A seasoned journalist has broken months of self-imposed silence, identifying profound anger as the root cause after reflecting on a colleague's harrowing experience during Typhoon Tino and the controversial transfer of former President Rodrigo Duterte to International Criminal Court custody.
The Awakening Through a Colleague's Ordeal
The writer's emotional breakthrough came while reading about former colleague Nini Cabaero's distressing experience in Cebu City at the height of Typhoon Tino. This revelation did more than shock—it provided clarity about the emotional turmoil that had prevented writing for months. The author had attempted to write once before, but the words refused to flow, blocked by unacknowledged rage.
The anger intensified when the current administration arranged for President Rodrigo Roa Duterte's transfer to the ICC jail in The Hague. The journalist describes this act as treacherous, particularly toward a leader who had dedicated himself to combating narcopolitics in the Philippines.
Narcopolitics and Government Failures
According to the commentary, narcopolitics remains a real and persistent force that maintains the current government's position despite multiple failures in addressing critical public needs. The administration has struggled to respond effectively to communities devastated by earthquakes, typhoons, and nonexistent flood control projects.
The most disturbing aspect for the writer is the support this government receives from self-professed intellectuals and the Church. This realization caused the anger to bubble over, ultimately silencing the journalist's voice entirely. The piece acknowledges that while hope seems scarce amid the chaos inflicted upon the people, those in power remain merely mortal beings driven by greed.
Finding Resolution Through Reflection
The writer finds solace in having identified anger as the silencing force, stating that this awareness brings a sense of wellness. Drawing wisdom from both Buddhist and Christian traditions, the commentary references the Dhammapada's warning about karma and Ecclesiastes' assurance that there's a season for every purpose under heaven.
The journalist concludes with a determination to continue sharing, helping, and consoling others, while allowing insignificant voices to fade and corrupt officials to face their eventual fate. The piece ends with a chilling contemplation of what destiny holds for those currently in power.
