Always Developing, Never Developed -

by Seneca Moraleda-Puguan

Before we sleep, my husband and I usually spend time together watching an episode of a Korean drama. But last night was different.

We slept late because we watched a different kind of drama: a telenovela in the Philippine Senate that involved the Mayor of Bamban, Tarlac, Alice Leal Guo.

She is suspected to be a Chinese spy or an asset and is allegedly linked to illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) companies in her town.

Senators, led by Senator Riza Hontiveros, are scrambling to know the truth about her nationality and involvement with Chinese companies.

I am not here to give my thoughts about this fiasco since the investigation is still ongoing. It’s such a complex case that it will take a lot of time to flesh out the truth and the Senate has to do well in doing so.

Unfortunately, I noticed that some of them are wasting precious time asking the wrong questions. As this case has intrigued me a lot, given the tension between China and the Philippines because of the territorial disputes in the South China Sea, I will be carefully looking at this issue, hoping for truth to be revealed and for justice to prevail.

During our discussion, my husband and I couldn’t help but feel brokenhearted for the Philippines, our beloved country.

In the course of our lives, we have witnessed several Senate hearings involving leaders in high positions accused of graft and corruption, money laundering, and so many unrighteous acts that betray the people who have put their trust in them.

The Philippines, though rich in resources and manpower, tends to be bullied and taken advantage of by stronger countries because its leaders can easily be swayed and its people, effortlessly manipulated.

Endemic corruption sprawls across different parts of the society, causing those in authority to gain more power and the poor to further suffer.

Given the current situation in the Philippines, and not seeing improvements in many aspects of life, it’s such a disappointing revelation and conclusion to us, that the country we dearly love, remains to be always developing and never developed.

Ever since we were young, the country has been known as a developing country. More than three decades later, nothing has changed. Are we content to hold the title of just “developing”?

I pray that the next generations will witness change and experience progress. I pray that in my children’s and their children’s time, they can boast that the Philippine archipelago truly develops and shines as the Pearl of the Orient Seas.

Last night, before we slept, we were moved to pray for our home country. We are privileged to be living in a First World Country where we get to experience world-class transportation, a high standard of living, and excellent benefits for families.

But our many “kababayans” who are suffering and believing for better governance and improved way of life, are always in our thoughts and prayers.

Though we are thousands of miles away from our homeland, we believe that we were created to be Filipinos for a reason. We will never stop losing hope for the country of our birth and we will keep believing that change is still possible.

Oh Philippines, may healing be upon you. May righteousness and justice be your foundation. May you be victorious against your enemies. Arise!