In this world we live in, perhaps asking for fairness and being treated fairly is a tall order. There will always be politics at play; favorites; sukis; family or friendly ties that will give other an edge even when they don’t deserve it.
I can live with that. That’s life.
But for the Arroyo administration and this government as an institution, fairness is a must, especially when credibility and trust are so compromised.
But why, oh why does it seem like this government keeps shooting itself in the foot, or simply ignores public perception and does what it damn well pleases?
Take for example the retirement of AFP Chief of Staff Alexander Yano just days before he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56.
No matter what explanation is given, none of which fly, by the way, it just doesn’t make sense. Let’s go through some of those reasons:
1. To give time for the Commission on Appointments to deliberate as he is appointed Ambassador. How many other former military generals in the past have been appointed Ambassadors after retirement from the service? In recent history, there’s Voltaire Gazmin and Roy Cimatu. I don’t think their new posts required premature retirement
2. Um, wait there was no second reason, at least not one that was explicitly explained
If nothing was amiss, nothing was cooking, so to speak, why not let nature take its course. Why meddle with what was coming anyway?
Generals Yano and Cardozo Luna served the military and the country well. Why could they not have been given the dignity and honor they earned?
Let’s go even more micro with fairness in government.
It’s not a secret that I’m married to an Army officer. Recently, there have been moves to penalize Army officers who are found to be violating the rules governing military housing.
Essentially, there are two rules that are the most problematic: one, officers awarded military quarters yet either leave them abandoned, idle or let other people who are not part of their immediate family live there; and two, officers with military quarter inside camp but who have been awarded government land, most commonly in the AFP Officers Village in Taguig.
In these two instances, military officers are not and should no longer be given quarters.
I laud the leadership of the Philippine Army for taking this stand. However, my question is, if they’re taking a stand anyways, why can’t it be for ALL violators?
I know of at least three officers who had been given orders to vacate their quarters because they already had land. Only one actually complied. Why? He was a mere LtCol. The other two were Generals.
Come on!
Let’s be fair. A star rank does not exempt anyone from following rules. It even enjoins military generals to practice what is preached.
And for the leadership of the Army who implemented these rules. Have the balls to do what is right and what is necessary.
I think for government, asking for fairness is not a request. It should be a demand from all of us. Heaven knows we have so many problems already and doing what we can to help, no matter how little, counts.
So be fair.
I don’t think this needs to be detailed. Fairness is right. Fairness is giving what is due.
