By Tracy Cabrera
AMIDST the political unrest triggered by the divisiveness resulting in the difference of opinions in the arrest of former president Rodrigo Roa Duterte and his eventual litigation before the International Criminal Court on allegations of crimes against humanity, the Ang Bumbero ng Pilipinas (ABP) party-list group is calling on the Filipino people to unite in focusing on the real problems of the country instead of politics.
The appeal comes, in the wake of fears of distabilization and a possible coup d’ etat that could be staged by critics and detractors of the administration of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. who believe that government is failing in its mandate of serving the Filipino people.
According to ABP’s first nominee and Alliance for Democracy and Reform (PADeR) lead convenor Dr. Jose Antonio ‘Ka Pep’ Goitia, instead of sowing divisiveness among Filipinos because of the pros and cons in Duterte’s situation in The Hague, Netherlands, our government officials and the citizenry included must focus on resolving the country’s problems, particularly poverty, education and health.
“Only by uniting our people can we truly face the problems that beset our country. We must begin to help each other and try to make into reality our President’s call that no one will be left behind in his advocacy for a New Philippines,” he pointed out.
ABP’s first nominee in the upcoming midterm elections on May 12 added that a divided people due to political differences will only lead our country to stagnation and even disaster, especially since we are faced with international concerns that include Chinese aggression over its claims in our territories in the West Philippine Sea.
“Are we going to forget about the real problems we face—China’s expansionist policies that aim to trample on our sovereignty and patrimony, widespread poverty among our people who are barely able to put food on their table, business and investment issues that deprive Filipinos of livelihood and Employment opportunities and much more.
Added to these, Goitia said, was the nagging problem of graft and corruption—not only government but in the private sector as well—that causes the lack of basic services from government, which include education and health.
“We cannot stand idly by and let those who do not love our country destroy what our national heroes have fought and died for to achieve our independence. We must unite and become as one in fighting for our people’s future,” he stressed.
