Via crucis in ‘ayuda republic’

Holy Week morsels here:

As we Filipinos lurch sideways and forward toward Holy Week, it behooves us to pause awhile and reflect deeply on world events and national occurrences that seem to be beyond our control and that impinge on our daily existence. Where are we, how are we, why are we? Is prayer the only recourse? What can we do for ourselves, for others? Who are the protagonists on the world stage? Who are the victims, who the slayers? Shall we heed the doomsayers and head for yonder hills? End times looming ahead? Are we on the brink of World War III? A dystopian future here and now?

As Christendom staggers toward the finale of the Lenten season and begins the commemoration of Jesus’ passion, death, and resurrection, the dramatic replay of the man-god’s agony and ecstasy, we can only bow our heads and, on folded knees, beseech the heavens for mercy. As the psalmist had cried out: “I lift up my eyes to the mountains, where does my help come from…”

Overseas Filipino workers in the hundreds have been flown home from the Middle East, some vowing never to return there despite not knowing what awaits them here in terms of livelihood. It will be via dolorosa for many of them until times get better, if at all. Already, the peso has breached P60 to $1, the lowest it has ever been in history.

I gassed up for a full tank and paid P61 per gallon for unleaded gasoline. It was P51 the day before, the gas boy said. Aha, the Petron station already increased the price even before the date of the price increase was officially announced. Tsk, tsk. They sure did add to the Filipinos’ price hike woes. Only a token few got caught.

Credit the trusty Pinoys’ humor that saves them from going berserk. It is a gift that we can laugh at most anything, even at our own expense. Take this “Fourteen Stations” (of the cross) that someone posted on social media. Some might find it blasphemous. I considered it a blessing because it made me laugh!

1st Station: Shell. 2nd Station: Petron. 3rd Station: Caltex. 4th Station: Phoenix. Followed by 10 other gas stations: Total, Jetti, Unioil, Galaxy, Uno, Clean Fuel, Eastern Petroleum, Seaoil, VV, PTT…

With the enormous increase in gas prices and its effects on everything we need for our daily existence—no thanks to the United States-Israel versus Iran war that is shaking the oil-producing Middle East countries—the Philippines is among those badly battered by the global impact. And as a result, is becoming even more and more of an “ayuda” republic. It is hard on the ears because it borders on mendicancy, but it is the state of affairs as it was when crises struck, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic of three years. To use mixed metaphors, the epicenter of it all may be beyond our shores, but the fault is in our stars.

Countless Filipinos will literally perish or might resort to lawlessness if aid in various forms—downright dole-outs—from the government and elsewhere do not find their way to the most needy—those in the transport sector, especially—and also to the most lazy among us. (I prefer most needy, not neediest, etc.)

“Marcos declares nat’l energy emergency,” the Inquirer headlined two days ago. Executive Order No. 110: “A state of national energy emergency is hereby declared in light of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the resulting imminent danger posed upon the availability of the country’s energy supply.” On the same page: “Gov’t allots P20B to buy 2M barrels of diesel.” But we have an all-encompassing national emergency, not simply a national energy emergency.

What else for them to do if not form Uplift (United Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport). Suggestive acronym. Lift the weary. It is meant to address urgent needs in various sectors. In the Uplift committee are the President as head and Cabinet secretaries. The word ”committee” reminds me of the unflattering saying in nongovernment organizations, an oblique paraphrasing of what Jesus had said, “I was hungry, and you formed a committee.” No offense meant. I hope those in the bureaucracy know what it means—be fast and furious.

For many Filipinos, Holy Week 2026 in the beloved homeland, in patria adorada, will indeed be a via crucis, a true to life via dolorosa observed with passion and pageantry. Elsewhere, missiles fly and bombs explode, drowning out the sound of weeping and wailing.