Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Change
Comparing the State of the Nation Address speech of the newly elected
President from those of the past presidents, the speech of the President is not
coated with much formality, almost half of his speech is ad lib. Some may
criticize him for doing such, but going beyond formalities and the written
words behind those scripts, the SONA has a strong message for the Filipinos.
When the President was elected, the slogan, "Change is coming," is all
over the place, most specifically, on the realm of the internet. But how can he
effect change, really? After watching the SONA of the President, I found the
answer to my inquiry. You effect change by proclaiming unity among citizens
of the Philippines, by declaring a unilateral ceasefire with the CPP/NPA/NDF
which is effective immediately. The move by the President himself depicts an
image which will bring the Philippines into a one united nation, which aimed
at preserving peace among everyone and upholding the rights of each of its
people. In order to help our country, all of us must stand up and direct
ourselves towards becoming one with our goals. As what the famous quote of
St. Paul goes, "Unity amidst diversity," we may have different cultures,
races and beliefs, but we are still capable of being one with our goals and
aspirations, as one nation. The President clearly knows that in order to effect
change, it must come from the leader who is responsible in directing his
people. As what he mentioned, If we cannot, as yet, love one another,
then in Gods name, let us not hate each other too much.
Also, one of the most remarkable words that he states is when he said,
"Human rights must work to uplift human dignity. But human rights
cannot be used as a shield or an excuse to destroy the country ---
your country and my country." Such bold and direct statement only
portrayed that he means serious business with the issue regarding human
rights, most especially, if it will lead to or endanger human lives, such on the
occasion of drugs, which will only bring peril on the lives of the people,
specically, the youth, which on their very young age are being involved in
drug related issues, such scenario is unfathomable.
It is for that reason that the rampant drug issues in the Philippines
must stop and prevent proliferation of such. The death rate of those involved
in drug related issues have risen for the past month, which is a good thing
actually, but we must not forget that this people are also entitled to the equal
protection clause guaranteed by the Constitution. It is an elementary rule on
criminal cases that the accused is presumed ignorant until proven beyond
reasonable doubt. All persons are entitled to the due process clause which will
bring the accused on a fair trial before the court. We should solve these
issues, specifically with drugs, in accordance with the proper legal process
and not by putting the law upon our own hands. I am cognizant that the
President knows what he is doing in order to promote the rights of every
citizen of our country. I applaud his statement that human rights cannot be
used as a shield or an excuse to destroy our country, but let me say this,
human rights must not also be used as a shell in covering acts of immorality.
Like the famous saying goes, "The end does not justify the means," that
even how good one's intention is, if it is done contrary to the prescribed rules
and regulations and by going beyond the law, it is unacceptable and should
not to be tolerated.