Everybody has something to say

The nation had spoken and by June the 30th the Philippine Republic will have a new President. As to how good or bad this will turn out be for the republic only those who live through it can tell, 6 years from now that is. As far as I could remember I've been through 5 presidency, all of whom I remember so vividly since my early elementary days. These days the president elect has been swamped by unsolicited advice from every corner of Philippine society. From Politician who have more experience in governing their own interest yet failed to do there job for the nation to common people, advices ranging from quitting smoking to how one should run the country, as if they could do better than anyone. Of course some of these advices do merit some degree of consideration. What amazes me most is how these advices are made to the recipient, which something you can't do during the past administrations. All thanks to today communication technology that allow commoners like myself to access sites that allow people to be a bit more up close and personal. But now I think about it if such technology is available back then can anybody send some unsolicited advice, rant or what ever to the president elect?. Let's think and ponder of the possibilities. Let's start with The Marcos Dictatorship were everything started to go downhill for the Republic, Its more likely you end-up floating in a some stinking river for daring such a thing. The Aquino Administration, who's son is the soon incoming 15th president of the republic. Chances are your letter would be sidetracked and end up as propaganda by the opposition both the leftist or the rightist, and be viewed as the people's official rallying point without you knowing it. The Ramos Administration, now this is a tough one, I don't think he needs an advice, his was able to run the country pretty well during his time. The Estrada administration, If I can recall perfectly there was once an undersecretary of some sort who got fired for telling the public that his the only sober person in the palace. Based on that account, any letter of advice or whatever would probably wait until everybody is sober enough to read it. The PGMA administration, well this is the only administration were I can confidently say, that a citizen don't really know whats what anymore. Both side proclaim to be God send yet both seems to look like a bunch of human dung piled up altogether. Anyway, back to where the topic is, the upcoming leader of the nation has been swamped by advices. Should he be overwhelmed by this?, I do not know, at any rate one should not turn a back from it.
As always, Advices are always free, but never always welcome even to those who gives them.

Here's one sample of those unsolicited advice that I found interesting enough and should merit some consideration with deep thought.

HINDSIGHT By F Sionil Jose (The Philippine Star) Updated May 23, 2010 12:00 AM

Dear Noynoy,

You are now swamped with suggestions and advice, but just the same, I hope you’ll have time to read what this octogenarian has to say.

You were not my choice in the last election but since our people have spoken, we must now support you and pray that you prevail. But first, I must remind you of the stern reality that your drum-beaters ignore: you have no noble legacy from your forbears. It is now your arduous job to create one yourself in the six years that you will be the single most powerful Filipino. Six years is too short a time — the experience in our part of the world is that it takes at least one generation — 25 years — for a sick nation to recover and prosper. But you can begin that happy process of healing.

Bear in mind that the past weighs heavily on all of us because of the many contradictions in it that we have not resolved, whose resolutions would strengthen us as a nation. This past is now your burden, too. Let us start with the fact that your grandfather collaborated with the Japanese. Your father was deeply aware of this, its stigma, its possibilities. He did not leave any legacy because he did not become president. He was a brilliant and courageous politician. He was an enterprising journalist; he had friends in journalism who can attest to his effulgent vision, who did not profit from his friendship, among them Nestor Mata, Gregorio Brillantes — you may consult them. I cannot say I did not profit — he bought many books from my shop and when he was in Marcos’s prison, your mother brought books from my shop to him.

Forgive me for giving you this unsolicited advice. First, beware of hubris; you are surrounded by panderers who will tell you what is nice to hear. You need to be humble always and heed your conscience. When Caesar was paraded in ancient Rome before the cheering multitudes, there was always a man chanting behind him: “Remember, you are mortal.”


I say to you, remember, the poor — some of them in your own hacienda — will be your ultimate judge.

From your comfortable and privileged cocoon, you know so little of our country and people. Seek the help of the best — and the best do not normally want to work in government and neither will they approach you. You have to seek them.

Be the revolutionary your father wanted to be and don’t be scared or wary of the word “revolution.” It need not be always bloody. EDSA I was not. Your father wanted to destroy the most formidable obstacle to our progress — the Oligarchy to which you and your family belong. To succeed, you have to betray your class. If you cannot smash the oligarchy, at least strive to have their wealth develop this country, that they bring back the billions they stashed abroad. You cannot do this in six years, but you can begin.

Prosecute the crooks. It is difficult, thankless and even dangerous to do this. Your mother did not do it — she did not jail Imelda who was the partner in that conjugal dictatorship that plundered this nation. Watch her children — they were much too young to have participated in that looting but they are heirs to the billions which their parents stashed abroad. Now the Marcoses are on the high road to power, gloating, snickering at our credulity and despicable amnesia.

You know the biggest crooks in and out of government, those powerful smugglers, thieves, tax cheats — all you really need is guts to clobber them. Your father had lots of it — I hope he passed on to you most of it.

And most of all, now that you have the muscle to do it, go after your father’s killers. Blood and duty compel you to do so. Cory was only his wife — you are the anointed and only son. Your regime will be measured by how you resolve this most blatant crime that robbed us of a true leader.

And, finally, your mother. We loved her — she united us in ousting an abominable dictator. But she, too, did not leave a shining legacy for her presidency was a disaster. She announced a revolutionary government but did nothing revolutionary. She promised land reform but did not do it. And most grievous of all — she transformed the EDSA I revolution into a restoration of the oligarchy.

She became president only because her husband was murdered and you became president elect only because your mother died. Still, you are your father’s son and may you now — for the good of this country and people — scale the heights he and your mother never reached.

I am 85 and how I despair over how three generations of our leaders failed! Before I go, please let me see this unhappy country begin to be a much better place than the garbage dump our leaders and people have made it. You can be this long awaited messiah but only if you are brave enough and wise enough to redeem your father’s aborted promise.

Hopefully yours,

F. Sionil Jose