Confucian ethics

by Cesar Bonilla

LAOAG CITY -- The requirement of social order stability and equal justice is that the rule of law must be upheld. To abolish business advantage gained through exertion of political influence, the government must be off the big bucks of businessmen.

Civilized life governed by procedures (if we selfishly insist on our individual rights, but neglect to fulfill our civic duties) can’t be attained if we flout the law and. Our Asian Asian neighbors Singapore and Japan including China have used Confucian ethics as basis for government transactions.

One of our values in Ilocos Norte is respect for age and seniority. This is manifested in our treatment of our elders and proper decorum in any government office when constituents follow up papers or matter related to government.

Public officials should avoid discrimination as possible to fulfill the “pureness and chastity” of public service. As law-abiding citizens, we have to respect proper order and hierarchy.

But some of our brothers and sisters are reckless sometimes in their attempt to impress society with their unreasonable behavior. Some drivers are hard-headed and full of pride. They don’t wearing uniforms and treat badly passengers for not paying the proper fare when in the first place, they were not informed of higher fare rate.

This is true especially to some ill-mannered tricycle drivers. Under the influence of liquor, some drivers have become “king of the road” competing with their fellow travelers. This had resulted not only to severe injuries due to accident but also untimely death of the victims.

The willingness of individuals to sacrifice self-interest for the good of the family and community is rare. Very few of our people render service during calls of duty when they still have time to do other things.

Some public officials have used their positions to enrich themselves. They have maintained their hold on power through unlawful means. They are the Pharaohs of the modern world, their passive and timid followers enslaved by their own passion. We are living in a political village where the Titans are ruled the Liliputians with power and might. This situation is a nightmare for the poor and the helpless citizens of our country particularly women and children.
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This is in contrast to the Egyptian ladies in olden times who enjoyed equal opportunities made available by society and government to their men. The status of women in any society is an important parameter of the level of the society’s development. The creative public involvement and human contribution made available to women and men are indications of a society’s political, economic, cultural and social evolution.

Egyptian women were recognized rulers in public and religious affairs. Women were crowned as queens like Queen Hatshepsut, the daughter of the sun and ruler of the earth. We have read the exploits of Egyptian Queens like Nefertiti, the mother of king Akhnaton; Cleopatra, who became a legend and whose beauty conquered many kingdoms; Thi, the strong, competent holder of power who rose from an ordinary Egyptian girl to queenship.

Religion enabled Egyptian women to regain their lost dignity and respect, their economic independence, and equal footing with men before God and society.
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Political killings are oversimplified solutions to political problems. Violence is now the rule of law particularly in countrysides where the trend is survival of the fittest. Now, the target of killings or assassination are generally people who enjoy popular support.

Mahatma Gandhi once said, “I can imagine a fully armed man has the heart of a coward. Possession of arms implies an element of fear, if not cowardice.” Assassination can kill a person but you cannot kill his idea.

Dr. Jose Rizal was killed by the powerful and imperialistic officials of Spain. But his execution caused the downfall of an empire who for centuries, oppressed and enslaved many Filipinos whom they called, “Indios.”

The killers and their masterminds may have the life of kings on earth but surely, in the after life, they will reap the fruit of their misdeeds in the darkest pits of the hell. ***
Two foreigners I know visited well-known Sagada in Mountain Province and the Banaue rice terraces in Ifugao and their last destination was the gateway to Ilocandia, the province of Ilocos Norte.

Fred Scott and Joe Bowlin felt the hospitality of the Ilocanos and were glad to hear that their wonderful journey would be tackled in my column. Scott was impressed by the beautiful scenery and the wonderful civilization of the Ilocanos -- a culture of industry and hard work. Our legacy from Spain was a monumental replica of grandeur notwithstanding the river of tears and pains in building a great civilization.
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There was a great influx of tourists in Vigan City and in Ilocos Norte during the Lenten Season. Whatever motives or purposes they may have had, the obvious reasons were the hot summer and pollution in big cities.

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The University of the Cordilleras is now well-known because of the Bar examinations that once again produced a topnotcher. Congratulations to all the Bar passers and those who failed to meet the grade required by the Supreme Court. The world is gloomy to those who did not pass the hard exams.

To add pain to injury, some people have mistaken their failure to factors like poor preparation, mediocrity, intellectual incompetence and other forms of insults. Some Bar flunkers have been crucified into oblivion and the laughing stock of people who were ignorant of what Bar exams were all about. Just relax and face the world with a smile. Do not get intimidated by people nor be a victim of their bad antics and statements. Let persecution be subdued. God is always watching you. We must offer our fate in Him. Just pray and feel the miraculous intercession of our Father Almighty.