A NEW WAY OF LOOKING AT TREASON

The word treason is not so much talked about in our country. Yet, when we look at some of the descriptions of treason, or treachery, we could find great use to unearth it and look at it as a crime against our people. 

Judas Iscariot in Christianity exemplifies the traitor who made Jesus suffer the most. Anyone called Hudas is much-hated in our country. 
 
During the period of Enlightenment in Europe, traitor was also used to describe those who betrayed the country. Blasphemy or being irreverent toward God, was considered synonymous to treason. Hence, treason had spiritual implications which drew harsh punishments like being hanged, decapitated or burnt at the stake. 

Given the political setting we have now, treason should not only be defined now as selling our country to foreign powers. But rather, I think that we should look at those acts that betray the people's trust as treason, like embezzling funds, and in the case of the National Bilibid Prison officers who allow drug lords to do their business inside, as being  anti-people. 


Treason should also be defined as when the government official manipulates programs and projects that will benefit his or her pockets. 
 
After all, we must have high standards for judging the achievements of the government. 

Maybe that is also what is lacking in our midst. Immediately, we get easily satisfied by annual reports that fall short of allowing our people to have a good quality of life that taps their talents and makes them live humanely in the country. 

In addition, Congress could create a task force -- with members coming from the Senate and the House of Representatives-- that will set up the standards for achievements of every government agency, or unit.


By having such standards, we are making sure that they are not committing treasonous acts on the people's coffers and resources.




In parting, let us remind PNoy to work by the standards of his parents. He must make sure that his legacy should match if not go beyond the achievements of his parents. Cory, although her administration was not completely flawless, yet the people remember her kindly for having helped restore democracy in our country. Ninoy's anti-dictatorship stance brought him to greatest difficulties, including being murdered. Now, what can PNoy  achieve in two years so that we will remember his regime favorably? Number one of course is appointing the right people for the right jobs. Number two, stopping the advertising of products of his sister in the streets because the name Aquino should be free from partisanship. Number three, have a people's assembly in Malacanang every month where the poor may congregate and talk to him. Fourth, raise the budgets of cultural agencies so that the people may showcase their artistic talents and skills without having to panhandle all the time.

So many more can be done to lift his image now.