By Jose B. Maroma, Jr.
Mr. Secretary, when you condemned the proliferation of Chinese “fishing vessels” around Julian Felipe Reef we saw a glimmer of light in a dark tunnel of distress. For someone in the inner circle of power to break away from an imposed line of abject homage to a foreign master, your voice of dissent kindled our hopes of regaining self-respect and territorial integrity.
The leaders of the opposition party, as well as respected independent thinkers, quickly rallied behind you, encouraging you to fight on, even as your spineless colleagues grope for words to placate an angry citizenry.
We don’t know how far and how strong you can sustain your digression from the postulant posture of the present leadership but we will walk with you as long as you don’t falter, or as you rise after every fall, especially when the godfather cracks the whip and hobbles along with nebulous and worn-out entreaties at peaceful dialogue.
You are at the crossroads of history, Secretary Lorenzana. One path leads to fulfillment, the other to remorse. The right choice is always difficult but keep in mind that patriotic Filipinos are behind you. Stand by your word, walk your talk. The free world is watching.
Live the PMA motto of HONOR, COURAGE, INTEGRITY. The Philippine Legion of Honor awarded to you has brought you up a few notches of distinction above your peers. Wear that badge with pride and protect the ideal it symbolizes Look your children straight in the eyes.
The Chinese are brazenly stealing their patrimony. We hate to see you beating a retreat with your tail between your legs when you hear the lion roar from its den. Show your backbone, Sir, be a man standing tall.
Tyrants come and go but your stand now will stamp your character in the minds of the generation following yours. Don’t bungle this chance at leaving an honorable legacy. Most of all, don’t wait for your son or daughter, who may be targets of bashing now, to sidle up to you and sob, DAD, IT HURTS.
The author is a retired civil engineerfrom Cabatuan, Iloilo. He likes to spend his time reading and writing on the burning issues of the day.
