We Filipinos have been known to reveal our real sentiments in jokes. This avenue for expression may be traceable to our history of colonial subjugation, oppression under Martial Law, and the iron hand of the present "Strong Republic."
True enough, in the wake of the massive flooding in Metro Manila brought by typhoon "Ondoy," the latest joke to come out was about the Rainforest Park in Pasig City.
Word has spread that a "buwaya" (crocodile - much would be lost in translation, hence, I use buwaya) was seen to have escaped from captivity in Rainforest when the park went under flood waters. To help trackers identify it, we are told that this buwaya has a "nunal" and it went straight to Malacañang. Furthermore, this buwaya had two sons in tow as it crawled out from Rainforest, but who headed instead to Congress.
Seriously, if only there were no corruption, then the billions of pesos lost to thieves in government would have been used to making sure our most needy people did not have to live on garbage dumps, by the walls of the Manggahan Floodway, or other dangerous places and inhuman settlements.
For this reason, I find it truly encouraging that the overarching agenda of Noynoy Aquino in his bid for the presidency is to tackle corruption. He says:
"Corruption is the single biggest threat to our democracy. It deprives the poor of the social services they badly need. It destroys the very moral fiber of our society. No reform agenda will succeed without a determine program to eradicate corruption. It is the business, not just of government, but of every Filipino to fight corruption."
Is it any wonder then that Noynoy has been topping the recent surveys for president?
Of course, there is much work to do.
If you believe that Noynoy should be our next president, then I urge you to go out of your way now and join the cause against corruption.
For those with internet access, Noynoy's official website has been launched and it may be accessed at www.noynoy.ph.
The website provides a brief profile of Noynoy, which states in part:
"It is in his bloodline. It is his heritage. For him, democracy restored must be enshrined without fear but with greatest fervor."
"It is second nature to Senator Benigno "Noynoy" S. Aquino III to be both a fiscalizer, who relentlessly espouse public accountability, and a staunch advocate of liberal democracy.
"His key legislative initiatives are anchored on the protection of human rights and good governance through increased transparency and public accountability."
The website also provides links for how you can contribute( http://www.pondoparakaynoynoy.com/) or volunteer.
You may contact Noynoy directly through his email address at sbsa_iii@noynoyaquino.ph;
telephone - (02) 833 6383; or office - Office of Senator Benigno S. Aquino III, Room 526, Senate of the Philippines, GSIS Financial Center, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City, Philippines.
TANGGALING ANG TIWALI. ITAMA AND MALI.