Go for it, P-Noy!

AS A MATTER OF FACT By Sara Soliven De Guzman (The Philippine Star) Updated July 05, 2010 12:00 AM


The march to victory is compounded with many scents, among them the odor of stale sweat and urine, mingled with the fragrance of fresh brewed coffee as we begin the dawn of a new day.

Everyone today carries a ray of hope. It is indeed a fresh start for the Filipinos who see through the spirit and good moral ground of our new leader. Many will continue to compare him to his parents but he should not be burdened or distracted by these fancies. Just stay in the right course P-Noy – focus and strive hard. I am sure your parents are proud of you. Don’t hesitate to do what is good. Just do it!

It is clear that P-Noy wants to lead by example. On the day of his inauguration on his way from his home to Malacañang Palace, he stopped at every intersection and respected the traffic light. Contrary to many critics saying that he should not have stopped and that it was clear that there was no traffic, I think P-Noy just wanted to make a statement – that we should follow every rule, every regulation and every law of the land. This message was carried over at the Quirino grandstand when proper protocol was observed giving no one, not even the family or close friends the chance to appear superior or grandstanding during the ceremony. Celebrities came looking resplendent in their fabulous gowns but chose to remain quiet as they joined the rest of the guests in the bleachers and enjoyed the rare experience. Even the James Yap and Kris Aquino issue was hushed. We also noticed his girlfriend Valenzuela City Councilor Shalani Soledad seated quietly in the background while watching the proceedings. P-Noy’s family did not loiter around Malacañang either. They were there just to show their support and then left quietly when it was time for him to do the symbolical climb of the stairs to the palace.

His best clincher during his inaugural speech was “wala nang wang-wang” and counter flow. I pray that he keeps this promise and make sure that every government official submit to this rule or else, he should have these greedy, self-centered imbeciles punished. We must learn to follow the law. We have been spoiled and have developed arrogance because of it.

P-Noy’s speech signified transformation, perseverance, unity and hope. Our political scene, indeed, is fatally flawed by an oligarchy that arrogantly refuses to recognize the merits of social justice and social mobility. What used to be sought as the “common will” is now a limp rag of accommodation. We have self-serving officials who lack decency, honesty, good management and protocol. It is time they learn how to lead and be of service to the public. Selflessness and simplicity is the key. I guess purging and cleansing is the first step. And this is what P-Noy wants to teach us.

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P-Noy, the Filipinos have greeted and welcomed you with open arms. It is rare to have a crowd coming from different social backgrounds, from all walks of life gravitate to listen to the words of the new president. Take advantage of this momentous time to lead us toward the right path. It may be difficult and unpopular but bear in mind that pleasing will not help either.

Let justice be done – not mindless retribution. However, there can be compromise with the requirements that accounts be squared and all debts paid. Those who bullied, murdered and destroyed lives and “salvaged” must face the music. As my father once quipped: “We never resolved the issue of collaboration with the Japanese, to face this painful dilemma and scotch the snake, and therefore doomed our generation to “collaboration”, “turncoatism” and surrender of principles for convenience as a way of life”.

Let us restore delicadeza and palabra de honor, those grand old concepts of the Old Filipino, to our vocabulary. Let justice be even-handed but remorseless and not blind.

You are now officially on probation. People wonder what work ethics you will have. I pray that you lead by example even if you need to do so with an iron fist, just to get things done! You will need both physical and spiritual strength as you head into the stormy seas. In this voyage which you cast off today, the press and the media will be supportive as it can. But no “honeymoon” lasts forever.

I hope that in the weeks, months and years to come, P-Noy will always remember that we are on the same side – wanting what is best for the country. The journey may be rough, uncomfortable, relations may turn sour, but we wish him well. Our impatience for him to succeed must not be misconstrued as obstructionism. We will be cooperative, but we will never be sycophantic.

The President’s worst enemies will be those who flatter him. Beware of them! They caress the ruler’s ego and simper at his feet because they want something from him. They will unman and destroy him more effectively than a thousand critics.

Then there are the bearers of false tales – the Bulong brigade. They will cleverly manipulate his thoughts in malicious ways. They will add to the confusion of our newly installed Chief Executive. May he remain focused and in control of his decisions.

Finally, I trust that the people in his cabinet will stay on track and not grandstand. They should follow his lead on good governance. They should do good work and not embarrass the President by their machinations.

Remember: Hiring an individual is not the President’s only function. Firing him when he goes wrong – however it may hurt the President emotionally and personally – can be even more important. As Abe Lincoln said, “Stand with anybody that stands right, stand with him while he is right and part with him when he goes wrong.”

You have won the first battle – the elections. You have already won the second battle – winning the hearts of men. Gaining the respect of the people and making them listen to you is difficult to achieve but you already have this advantage. Don’t destroy it. You have more battles to fight and we wish you luck. You will need it. And yes, you are right P-Noy, your kalbaryo has begun!