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The Arrogance of Power
First Published: Reflections - The Philippine Daily Inquirer Publication Date: 27th August 1991 Author's Name: Father Shay Cullen SSC The arrogance of power comes to a man or a woman when they believe that they are beyond the rule of law and protected from the consequences of their evil deeds by others more powerful than they. That explains the audacity which hired killers can display in murdering their victims or the effontery and disrespect of hired goons to the common people . They know that no punishment will come to them. It is this same assurance that makes them brash and brutal they have no fear of retribution or punishment when their orders come from thoes who have the money , authority, duty and power to punish them. The same arrogance of power is seen in the high-handed manipulations and money gouging scames of the political bosses or those who have bought political patronage and protection from investigation justice. It is in this climate of power and priviledge that corruption pervades society and hires killers to preserve it. It is in thais way that freedom is lost, human rights are abused and anaracy reigns under the guise of democracy. Only last May 22 Bishop Vicente Navarra of Kabankalan, Negros Occidental was on his way with two priests to celebrate mass and confirm the people in their faith in sitio Pagtuba-an, near Oringao when they were acosted on the road by a gang of armed para-military men led by Abquilo Sabanal who demanded travel permits and further along the road were stopped by Rufino Gutang and more armed men who shouted that the Bishop and priests did not respect the higher authorities and they could not say mass in that place because their "higher leader" did not permit it. The priests with bishop Narvarro reported. later the people, priests and bishop had to travel to Oringnao to hold their service. This is just an example of the so caled freedoms and liberties that the US inspired Low intensity conflict inspires in the countryside. It is de fact martial law and the lives of all are controlled by the whims and impluses of the men with the guns. Not much freedom or democracy there. So we have to ask how can such a situation exist who is running this country and for whoes benefit? The hundred families or so who rule the impoveruihed lives of sixty -five million Filipinos maintain their ascendency and power not because it is the will of the impoverished people but because of force and maniulation.They control the armies. The offical military are manilpulated into believing that they are being patroitic and are made feel proud and deserving of the few crumbs of exploitation that are thrown their way with a few worthless medals and awards. In return ,many in the militar y are led to believe that they fight for democracy and even against the "enemies of society". In realiity they risk their lives to fight those have been deprived of land and justice and kill the fingered enemies of the ruling elite. In this way the poor are manipulated to kill each othe r while the wealth gather up the national loot. Tons of glittering gold bullion sitting in valuts in Switzerlands airports is just one example of the cvast amounts siophened out of the country leaving hunger and malnuitriton. The traditional ruling families who hold the power and are now arming up for a bitter contest for the throne next May can have little to be proud of. With all good will many outstanding military men believe they are upholding the consititution but few know what that really is and instead perhaps unknow to themselves they provide security and stability to the otherwise shakey thrones of the wealthy landowners and economic tycoons.
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