Violence in Sabah

Last week, the Malaysian police took drastic action against the followers of the Sultan of Sulu who are holed up Lahad town, Sabah. After they attacked last Saturday, 12 of his men and two policemen died.  President Aquino and the Malaysian Prime Minister said that the sultan’s followers have no option left but to surrender but they are steadfast on their position not leave the place that they believe to be their own.

I believe in the claim of the Sultanate of Sulu but considering the present circumstances I think it is no longer practical to physically claim Sabah because for all intents and purposes it is now part of the territory of the State of Malaysia and has been treated so by the rest of the world.

The best thing to do now with the help of the Philippine government is to make arrangements for the heirs of the sultanate of Sulu to get a fair share of the payment for Sabah.

I learned that Sabah has rich mineral deposits that could really help our struggling country address poverty but claiming it would to lead to a war against Malaysia and is not worth the trouble. Malaysia should allow our humanitarian ships to dock in their shores and ferry the followers of the sultan of Sulu who would like to come home. The killing of our Muslim brothers and sisters on Malaysian soil will prompt outrage among Muslims around the world and may affect efforts to attain world peace.

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I am amazed by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s pledge of unconditional obedience to whoever the cardinals will choose to be the next Pope. The Vatican had been questioned about what will happen to the next Pope and his authority when the resigned Pope is still in the Vatican? Will it not diminish his power and authority? The Pope Emeritus’ promise put to rest the worries of some Catholic officials.

I am happy with the pronouncement of the newly resigned Pope. It is a great gesture of humility and a recognition of the authority of the Catholic Church. It is contrary to the behavior of ordinary men today who most of the time are out to question the authority of some newly elected officials and criticize them for their decisions.

Pope Benedict XVI will be missed by Catholics and we will pray for him and for the Church. Today, Rome needs our prayers. Let us pray for the Holy Spirit to guide our cardinals in electing Benedict’s successor.

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I am elated with the news that funds for the flyover have been sent back to the national treasury thus putting to rest once and for all the debate on whether to put up the flyover or not.  Finally the vigilance of the civil society has paid off against the will imposed by one person, a plain politician who is instrumental in establishing flyovers even without the benefit of advise coming from expert urban planners.

Recently civil society led by Movement for Liveable Cebu  stood pat against the establishment of the series of flyovers without the necessary master plan for urban planning.  I am in favor of the proposed Mega Cebu where all stakeholders are gathered and tasked to do things for the welfare and interests of the area including the planning and coordination of the basic services in the metropolis.

I think it is about time our national leaders especially our Congressmen listen to our local leaders and coordinate with them on any infrastructure program that they are planning to implement in any locality.  Congressmen have long treated their districts a their small kingdoms so much so that that they plan without coordinating with the local government unit.

But today thanks to civil society things have changed for the better though it was a long and tedious, initially lonely struggle until the people comprehended the position taken by civil society groups. It was a classic display once again of people power against the will of one person.In the end the power of the people prevailed. I think we will be seeing more of the power of the people in the near future against abusive political leaders.