My Beloved Philippines

CEBU, Philippines ----- I see you mourning and deeply agonized. Now I lie flat on my face unworthy and apologetic for having caused you global embarrassment. Let me count the ways:

I shamelessly consumed most of my waking hours doing investigative accounting. I exhaust my wits debating after a crisis, scandal, and a fiasco. I have not been proactive and miserably failed to prioritize crisis management, technical preparedness and mobility fund. A hostage drama turned tragedy significantly mirrored it.  

A couple’s domestic bickering is respected as a private affair. In the corporate arena, details of business failures remain confidential inside the boardroom. But while I kept the cameras rolling, disguised as freedom of press, I publicly displayed the country’s dirty linens for the whole globe to watch. I sensationalized the unfiltered drama likened to a Hollywood action-thriller blockbuster. Laurels earned after decades of public promotions to attract tourists and investors were tarnished in 10 hours. 

I now realize that sin of omission is as grave as commission. By allowing crab mentality, nepotism, and abuse of power to thrive, I created monsters in my countrymen by depriving them of their rightful justice. Now I strive to judiciously attend to the cases entrusted to my care with a sincere sense of urgency. 

I have caused the overseas Filipino workers undue mental and emotional anguish. I have unknowingly added, after last Monday's bloodbath, to their litany of untold stories of laborious racial discrimination. 

I now understand that one does not need to give-up one’s life for patriotism. Owning my mistake and not to further instigate “hate and blame” is already heroic. I will actively participate in becoming part of the solution, instead of contributing to the problem.

My motherland, I endeavor to learn from this mistake. Change has to begin in me. I wish and pray, no matter how arduous this task, to put my best foot forward in representing you wherever my wings lead me.