AFTER SIX YEARS

Everyday that passes by before the final proclamation of the president sends us the jitters. It is as if we had never known how it is to have a new president. By the way, when was it since we had a new one who won honestly? Wasn't it during the time of Erap, when he was sworn in inside the Barasoain Church? it was memorable because for the first time, he swore in Pilipino and inside a historical edifice. Too bad, his term was cut short.

I have an idea, why not give him his last two years afer Noynoy's term ends? Noynoy will be the stabilizer of democratic institutions in our country. Erap will ascend into power to restore his self-respect, to give him what is due him, and hopefully for him to forget his womanizing ways. Yes, we can always make the government turn into the way we want it to be -- legal, courteous, respectful of the rights of every official, and upholding the will of the people.

But you know what friends, I notice something in the facial auras of the people nowadays-- they seem happy, no longer having those anxious looks. It is because the keys of government will be handed over to one who was dutifully and honestly elected by the people. It is so unlike that time when the intrusion of a fake president happened. Then the people felt afraid, as if the Marcosian ghost had been resurrected.

So now we try to heave a half-sigh of relief that slowly we are carving our own destiny, handing over our future to the next set of officials. And hopefully they would perform according to the people's expectations, improving the quality of life of everyone, especially in bringing down the costs of utilities -- water, communications, and oil. Now, why has it been so difficult to do that? I will answer that in another blog, Folks, or rather give my opinion on that.

But I truly believe that Erap should be given a chance to finish his term after Noynoy, after six years. Right now it is impossible because our institutions are so unwieldy. Anyone can manipulate it very easily to suit his or her liking, and we have seen how disastrous it had been. By giving Erap his due, we shall be making classes C and D see us, those with higher education and perhaps higher in the socio-political ladders, as real Kababayan, knowing how we can take hold of history in our hands, and give it the real pull that it needs for them.

However, whenever I broach the idea of the womanizing of Erap to them, they just look down, as if they could grant him that prerogative so long as he has the poor people in his heart. But then the poor should also see the role of a president as a model for marital behavior. If a president like him would be seen kissing a woman, not his own wife on TV, then it would be making him the model for all men doing the same to their wives. And so I can foresee buckets of tears flowing inside the homes, from a poor folk's wife's and children's eyes, and all other wives. I cannot stand that scene at all.

I am not saying I am holier than Erap, but I believe that there are some values, traditions and customs that we have to uphold.

Erap could try divorce or legal separation to show that he is true to his heart the way his movies project him. After all, we need reel and real lives to merge in every person, official or the common tao.