Pare-pareho lang naman kahit na sinong maupo. Ganun at ganun din ang mukha ng Pilipinas kahit ilang beses pang magpalit ng presidente, gabinete o opisyales. Mahirap pa rin…walang pag-asa. Marahil isa ka sa mga Pilipinong ganito mag-isip.
Marahil isa ka sa mga Pinoy na patuloy na naghihirap sa ilalim ng corrupt na gobyerno. O kaya’y Kabayan ka na nasa malayong bansa na at nageenjoy sa iyong comfort zone. O kaya naman ay kahit pano di ka sumasala sa pagkain 3 beses isang araw. Alinman dito, siguro nagsawa ka nang umasa na magbabago pa ang sistema ng pulitika at ekonomya sa bansa.
Maraming mga tao ang madalas sumuko sa sitwasyon kaysa maniwalang kaya niyang bumangon o magbangong-puri sa kabila ng mahabang panahon ng pagkakalugmok.
At tulad ng ating bayan, sa tingin mo’y parang napakahirap na niyang makabangon. At tulad ng dati, eleksyon na naman matapos ang anim na taon. Ilang araw na lang at malapit na ang eleksyon sa Pilipinas, samantalang nag-umpisa na ang Overseas Absentee Voting noong April 10 at matatapos din sa May 10.
At lahat ng kandidato sa pagka-Pangulo alam nating umaasang mananalo kahit alam nating lahat na isa lang ang maluluklok sa pwesto. At sinuman ang manalo, pare-parehong problema pa rin ang haharapin ng susunod na Pangulo.
Paano pag-iisahin ang bayan na nahati ng iba’t ibang faction o partido dulot ng halalan, malinis man o marumi?
Paano bibigyang katarungan ang mga biktima ng inhustisya? Ang mga magsasakang pinatay o napatay dahil sa pakikipaglaban sa pag-asang magkakaroon ng bahagi sa lupang sinasaka? Ang mga mamamahayag at maliliit na pulitiko na pinatay dahil sa buong tapang na paghahayag ng katotohanan sa publiko? Ilan lang sila sa mga pinagkaitan ng karampatang hustisya.
Paano papanagutin ang mga opisyal ng pamahalaan na nagpasasa sa kayamanan ng bayan?
Paano papanagutin ang mga nagpagamit o nakipagsabwatan para pagsamantalahan ang buwis na sana’y para sa kapakanan at pagpapaunlad ng pambansang kabuhayan? Saan sisimulan o paano gagawin ang paglaban sa korupsyon, sa itaas ba, sa ibaba o sa gitna ng pamunuan?
Paano iaangat ang kabuhayan ng milyun-milyong mahihirap mapa-syudad o prubinsya? Paano gagawa ng oportunidad para bigyang-trabaho o kakayahan sa pagnenegosyo ang nakararaming Pilipino?
Paano bibigyang-oportunidad sa bansa ang libu-libong nagtatapos sa kolehiyo taun-taon? Paano wawakasan ang human export, o pagpapadala ng OFW sa abroad para itawid ang paghihikahos ng mga pamilya at ng buong bayan ni Juan?
Paano sosolusyunan ang unti-unti ngunit lumalawak na pagkawasak ng pamilyang Pilipino dahil sa pag-alis ng mga magulang lalo na ng mga ina para magtrabaho sa ibang bansa? Paano bubuwagin ang mga sindikato ng krimen, droga at kung anu-ano pa na sumisira sa ating lipunan?
Paano itatawid ang pag-asa ng taumbayan na pinangakuan ng magagandang plataporma? Paano isasagawa ang mga pangako ng pag-unlad at pagbabago?
Higit sa lahat, paano mapagbabago ang isip ng mga ayaw makiisa o pasakop sa panibagong pamahalaan, mapa-kanan o mapa-kaliwa, kapwa lider ng bansa o remnant ng nakaraang administrasyon? Paano bibigyang tuldok ang siraan at kawalan ng kumpyansa ng bawat kampo, na siyang sagabal sa pagbangon ng bayan? Paano bubuhayin ang tiwala ng taumbayan, na lagi na lang talo sa pagitan ng mga nag-uumpugang interes ng mga pulitiko at mayayamang negosyante sa loob at labas ng bansa?
Ilan lang ang mga ito sa mga tanong na sasagutin sa loob ng anim na taong darating ng bagong Pangulo. Kung paano, hindi natin alam. Ngunit ang resulta ng ating pagpili at pagboto, tiyak na may pananagutan dito.
Hanggang saan pa ba ang kayang tiisin ng mga Pilipino? Kung ang anim na taong darating ay tulad din lang o mas malala pa sa mga nakaraan, hindi ko alam kung saan patungo ang ating bayan… Hindi ko alam kung kaya pa rin nating sabihing “Tuloy ang buhay.”
Pero bakit hahayaan nating ganito uli kung ang kasaysayan ay kaya nating baguhin sa pamamagitan ng pagbabalik ng ating tiwala sa ating sagradong boto?
Ang demokrasya na yata ang pinakamainam na paraan ng pamamahala upang ihayag ang sentimyento at desisyon ng nakararami.
Ganunpaman, may kahinaan ang demokrasya. Hindi ito mabisa para sa mga lider na nailuklok ngunit walang tunay na pagbabago sa puso at isip. At sa halip, nagiging kasangkapan niya pa ito para pagbigyan ang personal na interes at interes ng mga tumulong na siya’y iluklok sa pwesto. Democracy does not work for leaders who are beholden to various interest groups, leaders who self-destruct in the process.
Kung ganito, wala na nga bang pag-asa? Meron pa… Kung magluluklok tayo ng bagong Pangulo na mayroong binagong puso at isip. Lagi nating sinasabing piliin natin ang lesser evil. Masa madali sanang gawin yun kung walang good man sa mga pinagpipilian ngayon.
Ganunpaman hindi madali ang kumbinsihin kayo dahil may mga ilang kapanalig siya na hindi naniniwalang ang gaya niya ay may puwang sa pulitika. They did not choose him primarily because he is a man of the church, of God… I wonder how and why in the world a good man should not join the rat-race of politics where people are cornered by its greed and corruption and are left helpless and hapless for the past generations.
Sa eleksyong ito, mayroon tayong kapangyarihang pumili, minsan pa. At laging tandaan, may mga desisyong kapag nagawa na, wala nang bawian…Huwag sana tayong mapabilang sa mga taong ayaw makinig sa sigaw ng puso…ng konsensya…mga tao na laging nadadala ng udyok ng panloloko, ng popularidad, ng bandwagon, ng mga survey firms na madalas kumita ng malaki tuwing eleksyon, ng mga shady advertisements, character assassination tricks at kung anu-ano pa para lang hindi natin makita na may mas mabuting mapipili pa.
At sa halalang ito, nakapili na ako. Nakaboto na ako bilang absentee voter dito sa Abu Dhabi , United Arab Emirates .
Pinili ko ang sa tingin ko ay puspos ng makalangit na karunungan at busilak na malasakit at habag para sa mga maliliit – mga katangiang taglay ng taong may binagong puso at isip. Walang pag-aalinlangan kong ibinoto ang sa tingin ko’y pinakatapat sa hangaring maglingkod sa Bayan, siya na may buong pagkatakot sa Diyos ngunit hindi takot harapin ang problema ng korupsyon. Pinili ko ang kandidatong naniwalang babangon ang Pilipinas, dahil naniniwala siya sa ating mga Pilipino na kaya nating magbago at bumangon.
We need a leader who can infuse hope, breed trust and manifest genuine love and concern for the masses, someone whose love for God is not a show-off, someone whose love for his one and only country is doubtless.
One last thing: We are living in a borrowed time. History will judge whether we were able to redeem our pride as a people with sincere patriotism and reverence for the Almighty, or we were proved to be driven by greed and apathy, hopeless and doomed to fail as a country and people. Kailan ka ba magpapasya? Hindi ba pwedeng “EDDIE ngayon na?”
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Thursday, October 8, 2009
WHAT IS A BRO. EDDIE VOTE? ... in favour of a New Season
I know that:
A vote for Bro. Eddie is a vote in favour of a new season.
One great man of God spoke in a prophetic conference a few months ago citing what the Holy Spirit told him few minutes before he went up stage to begin his message on “Seizing our Nation’s Prophetic Destiny.”
“Bilangin mo ilang taon na mula nang madiskubre kayo ni Magellan,” was the instruction in Tagalog he heard in a whisper. And bringing back to mind the date Magellan discovered the Philippines and the present year, he calculated the Philippines as nearly 490 years old in 2010, which marks the national election next year.
What is significant about 490? Or about seventy times seven? The Philippines’ history can be likened to that of Israel which captivity lasted 490 years before it was set free and born as independent nation in 1948.
Daniel, the Jew who was taken as captive in Babylon when he was a teenager, served in the palace and remained in government service through the reigns of Babylonian kings and into the reign of Cyrus of Persia after the Persians became the world’s superpower. He was a person of deep piety, who from his youth determined to live by God’s law in a foreign land.
Biblical records tell of Daniel turning first to God in prayer before turning to the affairs of state. And he understood from the Scriptures, according to the word of the LORD given to Jeremiah the prophet, that the desolation of Jerusalem would last seventy years. And so he turned to God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes, confessing his sin and that of his people, remembering their rebellion against Him and how He had fulfilled the words spoken against them and against their rulers by bringing upon them great disaster, making them a scorn to all those nations around them.
Daniel pleaded in prayer for God’s great mercy, for Him to look on them with favour for His name’s sake. Then came to him angel Gabriel and said, “Daniel, I have now come to give you insight and understanding. As soon as you began to pray, an answer was given, which I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed. Therefore, consider the message and understand the vision: "Seventy 'sevens' are decreed for your people and your holy city to finish transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the most holy.” (Daniel 9:22-24). Then in succeeding chapters were prophetic insights and vision he received, which were to come to pass in a distant future prior to the fulfilment of Israel’s end of captivity.
Is the same happening in the Philippines? Can a new Philippines arise after 490 gloomy years? Is the same period set for the finishing of transgression or sin of the forefathers, that of religious leaders, the rulers and the people, or that of the whole nation, so that the Philippines can rise and be built upon the foundation of righteousness, which exalts a nation? (Proverbs 14:31)
The Bible has the answer. Seasons govern every purpose, every behaviour and event on the earth. If it’s time, it must come. As Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.”
Can a nation be born in a day? (Isaiah 66:8). Yes it can be.
But what must we do in 2010? There is no other but to seize the opportune time, the new season for the Philippines. This is the time we have all been waiting for: the rising of a new Philippines and a new Filipino!
And there is no doubt God has been dealing with the nation and cleansing it through judgment and then shall raise up a righteous leader to effectuate His glorious plans, the new beginning for the Philippines.
Prophet Daniel affirms, “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and might are His. And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells with Him.” (Daniel 2:20-22). Psalm 75:7 also says, “But God is the Judge: He puts down one, and exalts another.”
This nation will reclaim its birthright as the only Christian nation in the Far East. As López de Villalobos in 1542 named the Philippine islands for the Spanish prince Philip, and as the great evangelist of the New Testament is named Philip, so shall the Philippines rise to its calling as the launching pad of the Gospel and a missionary-sending country in Asia and the world in the end-times, as prophesied by renowned Prophets Bill Hamon and Cindy Jacobs.
This land which was raped for its resources for so long will be restored towards great prosperity. Honest and impartial wealth creation and distribution will become a big possibility. The new Filipinos will now value the dignity of labour and show genuine love for work.
Shall we miss this chance? Remember that God determines the “kairos” or “this is the hour” of every nation.
Let us seize the moment. Bro. Eddie is not exactly the answer to the problems of the Philippines. But the God who wants to raise us up as a new nation is looking for a man He can use to do that. Look around and see among the candidates if there is one who is like him. If none, you know what to do in the coming election, a chance we all have in this generation, in such a time as this.
I see a sunny Philippines, rising up as bright as the sun...
A vote for Bro. Eddie is a vote in favour of a new season.
One great man of God spoke in a prophetic conference a few months ago citing what the Holy Spirit told him few minutes before he went up stage to begin his message on “Seizing our Nation’s Prophetic Destiny.”
“Bilangin mo ilang taon na mula nang madiskubre kayo ni Magellan,” was the instruction in Tagalog he heard in a whisper. And bringing back to mind the date Magellan discovered the Philippines and the present year, he calculated the Philippines as nearly 490 years old in 2010, which marks the national election next year.
What is significant about 490? Or about seventy times seven? The Philippines’ history can be likened to that of Israel which captivity lasted 490 years before it was set free and born as independent nation in 1948.
Daniel, the Jew who was taken as captive in Babylon when he was a teenager, served in the palace and remained in government service through the reigns of Babylonian kings and into the reign of Cyrus of Persia after the Persians became the world’s superpower. He was a person of deep piety, who from his youth determined to live by God’s law in a foreign land.
Biblical records tell of Daniel turning first to God in prayer before turning to the affairs of state. And he understood from the Scriptures, according to the word of the LORD given to Jeremiah the prophet, that the desolation of Jerusalem would last seventy years. And so he turned to God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes, confessing his sin and that of his people, remembering their rebellion against Him and how He had fulfilled the words spoken against them and against their rulers by bringing upon them great disaster, making them a scorn to all those nations around them.
Daniel pleaded in prayer for God’s great mercy, for Him to look on them with favour for His name’s sake. Then came to him angel Gabriel and said, “Daniel, I have now come to give you insight and understanding. As soon as you began to pray, an answer was given, which I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed. Therefore, consider the message and understand the vision: "Seventy 'sevens' are decreed for your people and your holy city to finish transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the most holy.” (Daniel 9:22-24). Then in succeeding chapters were prophetic insights and vision he received, which were to come to pass in a distant future prior to the fulfilment of Israel’s end of captivity.
Is the same happening in the Philippines? Can a new Philippines arise after 490 gloomy years? Is the same period set for the finishing of transgression or sin of the forefathers, that of religious leaders, the rulers and the people, or that of the whole nation, so that the Philippines can rise and be built upon the foundation of righteousness, which exalts a nation? (Proverbs 14:31)
The Bible has the answer. Seasons govern every purpose, every behaviour and event on the earth. If it’s time, it must come. As Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.”
Can a nation be born in a day? (Isaiah 66:8). Yes it can be.
But what must we do in 2010? There is no other but to seize the opportune time, the new season for the Philippines. This is the time we have all been waiting for: the rising of a new Philippines and a new Filipino!
And there is no doubt God has been dealing with the nation and cleansing it through judgment and then shall raise up a righteous leader to effectuate His glorious plans, the new beginning for the Philippines.
Prophet Daniel affirms, “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and might are His. And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells with Him.” (Daniel 2:20-22). Psalm 75:7 also says, “But God is the Judge: He puts down one, and exalts another.”
This nation will reclaim its birthright as the only Christian nation in the Far East. As López de Villalobos in 1542 named the Philippine islands for the Spanish prince Philip, and as the great evangelist of the New Testament is named Philip, so shall the Philippines rise to its calling as the launching pad of the Gospel and a missionary-sending country in Asia and the world in the end-times, as prophesied by renowned Prophets Bill Hamon and Cindy Jacobs.
This land which was raped for its resources for so long will be restored towards great prosperity. Honest and impartial wealth creation and distribution will become a big possibility. The new Filipinos will now value the dignity of labour and show genuine love for work.
Shall we miss this chance? Remember that God determines the “kairos” or “this is the hour” of every nation.
Let us seize the moment. Bro. Eddie is not exactly the answer to the problems of the Philippines. But the God who wants to raise us up as a new nation is looking for a man He can use to do that. Look around and see among the candidates if there is one who is like him. If none, you know what to do in the coming election, a chance we all have in this generation, in such a time as this.
I see a sunny Philippines, rising up as bright as the sun...
THE PHILIPPINES THEN AND NOW
In the life of the Philippine nation, bad times often had outdone the good. The country’s history had shown it was bleak more often than not.
Its discovery in year 1521 by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan during Spanish expedition around the world is marked by the typical ulterior motive of any superpower nation, that is, to conquer nations and have complete control or monopoly of world trade.
And for 333 years that the early Filipinos were under the Spanish Empire, they were extremely abused and oppressed. Filipino farmers were forced to till the lands the Spaniards “claim” as their own, demanding them to produce huge returns. The women and children were taught to simply obey orders, without talking back or questioning wicked intents.
I do not know if slavery is indeed the price for having been Christianized. But thanks still to the Spanish people the Philippines had known there is Christ who came through virgin birth to die and rise again to save humanity from sin.
Until the Spanish tyranny gave birth to Philippine heroes largely impacted by Jose Rizal’s courageous writings and martyrdom, denouncing and battling against the power of the friars and desiring independence or self-government. Then the Spanish cruelty ended in 1898 when they lost the war against America.
That season also gave the Filipinos the chance to declare independence and establish a republic under the first democratic constitution ever known in Asia. Yet it was short-lived as their dream of independence was crushed when the Philippines was transferred from Spain to the United States in the Treaty of Paris (1898), which closed the Spanish-American War.
But the spirit coveting absolute freedom did not die at once. The first president of the aborted Republic of the Philippines, Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, tried to retrieve it and led a new revolt against U. S. rule that cost many lives of Filipino guerrillas. It was a dismal failure.
And so the Philippines was under the American regime 48 years, resulting to economic ties between the two countries. Yet only a little American capital was invested in Philippine industries, while the U.S. trade grew immensely until the Philippines became almost entirely dependent upon the American market.
I do not know if economic exploitation is indeed the price for receiving rich heritage of education and being introduced to democratic system of government. But thanks still to the Americans the Filipinos advanced in literacy and learned the power of people’s vote. Hence slowly they moved towards achieving independence.
Until World War 2 broke out in 1941 and Japan ruled the Filipinos 3 years, with blatant cruelty. Then help came through Gen. Douglas McArthur in 1944 liberating the Philippines from the Japanese, leaving the land war-devastated, its economy shattered and political leaders severely challenged. Finally in 1946, Philippine independence was granted, giving birth to the legitimate Republic and first president Manuel Roxas.
I do not know if the massacre of or the blood that was shed by hundreds of thousands of Filipinos during WW 2 is indeed the price for getting the most coveted freedom of this nation. But thanks still to the Japanese for emphasizing the dignity of labour and love for work.
The Philippines since then had the rounds of elections in hope that the leaders installed from the Presidency, Vice Presidency, Senate and House of Representatives will be able to help the country move forward and provide a better life for every Filipino being born.
But what did we get? We already had 14 presidents since the time of President Emilio Aguinaldo and we are still here, dumped in grave and shocking poverty, with great disparity between the rich and the poor, our economy still bleeding in foreign debts, with never-ending political warfare and social violence, now suffering from tragic results of man-made calamities which the government and citizenry could not apparently solve, and lo! We can sense the very low national morale.
I do not know if the Philippines had really been born as a free nation after all those difficult times. For today, it still looks like a slave, not to the former colonizers but to the whims and caprices of the oligarchs both in business and politics. It is still exploited economically as it cannot get out of hands that quiver and never stop acquiring great wealth at the expense of the weak and the poor.
But there is one thing I do know. And that is why every genuine nation-loving Filipino should campaign and vote for Bro. Eddie Villanueva in the coming May 2010 elections.
Please see the next blog for continuation. Thanks for reading.
Its discovery in year 1521 by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan during Spanish expedition around the world is marked by the typical ulterior motive of any superpower nation, that is, to conquer nations and have complete control or monopoly of world trade.
And for 333 years that the early Filipinos were under the Spanish Empire, they were extremely abused and oppressed. Filipino farmers were forced to till the lands the Spaniards “claim” as their own, demanding them to produce huge returns. The women and children were taught to simply obey orders, without talking back or questioning wicked intents.
I do not know if slavery is indeed the price for having been Christianized. But thanks still to the Spanish people the Philippines had known there is Christ who came through virgin birth to die and rise again to save humanity from sin.
Until the Spanish tyranny gave birth to Philippine heroes largely impacted by Jose Rizal’s courageous writings and martyrdom, denouncing and battling against the power of the friars and desiring independence or self-government. Then the Spanish cruelty ended in 1898 when they lost the war against America.
That season also gave the Filipinos the chance to declare independence and establish a republic under the first democratic constitution ever known in Asia. Yet it was short-lived as their dream of independence was crushed when the Philippines was transferred from Spain to the United States in the Treaty of Paris (1898), which closed the Spanish-American War.
But the spirit coveting absolute freedom did not die at once. The first president of the aborted Republic of the Philippines, Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, tried to retrieve it and led a new revolt against U. S. rule that cost many lives of Filipino guerrillas. It was a dismal failure.
And so the Philippines was under the American regime 48 years, resulting to economic ties between the two countries. Yet only a little American capital was invested in Philippine industries, while the U.S. trade grew immensely until the Philippines became almost entirely dependent upon the American market.
I do not know if economic exploitation is indeed the price for receiving rich heritage of education and being introduced to democratic system of government. But thanks still to the Americans the Filipinos advanced in literacy and learned the power of people’s vote. Hence slowly they moved towards achieving independence.
Until World War 2 broke out in 1941 and Japan ruled the Filipinos 3 years, with blatant cruelty. Then help came through Gen. Douglas McArthur in 1944 liberating the Philippines from the Japanese, leaving the land war-devastated, its economy shattered and political leaders severely challenged. Finally in 1946, Philippine independence was granted, giving birth to the legitimate Republic and first president Manuel Roxas.
I do not know if the massacre of or the blood that was shed by hundreds of thousands of Filipinos during WW 2 is indeed the price for getting the most coveted freedom of this nation. But thanks still to the Japanese for emphasizing the dignity of labour and love for work.
The Philippines since then had the rounds of elections in hope that the leaders installed from the Presidency, Vice Presidency, Senate and House of Representatives will be able to help the country move forward and provide a better life for every Filipino being born.
But what did we get? We already had 14 presidents since the time of President Emilio Aguinaldo and we are still here, dumped in grave and shocking poverty, with great disparity between the rich and the poor, our economy still bleeding in foreign debts, with never-ending political warfare and social violence, now suffering from tragic results of man-made calamities which the government and citizenry could not apparently solve, and lo! We can sense the very low national morale.
I do not know if the Philippines had really been born as a free nation after all those difficult times. For today, it still looks like a slave, not to the former colonizers but to the whims and caprices of the oligarchs both in business and politics. It is still exploited economically as it cannot get out of hands that quiver and never stop acquiring great wealth at the expense of the weak and the poor.
But there is one thing I do know. And that is why every genuine nation-loving Filipino should campaign and vote for Bro. Eddie Villanueva in the coming May 2010 elections.
Please see the next blog for continuation. Thanks for reading.
WHAT IS A BRO. EDDIE VOTE? ... in favour of Righteousness
There may not be enough money in the world to buy enough airtime and advertising to counter the lies and deception that a vote for righteousness is not going to win even for second try. But this is not a reason to quit.
And since those other candidates possess overflowing logistics support and charisma in aid of winning the presidential race, it is not far from happening that some previous supporters of purpose-driven candidacy of Bangon Pilipinas standard bearer Bro. Eddie Villanueva may decide to throw away their confidence and rather jump or climb on the bandwagon, joining another camp only because it is popular. Moreover, those who opposed him last 2004 elections may be on the loose again to discredit him.
With this scenario, the battle is not just a replica of David and Goliath but David and Goliaths. There are so many giants to fight against if Bro. Eddie must finally win. The irony is that, harsh opposition also comes from separatist-brothers in the faith.
The resistance from outside of the flock is understandable, yet there might be a sudden change of mind and that is a big surprise. But this spirit of scorn and contempt coming from churches is saddening. And therefore requires attention.
Why should every genuine Christian and nation-loving Filipino vote and campaign for Bro. Eddie Villanueva? Here is one reason.
A vote for Bro. Eddie is a vote in favour of righteousness.
The Philippines, known as the only Christian nation in the far east of Asia, failed to live up to its name. The people go to church while the nation slowly goes down to its lowest moral state. Today, it is adjudged second most corrupt country in the world. What a negative reverse from being second to Japan in terms of economic prosperity in 1972! Onwards until now, the nation suffered spiral downturn and deterioration because of ingrained graft and corruption and insatiable greed for power, from the highest officials of the land down to the lowest. Its rotten fruits are so sticky they cleave to the branches no matter how strong the wind shakes the whole tree.
This pitiable condition caused millions of Filipinos – professionals, domestic helpers, caregivers and skilled workers alike – to seek jobs abroad – almost being ejected from own country as thousands leave each day. Scattered to different parts of the world, battling homesickness, these kababayans are working hard like slaves to be able to send money and help their families survive at least.
The country is in turmoil; left and right are protest rallies, injustices abound, killings and other horrible crimes became so ordinary, institutional thievery of highest kind is committed without guilt or shame, social unrest is felt in the entire land, poverty level is almost at the bottom, and the list goes on. Evidently, the Philippines is at the brim of corruption awaiting divine judgment because it closed its eyes to the rule of justice, mercy, and faith.
Why is righteousness needed in this sad plight? God’s Word gives profound answers. “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan.” (Proverbs 29:2). “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.” (Proverbs 14:34)
This 2010 Election offers hope because it has one candidate among several who is not just an alternative, and neither a lesser evil. He fits the need. He courageously responds to the challenge of dark times in the Philippines. He has a clear grasp of what it means “to act justly... to love mercy... to walk humbly with ... God.” (Micah 6:8)
Critics say he should not enter politics because he might be corrupted by the system. But that is too presumptive. Before anybody assumes he will be eaten up by the corrupt system, remember the work of salt or light that preserves and illuminates. This country needs to see the path towards light and be preserved from further judgment. We need a leader who will lead us there.
Civil servants or politicians are in the first place ought to be good citizens of their country, able to raise the moral standard of the people and their living conditions. But many of them presently holding office or aspiring to get into higher one have disappointed people’s hope. Come on, the Filipinos are like orphans badly in need of real guardians. Don’t take chances again just like what was done in the past. Filipinos now have a better candidate right before their very eyes.
And Christians, or those who believe it is a Christian act to genuinely care for the needy and oppressed, for the marginalized in the society, are faced with the decision to vote for and rally behind the cause of righteousness.
The church is still the most powerful transformation agent and that needs to be pointed out. It is never true that church and state are separate. If that were true, this country could have moved forward even long ago. Have you not known, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD” (Psalm 33:12)? But the state had made money its god. It’s time to bring back God in the State through a righteous leader.
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