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!

The Three Wise Men of 2017

It's this time of year again when I recognize the modern Magi of our times. I must admit, I have been remiss of this annual 'tradition'. I wasn't able to choose one for 2016. So here I am trying to redeem my self. So much for my excuses. Drum roll please...and the winners, in my book, are Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, and Supt. Byron Allatog.

Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio was appointed to the Supreme Court (SC) of the Philippines in 2001. He was one of the High Court's youngest appointees. Carpio's personal advocacy is "to protect and preserve Philippine territorial and maritime sovereignty specifically in the West Philippine Sea." He figured in the country's successful fight against China over the West Philippine Sea, which, unfortunately the present administration has taken for granted. 

As for rulings made by the Court on some controversial issues, Carpio dissented on the burial of Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, the dismissal of the plunder case against Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (who, incidentally appointed him to the SC), and the granting of bail on Juan Ponce Enrile on plunder charges (which is non-bailable). I enjoyed listening to how he grilled resource persons during the court hearings on the Marcos burial: sharp and thought provoking. 

Recently, an impeachment complaint has been lodged against SC Chief Justice Lourdes Sereno in the House of Representatives. Two SC associate justices and a retired associate justice have given testimonies before the House Committee on Justice. As of this writing, a few more are expected to attend. Carpio has declined to be part of this moro-moro.  Gone are the days when justices would shun public gatherings lest it becomes an avenue to influence their judgements. With justices appearing before an investigation, I could just sense the envy in those magistrates to the point that they have subjected the judiciary at the mercy of a co-equal branch of government. Surely, there are still ways of resolving issues within an agency. If there is anyone who should be envious of Sereno it should be Carpio. Being the most senior magistrate, he should have been named Chief Justice. In spite of being bypassed, he remained professional and beyond reproach, dispensing justice according to the dictates of the law even if in a number of SC decisions, he belongs to the minority. Carpio offers us the wisdom of love for country above all else.

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle was named Archbishop of Manila in 2011. He became a cardinal the following year. A much sought and charismatic speaker, Tagle's motto is "It is the Lord" (John 21:7). Throughout his ministry, first in the Diocese of Imus and later in the Archdiocese of Manila, he was known for his simple lifestyle and his inspiring homilies. In Imus, he was known to be travelling using public ride and inviting the poor to share a meal with him. 

Unlike a number of prelates known for their engagement in 'culture wars', Tagle comes across as a progressive man of the cloth. He was more into helping the poor rather than merely talking against (or condemning) the evils of society. Reading through his pastoral statements, I could feel the Cardinal's in depth approach on church and social issues such as the lack of priests, clerical sexual abuse, drug menace, and extrajudicial killings. In his homilies, I could see a pastor who does his best to reach out to the faithful. I could see Tagle as a compassionate father who will walk with his children, not someone who condemns. 

While President Duterte has bad mouthed the Catholic Church hierarchy, I haven't heard Tagle being singled out or besmirched like some of his confreres. It seems to me that by the Cardinal's pastoral approach, he has won the respect of people from both sides. Tagle offers us the wisdom of having "the smell of the sheep".

Supt. Byron Allatog became a policeman in 2001 (the same year Carpio became an SC justice and Tagle became a bishop). Prior to his appointment as chief of Bogo Police Station in Central Visayas, Allatog was Assistant Regional Chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG). He admitted that the government's campaign against illegal drugs has tested his Bontoc roots' belief on the value of life. His directive to his men back then in CIDG and now in Bogo, is to let the suspect live as much as possible. "...if it is not necessary to kill, then why do it?", he once said. 

According to reports, Bogo City has not recorded a single killing since Allatog assumed the post in 2016. Also, the city has been recognized by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) as the first city in Central Visayas and the second in the whole country to be drug-free. Still, Allatog and his men continue to be vigilant in their campaign. 

His community-based approach aims at empowering people so they will support peace and order efforts. By the looks of it, this law enforcement officer's viewpoint proves that the bloody campaign made allegedly by other policemen is totally unnecessary. That humans, in spite of their many flaws, can still be saved. Allatog offers us the wisdom of respect for life.

At a time when Filipinos are becoming pessimistic with the judiciary, have become lukewarm with the Church, have been unreasonably fearful of law enforcement agencies, have been misled by demagogues, or have grown weary of where the Philippines is heading to, the wisdom shown to us by Carpio, Tagle, and Allatog gives our country a flicker of hope.

The Three Wise Men of 2015

And so, it's this time of year when I share with you my Three Wise Men. I must confess that I wasn't able to choose those for 2014 not because there were no wise people around, but because I was unable to make my output.  I am reviving this now and hopefully, it will continue in the next years to come.

My three wise men have all come from the Philippines, by the way.

Joker Arroyo (5 January 1927 - 5 October 2015) was a freedom fighter during the Marcos dictatorship. A lawyer by profession, Joker was the first among his peers to question the legality of Martial Law before the Supreme Court.  Apart from that, he participated in the trials of political detainees like Benigno Aquino Jr, Eugenio Lopez Sr, and Sergio Osmena III. During the 1986 snap elections, he served as counsel to Cory Aquino and would later become the first Executive Secretary in her administration.  He was elected congressman in 1992 and became Lead Prosecutor during Joseph Estrada's impeachment trial in 2000. He became senator in 2001 and retired in 2013.  He passed away in October after an unsuccessful heart operation in the States.

Mr Arroyo offers us the wisdom of service to the people regardless of the consequences. It was said that he suffered in the hands of the military.  How many of us would take the risk in order to stand up for the poor and defenseless?  Now when the Marcoses and their minions (e.g. Estradas, Binays, etc.) would once again run for public office, are we going to keep our guard down? 

Dr Florentino Hornedo (16 October 1938 - 9 December 2015) was a scholar, professor, and cultural studies pioneer in Ivatan culture. A CCP Gawad Para sa Sining for Cultural Research, he was lauded for choosing "to take a prodigious path to inquire and theorize about the breadth, depth, and complexities of the Filipino mind and identity." Furthermore, he expounded on the term "Filipinicity" and was of the view that Philippine folk and popular literature was the result of forces such as significant events in our history as a nation. When I was still in UST, I had the privilege of listening to his talk. I think it was about history. In one of the discussions he mentioned  the root cause of the fight between Spain and Portugal in their conquests: spices.  "Ano bang mayroon sa sili at pinag-awayan ito ng Spain at Portugal?" he asked which drew laughter from the audience.

Dr Hornedo offers us the wisdom of one's roots.  His scholarly works were focused on our country and, more particularly on the Ivatan culture since he was an Ivatan.  How many of us still pay back the country of our birth or at least the community we used to or currently belong to?

Fr Pedro Traquena, OP (2 December 1919 - 9 December 2015) was the oldest Dominican in the Philippines. He was involved in the National Association of the Holy Name Society  as its national promoter in the Babuyan Islands. He later served as chaplain of the UST Hospital.  I have frequently seen Fr Traquena in the UST Hospital when I was studying and teaching there.  He comes across as a humble servant to those who are sick.  Word has it that he was still serving until his demise.  

Fr Traquena offer us the wisdom of living life to the full.  In his old age, he could have opted for a retirement in the confines of the convent.  And yet, he decided to minister to those in need.  When life becomes a struggle for us, are we going to throw in the towel or is it still full steam ahead?

May God, the source of all wisdom, be The Reward for these three great and wise men. May their wisdom and legacy continue to thrive in our midst!

Three Wise Men of 2013

Happy New Year, dear readers!  Hope you all had a wonderful season.  Like in the previous year, I have picked my wise men of the year. Two have unfortunately passed away towards the end of last year. Without further ado, here's my Three Wise Men of 2013!

Nelson Mandela (18 July 1918 - 5 December 2013) was the President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. Known as the first black president of his country, Mandela was instrumental in dismantling apartheid (a system of racial segregation). He did so by tackling racism, poverty, and inequality and by fostering racial reconciliation.  Regarded as "the father of the nation" and "the founding father of democracy" in his country, he wasn't spared from criticisms such as his friendship with known dictators (e.g. Fidel Castro and Muammar Gaddafi).  He had a number of quotes.  For me, one stood out.   "For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others."

Mandela's legacy is the wisdom of being free and working side by side with others regardless of race, color, or creed.

June Keithley-Castro (10 March 1947- 24 November 2013) was a Filipina actress, broadcast journalist, and wife of the late broadcast journalist Angelo Castro Jr. A mentee of the late Fr James Reuter, she had a key role during the final days of the Marcos dictatorship. Working for 14 long hours in Radio Veritas and later in Radyo Bandido (when Veritas was bombed by Marcos' henchmen), she appealed on her countrymen to go to EDSA to protect the mutineers.  In grateful recognition, she was accorded the Philippine Legion of Honor during the time of President Corazon Aquino.  She later received the EDSA Spirit Award from President Benigno Aquino III. A known Marian devotee, Castro hosted a documentary on the Virgin Mary's apparition in Lipa, Batangas entitled "A Woman Clothed with the Sun". Lately, she was diagnosed with cancer.  During an interview she told Tina Monzon-Palma how cancer has spread in her body and commented "At that point he (God) has taken away all fear...he has given me great peace. I knew he was in control."

Castro teaches us the wisdom of being brave to face, speak, and stand for the truth without counting the cost. 

Pope Francis has been our reigning pope since 13 March 2013.  From then on, he has wowing us with his many gestures and pronouncements: from living at the hostel instead of the papal apartments to wearing black shoes instead of the traditional red; from washing the feet of youth prisoners during last Maundy Thursday to embracing a man totally disfigured due to a genetic disease; from speaking against frivolous spending by the Church (read: He suspended German bishop who spent $3M on a marble courtyard) to redirecting Vatican employee bonus to charity; from acknowledging atheists as good people to denouncing judgment against homosexuals ("If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good intentions, who am I to judge?"); from inviting some homeless men to his birthday meal to amending Vatican law to make sexual child abuse a crime; from condemning the violence in Syria to speaking against the Church's 'obsession' with abortion, gay marriage, and contraception.  Recognized as Time's Person of the Year 2013, the Holy Father has been seen as a blessing for the Church that has been rocked with scandals during the time of his 2 predecessors.  

Ever since becoming bishop, he has chosen "Miserando atque eligendo" (lowly but chosen) as motto.  He has retained this for his coat of arms as pope. No wonder he has taken to heart these words in his ministry such as the examples mentioned earlier.

This beloved pontiff imparts us with the wisdom of being humble - a true hallmark of a servant whose heart is after that Jesus the Good Shepherd - so that those humbled (e.g. the poor, the outcast, the sick, etc.) may have hope.

These three wise men have left or, as in the case of Pope Francis, has been giving us gems of wisdom for us to take.  As we usher in the New Year, let us follow their example. Have a wisdom-filled 2014!

Three Wise Men 2012

Happy New Year, dear readers!

As we welcome the New Year, it's important to look back at the year that was, count one's blessings, take on board the lessons learned, and then move on.  I came across 3 people in 2012 whose wisdom I truly admire.  Unfortunately, all of them have already passed away, but their contribution to society will always be celebrated. Friends, here's my Three Wise Men of 2012!

Fr. James B Reuter, SJ (21 May 1916-31 December 2012) was an American Jesuit priest who moved from Pennsylvania to the Philippines at the age of 22 and remained in the country since then.  Fr Jim is known for his great contribution in the Family Rosary Crusade in the Philippines and the Philippine Chapter of the Jesuits Engaged in Social Communications (JESCOM). I once met him when Ambassador Alfonso Yuchengco hosted a lunch in San Carlos Seminary in 1991.  We shared the same table and while most of us were using our spoon and fork while eating chicken, he was using his hand (which was the right thing to do)! According to the Philippine Daily Inquirer's editorial "Great Soul" (1 January 2013), Fr Jim was quoted to have said 2 years ago, “When I first came here, I thought I was bringing God to the Philippines. But what I discovered was [the Filipinos] brought God to me.” Fr Jim fascinated me with his wisdom in utilizing mass media and other possible means to evangelize people to the full.

Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini, SJ (15 February 1927-31 August 2012) was an Italian Jesuit and a prince of the Catholic Church. It was said that progressive Catholics hoped he would become pope, but because of his liberal views and frailty, that was a far-fetched dream.  When Pope Benedict XVI resurrected the Tridentine Mass (now known as the Extraordinary Form of the Mass) in 2007, Cardinal Martini refused to say that Mass (I must say I am not happy either with this papal move. This and the new English translation of the Mass has further divided our fragmented Church!).  In 2004, he  called for a greater collegiality in the governance of the Church (Clap! Clap! Clap!).  He once said that "...there are, in the Church, some wise people who have ways of making their voices heard other than a simple vote." In the final interview he called the Church as "200 years out of date" and added that, "Our culture has aged, our churches are big and empty and the church bureaucracy rises up, our rituals and our cassocks are pompous". Controversial as they may sound to be, I find in Cardinal Martini's views the reality of Church affairs (especially here in Europe) and, more importantly, the wisdom that challenges us to think out of the box.  

Hon. Jesus M Robredo (27 May 1958-18 August 2012) was a Chinese Filipino who served as Acting Secretary of the Interior and Local Government in the Aquino Administration (2010-2012).  A Mayor of Naga City for 19 years, he transformed the city to being one of the "Most Improved Cities in Asia" (Asiaweek, 1999). A man known for having no ere, Secretary Jesse led a simple life in spite the many temptations and perks of being a politician. As mayor, he would be seen in his bike making the rounds or doing menial work such as shovelling to protect a building from floods when a typhoon was about to hit his city.  He didn't favor political dynasties which is why when his term expired as mayor, no one from his family ran. He was one of the good guys in the Aquino administration. It was a shame that the Commission of Appointments bypassed his appointment not once, but twice. It only gave in to public ascent when Robredo died in a plane crash on his way back to his family in Naga after the conference in Cebu.  "Aanhin pa ang damo kung patay na ang kabayo," I quipped.  Secretary Jesse once said "We do not need another EDSA… for our country to move ahead. EDSA must be everyday. That means everyone understands he has an obligation to serve. That means reform is an every day activity. That means the daily grind is more important than the one-time heroic moment.”  I tip my hat to this beloved statesman for his wisdom to be of humble service to his countrymen to the end.