Polibiz
By Nelson C. Robles

'Pusoy dos'

Times have changed, indeed. Delicadeza is not anymore a norm among some public officials. What is important is self interest, irrational vainglory, whims and caprices at the expense of their fellow public servants.

Take for instance the rather homophobic actuations of a young and ambitious politician who was recently linked to an abominable and treacherous plot to unseat Gov. Niel D. Tupas, Sr. He has been boasting since Day 1 that he would soon ascend to the throne because Governor Tupas will be suspended from office.

In his excitement and frenzy, he forgot while telling all and sundry about his supposed "incoming" enthronement that most of those who were in the hearing distance were supporters of the governor. That's why, when Gov. Tupas exposed the malevolent scheme in a press conference, this young politician panicked and didn't know what hit him. In the card games, they call it "napusoy dos".

Because he was "napusoy dos", he made so many alibis and sent text messages to some of his media lapdogs professing his "innocence" to the oust-Gov. Tupas plot.

At one point, he resorted into childish outbursts and fulminations never seen before among matured public servants.

There is a lesson here: Don't talk when your mouth is full!

-o0o-

Why can't he wait for his time? I mean, why must some half-baked politicians behave like 10-year-old toddlers and commit political hara-kiri just to reach the top?

This reminds me of Vice President Noli de Castro. Amid the endless prattlings and vicious maneuvering of some anti-PGMA elements, Ka Noli refused to be cajoled into poking fun at the President and instead cooperated with the administration in a classic act of statemanship. He is not stupid not to salivate for the presidency, but Noli understands the words delicadeza and ethics.

For Ka Noli, selfish self-interest must take a back seat in favor of the national interest. Since the politician I am referring here probably does not have Ka Noli's caliber, this must be the reason why he acts like a drooling rabbit just to put down others and elevate himself to the totem pole.

-o0o-

WORDS OF WISDOM: In our every endeavor, it is important that we command the respect of others. If we feel that people around us don't respect us anymore, it's about time we examine ourselves.

Respect is earned; it cannot be bought. It cannot be won either by just spreading text messages to selected lapdogs and "yes sir" lackeys. Respect cannot be obtained by pretensions and by sponsoring cups of coffee or dinners in dimly-lit “talabahans”; it cannot be acquired by inserting some penny to the pockets of unprincipled journalists who will just stab you in the back when you don't have anymore to give.

Respect is earned by being true to yourself; by being loyal to a friend; and by being not an opportunist. Learn from this lesson in order not to lose by "pusoy dos."