Accepting defeat gracefully

In a span of two days, the government lost 15 of its best troops—seven Marine “recons” and eight police commandos—to enemies of the state.

The Marines and policemen belonged to Force Recon and Special Action Force (SAF) respectively, both elite units.

If government elite troops are easy targets for the Abu Sayyaf and the New People’s Army (NPA), all the more so are ordinary soldiers and policemen.

Instead of blaming one another for the ambush of the Marines and the NPA for the ambush of the police commandos, the government should retaliate.

And retaliate hard.

The government should adopt the Israeli method: For every Israeli soldier killed, 10 or more of the enemy are killed.

Let the enemies of the state know that killing government troops or innocent civilians will be dealt with severely.

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Joseph “Erap” Estrada says his first order of business when he takes over as mayor of Manila is to go after cops who extort from sidewalk vendors.

He says he has all the names of those policemen.

His problem is how to find space for the vendors so they can ply their trade freely without getting in the way of pedestrians and traffic.

And, of course, without being harassed by the police.

“Kailangan nilang kumita, Mon, upang mapakain ang kanila-kanilang pamilya (They need to earn so they can feed their families),” Erap said of the vendors.

There are thousands of vendors in Manila.

The former actor, senator, vice president and deposed president still tries to live up to his image of being propoor. Like his slogan says: “Erap para sa mahihirap.”

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That message of defeated senatorial candidate Jack Enrile to the people who voted for him through a paid advertisement in the Inquirer and other publications is quite touching.

While others who didn’t make it to the Senate in the just-concluded elections are moping, Jack is thankful for the votes he received.

Even if those votes were not enough to make him win.

“Sally (his wife) and I thank you who have warmed our hearts with the fire of your support,” said Jack in the ad.

“Many of you have welcomed us these long days and months into your towns and homes all throughout the length and breadth of our great country. We have learned so much with you by our side.”

Accepting defeat gracefully is a mark of greatness.

I know Jack Enrile. What he said was a genuine expression of gratitude.