This week, the Senate once again found itself mired in embarrassment when its member, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, was arrested for plunder. Many Filipinos shook their heads in shame as the institution, which is supposed to be a bastion of decency, continued to sink deeper into a quagmire of humiliation. It has been a long time since the Senate rose as a paragon of virtue.
Delayed Session and a Spontaneous Anthem
Following a delay of over two hours due to Estrada's controversial arrest, majority bloc senators chose not to appear in the plenary hall. This left a visiting choir, assigned to sing the Philippine national anthem, stranded in the waiting area. Upon learning of the choir's predicament, the remaining senators allowed them to lead the plenary in singing "Lupang Hinirang." The scene, which included minority senators, their employees, and beat journalists singing together, became an emotional moment.
A Glimpse of Unity
For a brief moment, the nation appeared united despite the conflicts rocking the Senate. The hymn sounded like a call for Filipinos to come together and rise above challenges, just as previous generations did during the country's founding years. In that fleeting instant, the anthem's message of optimism struck a chord. It felt like a breath of fresh air, promising that hope still exists.
National Flag Days
This message is particularly poignant given the current celebration of National Flag Days. Declared under Republic Act 8491, or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines, the commemoration designates May 28 to June 12 each year as official days to pay deep respect to the flag as a symbol of national unity and sovereignty. Unfortunately, today there are those who no longer value the Philippine flag. Old and tattered flags are often seen on poles in front of public schools and government buildings, which are supposed to be bulwarks of patriotism and nation-building.
Small Acts of Patriotism
These may not be mortal sins, but how can the country achieve greatness if its people cannot be trusted to respect their flag? As Luke 16:10 says, "Whoever can be trusted with small things can also be trusted with large things." Paraphrased, it means that only those who manage the basics can be trusted with greater pursuits. Paying respect to the flag is only the start. It can also be manifested in other forms, such as paying the right taxes, voting wisely during elections, helping a blind person cross a busy street, not spreading fake news, properly disposing of garbage, and public servants not accepting bribes.
Hope in Daily Life
In our own little ways, we can always do something to manifest love of country, which is the essence of respecting the flag in daily life. One does not have to be a senator of the majority or minority bloc to demonstrate patriotism. Simply being an ordinary law-abiding citizen who cares for others will suffice. This is what Flag Days are really about. Only when we do our share in making everyday things right can we truly look forward to a better country and say that there is still, indeed, hope after all.
