Hearing The Hearings

by Seneca Moraleda-Puguan

While my children are away and I’m occupied with household chores, I find myself drawn to a peculiar activity: listening to the Senate and Congress hearings from the Philippines.

Recently, the Legislative members have been holding simultaneous sessions, unraveling the controversies that grip our nation.

The House Quad Committee is delving into Cassandra Li Ong’s ties with the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO).

Meanwhile, the Senate intensely scrutinizes Shiela Guo, sister of former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo.

Between these hearings, they’re also dissecting the budget for the Office of the Vice President.

And amid this chaos, authorities finally brought ex-mayor Alice Guo back to the Philippines after weeks of pursuit. Shortly after, the manhunt for Mr. Apollo Quiboloy, leader of the Davao-based “Kingdom of Jesus Christ,” ended when he eventually surrendered.

Typically, I avoid news from the Philippines because it often brings nothing but negativity.

Yet, for some reason, I find these Senate and Congress hearings oddly compelling. Yes, they can be frustrating, but there is a certain drama to them that, strangely, entertains me.

They give my husband and me something to discuss, and more importantly, they drive us to pray for the country we love—a country that so often breaks our hearts.

The current situation in the Philippines, with all its hullabaloo and unfolding drama—the incoherent responses from Vice President Duterte during the budget audit, the baffling answers from Cassandra Ong and Shiela Guo, the fleeing and capture of Alice Guo, and the disappearance and return of Quiboloy—reflects a disturbing reality.

The Philippine government, and by extension its people, are being treated with contempt. It reveals how easily we, as a people, can be deceived and manipulated by those in power. It also highlights the incompetence of our authorities.

For years, exploitation, corruption, deception, crime, injustice, and unrighteousness have thrived under our noses.

We are aware, yet we have allowed these to permeate our society.

Look at our country now—a laughingstock. And while these circus-like hearings continue, our poor kababayans are struggling with the harsh effects of climate change, facing flooding in areas that have never experienced such calamities before.

Oh, beloved Philippines, what has happened to you?

But there is a silver lining. I find relief in knowing that the wickedness conducted in secret is finally being brought to light.

It gives me hope that there are still people fighting for justice and striving to end the cycle of corruption that has long plagued our country.

At last, corruption and crime are being exposed, and those involved are being held accountable.

Despite the grim state of affairs, I take comfort in knowing that God is still sovereign over all and that His justice will not let unrighteousness go unpunished.

Yet, this is just the beginning of a long and grueling battle against the diseases of our society.

Unless the Philippine electorate learns to choose leaders of integrity and avoid being swayed by empty promises, this vicious cycle will continue.

Our country will continue to spiral downward instead of rising to its potential. This is a call to educate the public about voting wisely.

It is a plea to say “enough” to corrupt leadership.

We have had enough. This is a cry to heaven: “O God, please heal our land.”

As I continue to lead a quiet life here in Switzerland, listening to the exchange of answers and questions from afar, I will always remember to hold the ropes for my country in prayer.

My God still reigns over the Philippines, and His justice will prevail. He loves my nation, and in that truth, I find my hope.