Romance, Not Politics, Better

I expect that by this time, the rumor-mill will is focusing on Ms. JASMINE LEE who is reportedly a Davaoeña. She is described as the only foreign-born member of the South Korean National Assembly. How did she become a Korean? She got married to a Korean, but became a widow with 2 children and got elected as a member of the Korean legislature and noted for her “cultural pluralism” advocacy.

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ROMANCE? — Public attention on this pretty Korean Assemblywoman Jasmine started when eligible bachelor Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista was reported as “smitten” by her and the grapevine is full with gossip about a possible blooming romance. This is a welcome treat. We all need a good break from the polluting political gossips that now permeate the air. You bet, I am more interested to read more about such juicy items than track the volatile developments in the political field. Right?

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“THE RACE IS ON!” — When Vice President Binay resigned from the Aquino cabinet, it became the opening salvo that yes, the political race is on. Pretty soon, Sec. Mar Roxas will also dismount from the Cabinet to signal his own presidential run. In the meantime, while Sen. Grace Poe is shooting up in the surveys, Mayor Rody Duterte who is steadily rising in the polls, has shifted gears by now saying “he is open” to become a presidential candidate. Exciting times are upon us all!

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TALKS WITH CPP? — While I am a strong advocate for the resumption of peace talks with the CPP-NPA-NDF, I entertain suspicions why the Aquino government at this late hour is starting to publicly dangle the olive branch to Mr. JOMA SISON about resumption of talks. From where I now sit as just an observer and not privy to what’s actually going on, I can only speculate that these fresh reports are just for “show” intended for some propaganda value. The political circus is now in town and this is the worst time to do the serious business of negotiating peace. The substantive merits will be hijacked by politicking. Take it from me. I was part of the negotiations before.

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PEACE PACT IN SC — I was not surprised when some prominent citizens filed a petition in the Supreme Court questioning the peace agreements signed with the MILF. In fact, I will be more surprised if no one does so. We should all welcome this new development because at the early stages, the constitutional issues will be settled.

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IGNORING REALITIES — The only problem with this is the expected delay it will cause. This is mainly because the peace negotiators, with due respect, ignored the realities and did not learn from the lessons of the past. The timetable agreed was not realistic. And false expectations were raised. But no worries, folks! Let peace come on its own appointed, sweet time. I say again: “If not today, there is a tomorrow”.

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DON’T WAIT FOR BBL — I read reports about peace initiatives that are happening today and everywhere. For example, the settlements of specific clan wars or “ridos” amongst feuding Muslim families are welcome news. I tell you, a thousand peace agreements signed cannot resolve those pockets of conflicts that dominate and grip communities on the ground day to day. Working for peace like settlement of “ridos” must continue. Let us not be misled. A peace agreement, although important, is NOT the only path to peace. Let’s not all sit tight, fold our arms, waste our time and wait for the BBL. We can do peace, “piece by piece”.