Rafael L. Oriel, Jr.
31 Mar 200
Mr. Pontaoe, you don’t sound happy to have me as an ally in your fight for truth. Pardon my intrusion. I was just trying to help in your fight for truth using truth as a weapon instead of your weapons of mass deceptions (WMD) e.g. twisted facts, lies and sarcasms. With your WMD, I was compelled to agree with others that your remarks which you claimed as constructive criticisms and your beliefs in a sense of fallacy were indeed hilarious and ludicrous bordering on lunacy. It makes you sound like a counterfeit lying thru his teeth causing disservice to others including our generous host. It makes me wonder what you are trying to do to your Kabaleyans and what really you are trying to achieve here in a well respected Punch forum.
Mr. Sison, your post is enlightening and straightforward in telling others to do what is right and right what is wrong. What you said to Archbishop Oscar V. Cruz is right on target. I agree, we often hear priests preaching Christians values but, obviously, not all of them are practicing what they preached. What’s the use of calling some members of Congress honorable when they are not as honorable in the first place?
In the same token, what’s the use of addressing priests as Father, Bishop or Archbishop when they do not practice what they preach and/or acting like a politician instead of a priest? Can politicians be forever politicians even if they shift parties and/or professions?
In the same token, can Christians be forever Christians even if they shift religions or practices? I think the common denominator where we can gauge the authenticity of both politicians and Christians are their convictions to their beliefs. Life is really full of surprises.
In his Viewpoints, “Poor Philippines”, Mr. Cruz tried to convey something purportedly to describe the present administration but reminded us instead of Estrada’s regime when he said, “Never before in its history have its people been subjected to shame and disgrace before the international community. It is not enough that the national leadership managed to champion graft and corruption in government.”
It looks like Mr. Cruz would rather play godfather to politicians trying to sway who will win and who will lose with the desire to have political power clout just like some religious and other leaders who became power brokers. With the election fever now going on in the Philippines, he seems to be more interested in giving political blessings rather than spiritual blessings. I cannot blame him, it is really hard to decide whether to become political leader or religious leader.
Just look at the priest in Pampanga who is having a hard time deciding whether to follow the footsteps of our beloved Lord Jesus or that of Julius Caesar.
From what I understand, priests need to resign or be expelled before they can enter politics. Identity crisis reminds me of a familiar holy place but no longer sure if it is a place of pilgrimage or tourists spot or commercial center. Identity crisis also reminds me of a familiar resort but no longer sure if it is a park where families, friends and relatives can have quality time together with peace of mind and the soothing beauty of natures.
In a society where some people have the tendency to glorify villains instead of true heroes, it will be an uphill battle against evil especially when there are many who seem harmless but are actually dangerous like foxes in sheep’s clothing or wolf in lamb’s clothing.
Obviously, the situation makes it difficult for us to distinguish real allies from enemies thus demand an urgent need for us to carefully discern the truth.
Godspeed to all especially those who are advocating for character change and other things needed to be changed in the Philippines. Just a humble opinion to ponder.
