WE SHOULD view the conflict currently raging in the Middle East in many ways, because it will affect us in many ways.
For a geopolitical standpoint, it tells us that the world is indeed precarious, we are dangerously close to the edge, and that the fate of the world, unfortunately, rests on the shoulders of a few decision makers. Whatever the nation, race, or religion, a killing is a killing. Murder and aggression are never justifiable.
This also brings to mind the issues we face closer to home in our seas. The tension is palpable and the stakes are high. And now we have just been reminded that things could get worse than they are, with just a series of wrong decisions by inflated egos.
Of course, the implications on our overseas Filipino workers are grave. They must be protected at all costs. They were driven to work outside the Philippines in search of opportunities not available here, so the government owes it to them to secure their safety, first and foremost.
They would want to keep their jobs, of course, hoping that the conflict would soon end. Coming home would seem like the instinctively good decision, but eventually they would worry about how they could now provide for their loved ones.
The diminished income would affect the economy, from the family to the national level.
Those who do not have family members in the Middle East – and this includes the rest of the population — are not spared, either. We have to brace ourselves for the looming increase in the price of oil, and ultimately of everything else. Times are already difficult, with many Filipinos barely managing to meet their daily needs. Higher prices will worsen this and further limit opportunities for the people.
This crisis is a timely reminder on national politics. It is true that for most democracies, it is the people who choose decision makers during elections. But once they are in power, they need to be frequently reminded of their accountability and of the weight of their responsibilities. Some take public office seriously and strive to do good on behalf of the people they represent. Others get drunk with power and start believing they can play god with people’s lives.
In a way, they can. And do – as we have often tragically seen.
Unfortunately, nefarious elements are capitalizing on the Middle East crisis to divert public attention from the equally raging issues here in our shores. The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee report on the flood control scandal, for instance, has not yet been released, reportedly awaiting the go-ahead of its members. Victims of the so-called drug war in the previous administration are still waiting for justice as their case is being tried in the International Criminal Court. In the meantime, the 2028 election looms, affecting of not dictating the actions of people in government. Longevity appears to be a main consideration, more than the welfare of the people they swore to serve.
The next few days will tell us whether our fears are founded, as we hope that they are not. In the meantime, we can only watch in horror as events beyond our control happen around us, and resolve to be more vigilant of current events, more discerning of information, and more circumspect in our democratic choices.
