveyed, the finding showed that Filipinos are the most emotional of all. We do not deny that our people do tend to be very expressive when provoked, but, surely, the Italians are more emotional than us? Well, the survey results did not show that. The survey was done by the Gallup Pollsters, who have quite a good reputation, so it must be true. The results also showed that Singaporeans are the least emotional. Me, I don’t think our countrymen would be happy to be like them.

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What is this? The House of Representatives is planning to look into the Aman Futures pyramiding scam. Oh please. There are already several agencies “looking” into that affair and, in fact charges have already been filed against some persons involved. Should the House also poke its nose into this? Ah, yes, they will say it will be “in aid of legislation,” and they may file a bill panning pyramids. All very nice, but wouldn’t that be another case of locking the stable after the horse has ran away?

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Meanwhile, the International Press Institute has released its findings on what it calls the “deadliest” countries for journalist and, Hallelujah! The Philippines is not the Number One. It ranked as first, Syria, with 36 victims this year, Somalia as second with 16, and we share third place with Mexico and Pakistan. Maybe that’s good enough, unless they can’t keep track of the killings here, including the latest one this month?

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The United Nations International Children’s Educational Fund, or UNICEF has zeroed in on the lack of toilets in our country, citing that almost 30 percent of our people do not have proper facilities for that very important need. It said that, instead of improving, the situation has even grown worse in the past few years. At the same time, our own Health officials have warned that this lack can be the cause of some very serious diseases and infections, especially among children. The UNICEF report is also backed by the World Health Organization.

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Isn’t it shameful to realize that, with all the sophistication our country has been showing, and the recognitions we have gained in the world of art, and professionalism, we are still remiss in this very basic and necessary facility? Our people are known for achievements in arts, music, and so many other abilities, but we have neglected this one aspect that sends us back to the primitive ages. Isn’t it a shame? One can only imagine how shocked civilized countries who learn about this will be.

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But this is one report that we cannot deny, or even brush aside. Those of us who sometimes go to distant towns or barangays must have noticed this. And not only in the hinterlands, as shown by the observations of some exchange students from Japan a few years ago. The students were assigned in Metro Manila, and some of them were able to visit the homes of squatters near creeks, especially those in the area in Pasay along the way to the old airport, which used to be very ugly and polluted.

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In their reports, some of the students noted that they were shocked during their visits when they found out that most of the squatter homes had no toilets, and the residents used creeks for their purpose, as well as for washing. But, they also noted, the houses had no toilets or bathrooms, but they had TV sets, transistor radios and even karaoke equipment and refrigerators! I will not be surprised if the students also added that our people do not have the proper sense of priorities. And this was long before the UNICEF and the WHO took note.*

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