“We can only ask a multitude of whys in our search for the “bagong buhay” this new year”
I WAS surprised to see a good Sunday crowd attending the Mass celebrating the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, last Thursday. Roman Catholics have observed its annual tradition as a “Holy Day of Obligation,” in accordance with the Canon Law that has deemed its importance inside the church.
The throng of people who spent their time with the Lord that day somehow reciprocated the atmosphere that took place the night before. When most of us have descended into our slumber, we begin that day seeking guidance from the Divine.
Hence, that season came on Thursday — New Year’s Day.
Firecrackers came bursting into flames thrown above the atmosphere. The triumphant blow of miniature torotot by children rang across the tight alleyways and wide streets. Adding to that mix was the presence of circles of luck and fortune, as well as the traditional media noche.
The annual mix of popping lights and raucous sounds began making its way as early as eight in the evening until the wee hours of the following day.
Some, however, have lamented the growing attitude towards these celebrations. From experiencing joyful jumps, people have seemed to become despirited. They felt the circumstances from familial, political, and even social fronts dwindled their child-like interest in welcoming the New Year. Social media have exposed its downsides.
For instance, a video circulating on Tiktok showed a family in ruins as tubs of fruit salad were being prepared. Facebook, Instagram, and X showed separately their capacity to ruin one’s perception of holidays. These apples have become the window to the forbidden.
These fronts notwithstanding, social media have forever altered the way we celebrate holidays — something many users may not have seen in their constant reflective bickering.
But really, we can only ask a multitude of whys in our search for the “bagong buhay” this new year.
Why has there been no so-called “big fish” caught in the midst of these corrupt-ridden flood control projects?
I understand that Curlee Dizcaya has been under the Senate’s custody since last year, while his wife Sarah is yet to be tried after her arrest last month. But how about the members of Congress involved in these works? Why have they not lived inside the tight spaces of prison cells because of their mere participation and funding?
(Editor’s Note: Allegations without proper cross-examination are generally not sufficient for conviction in Philippine jurisprudence; the fundamental right to confront and cross-examine witnesses is crucial for determining facts and guilt, and convictions require proof beyond reasonable doubt, often relying on strong direct or circumstantial evidence, not just unverified claims.
(The defense’s right to test prosecution witnesses through cross-examination ensures due process and reliability of evidence, and failure to provide this opportunity, especially for key witnesses, can lead to acquittal.)
Why is the President acting too undecisive (not in-, but un-) and sluggish in mitigating this corruption scandal?
(Editor’s Note: Indecisive is the correct and common word for someone who struggles to make decisions, while undecisive is an older, rare, or nonstandard variant, often confused with undecided, which means a specific choice has not been made yet.)
The so-called Independent Commission for Infrastructure has splintered itself into a body with two members, former PNP chief Azurin and chairman Andy Reyes, the latter’s photo of paying too much reverence to Joel Villanueva is already the voice that gave away the commission’s fate.
There is a vernacular slang to this…really.
Why is Malacañang too weak to keep Ria Frasco and Dave Gomez as members of the Cabinet? In light of the dwindling satisfaction ratings and tourism numbers, it seems as if BBM remains satisfied with their performance in their respective cabinet offices. Once again, why is the President sluggish in firing them?
Why are the Dutertes anticipating too much on their expectations of a victory? They must have forgotten the sordid reality of the hands of justice gearing towards those who deserved it. They must have forgotten to recall the corrupt practices they have produced. Tell me, how can they still enjoy their clout and fame despite their sins?
So many whys. So many questions to ask as 2026 begins. So many clues are yet to be discovered in walking through its pages for the next 364 days. So many signs and, sadly, no one may really know what the real answers are.
Shall we really be hopeful in settling ourselves with the New Year? I’d like to keep my spirits high in anticipation of what is to come — on its own. Time only belongs to the One who has made the clock run since the beginning.
(The writer is a 22-year-old freelance writer from Paranaque City who divides his time between completing his college degree and contributing some features for the paper. He was an intern for Manila Standard from June to August 2024).
