The Three Wise Men of 2018

2018 was a challenging, if not tumultuous year in the Philippines. After 8 years, my family and I were blessed to have spent Christmas there last year. Looking back, there were personalities who stood out because of their wisdom. Without further ado, may I present to you who I think are my Three Wise Men of 2018: Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, Maria Ressa, and Bishop Pablo David.

Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio was one of my Three Wise Men of 2017. I am awarding him again for 2018 because he has shown professionalism and tact amidst the  controversies that have hounded and damaged the reputation of the Supreme Court, particularly the quo warranto case against Ma. Lourdes Sereno. Carpio could have joined the fray, after all he is the most senior magistrate and would benefit from such participation. But no, he has principles. His stand too against China's claim on our seas is excellent and has been against President Duterte's. I guess this was something that annoyed the President and prevented him from choosing Carpio for the top post in the Court. Carpio is the Chief Justice our country did not have. Be it as it may, we have him as our champion on the nation's claim on South China sea. In Carpio, I could see the wisdom of statesmanship; a rarity in the halls of public service.

Maria Ressa, a veteran Filipino journalist and co-founder of Rappler, is my second awardee. At a time when freedom of expression not only in our country but across the world seems to be in danger, when conscientious journalists' lives are at stake just to present the truth,  when fake news abound and are being believed in by the gullible in society, Ressa stands out as a good example.  In her, I could see the wisdom of conviction.

Bishop Pablo David has been prelate of the vast Kalookan Diocese for 3 years. The youthful bishop is an excellent preacher, but what stood out was his being an outspoken critic of extrajudicial killing; most of these killings have occurred in his diocese. His pronouncements earned the President's ire. Towards the end of last year, Duterte even accused him of being a thief which David vehemently denied. In moments when the easier way is just to lay low, David has chosen the harder, scarier way. In him, I could see the wisdom of pastoral care.

Carpio, Ressa, and David are outstanding personalities who, like the Three Wise Men of old, have taken a new way which, unfortunately, not everyone would find attractive. Yet their determination is focused for the good of the people. As we welcome 2019, may we take their wisdom on board. Happy New Year!