A FATHER'S WISDOM: HOW TO RECOVER FROM OUR DARK RECENT PAST

FATHER (F): Hello, son. How are you doing today?

SON (S): Hi, Dad. I'm doing fine. But I'm a bit worried.

F: Is there something bothering you?

S: Well, Dad, I was reading this shocking headline about former President Duterte who had threatened to kill a lawmaker who stripped his daughter VP Sara’s secret funds. Did you see that, Dad?

F: Yes, son. I did. And frankly, I was horrified. How could a former president say such a thing?

S: It’s so violent and irresponsible, Dad. And it’s also so personal and political. He’s defending his daughter for secret funds which could be used for corruption or personal gain.

F: That’s true, son. And he’s also attacking and undermining the independence and integrity of the House of Representatives.

S: Exactly, Dad. It’s so dangerous and harmful for our country and our people.

F: I agree, son. And that’s why I’m glad you called me today. Because I want to talk to you about something important.

S: What is it, Dad?

F: Well, son, you’ve just graduated from college. And I’m so proud of you. You’ve worked hard and achieved a lot. But I also know that you’re facing a lot of choices and challenges in your life right now.

S: That’s true, Dad. I’m happy about my graduation, but I’m also confused about what to do next.

F: I understand, son. And I want to help you find your path and purpose in life. But before I do that, I want to ask you three questions that will make you think critically and independently about the issues that affect you, your future, and our country.

S: What are they, Dad?

F: Where did we come from? Where are we now? Where are we going?

S: Hmm, that sounds interesting. Can you explain more?

F: Sure, son. Let me tell you what I think. But remember, these are just my opinions. You have to form your views and values. The first question is: Where did we come from? Well, son, we came from the Duterte presidency. I’m sure you know who Duterte is.

S: Of course, Dad. He was our former president – very popular and controversial.

F: That’s right, son. He was popular because he promised to change the country for the better. He said he would end the drug problem, fight corruption, and improve the economy. He was controversial because he used violence and intimidation to achieve his goals. He attacked and undermined the institutions of democracy and human rights. He insulted and threatened anyone who opposed or criticized him.

S: That sounds terrible, Dad.

F: Well, son, at the start, many believed in him. They thought he was a great and decisive leader who could solve all the problems of the country.

S: So, Dad, you’re saying that we came from the Duterte dark period in the past.

F: Yes, son. That’s what I’m saying. The second question is: Where are we now? We are now living in the Duterte legacy. Do you know what legacy means?

S: I think so, Dad. It means the impact or influence that someone has on the present or future.

F: That’s correct, son. And Duterte’s legacy is mostly harmful to our country. His war on drugs failed to solve the drug problems but instead created violence, fear, and impunity. His authoritarianism eroded our democracy and rule of law. His economic policies failed to deliver growth and development but instead worsened poverty and inequality.

S: That’s awful, Dad? How did that happen?

F: Well, son, it would always happen, if a leader doesn’t care about the consequences of his actions or the needs of the people, and only cares about his power and ego.

S: So, Dad, you’re saying that we are now in our dire state because of the mistakes and failures of Duterte?

F: Sad to say, son, that’s what I’m saying. The third question is: Where are we going? Well, son, we are going toward our country’s recovery from Duterte’s legacy. Do you know what recovery means?

S: I guess so, Dad. It means the process of getting better or restoring something that was lost or damaged.

F: That’s right, son. And we need to recover from Duterte’s legacy as soon as possible. We need to heal the wounds and scars that he inflicted on our country and our people. We need to rebuild the institutions and values that he weakened in our society and culture.

S: How do we do that, Dad? How do we recover from Duterte’s legacy?

F: Well, son, it won’t be easy or quick. It will take a lot of time and effort from all of us. But there are some things that we can do to start the recovery process. First, we need to acknowledge and accept the truth about what happened during Duterte’s presidency. We need to face the facts and learn our lessons from such a dark past.

S: But Dad, some people still support him and deny his wrongdoings.

F: I know, son. And that’s why we need to educate and persuade them with facts and logic, not with insults. We need to respect their opinions but also appeal to their emotions.

S: I see, Dad. So, do we need to have a dialogue with them?

F: Yes, son. That’s what we need. Second, we need to demand and support accountability and justice for the victims and perpetrators of the Duterte administration’s crimes. We need to seek the truth and expose the lies. We need to file cases and pursue investigations. We need to punish the guilty and protect the innocent.

S: But Dad, some people are still powerful and influential in the government.

F: I know, son. And that’s why we need to mobilize and organize ourselves. We need to use our rights and freedoms, such as freedom of speech and assembly. We need to join forces and work together with other groups and movements that share our vision and values.

S: I understand, Dad.

F: Third, we need to put up and carry out reforms and innovations for the improvement and development of our country and our people. We need to focus on the root causes of the structural problems of our society and economy, such as poverty, inequality, and lack of health services. We need to create opportunities and solutions for our present and future needs and challenges.

S: But Dad, some people are still resistant or indifferent to change or progress.

F: I know, son. And that’s why we need to inspire and motivate them with our vision and actions. We need to show them the benefits and possibilities of change and progress. We need to lead by example and display our competence and integrity.

S: Wow, Dad. That’s a lot of heavy stuff. Thank you for sharing your wisdom with me.

F: You’re welcome, son. I hope it will help you find your path and purpose in life. And remember, no matter what you do or where you go, I will always love you and support you. Good luck, son. God bless you.

S: I love you too, Dad. God bless you.

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Head collage photos courtesy of The New York Times & iStock

Video clips courtesy of YouTube