Rare Breed

Couple of days ago, U.S. President Barrack Obama and his Vice-President Joe Biden were on their way to Virginia when they decided to stop in a hamburger chain. Craving for burger, the two walked over the counter and lined up at the cashier. After ordering, they went straight on one table and waited to be called.

Do I really heard it right? Two of the most powerful people in the world acting like an ordinary individual? It may sound absurd but it’s a real thing. Maybe I’m just so attached to Filipino culture that this news caught me in awe.

Here in the Philippines, government officials were treated like they owned the country. From local to national officials, everybody wants a special kind of treatment. While driving on a busy road like Edsa or Roxas Boulevard, a loud siren will disturb you. Naturally you’ll give way knowing that “emergency” is approaching. But no, it’s a long convoy, escorting a plate number 8 car or any marked vehicle of the government.

During trips to different cities all over the country, President Gloria Arroyo was heavily guarded by PSG. Just last week, a cabinet secretary went to his province to visit his family. A throng of escort cars surround the officer from Manila to his destination. I remember watching on television the former President Joseph Estrada eating with the people at squatter area, like saying he’s one of them. His act earned him the adulation of the poor masses but in the contrary, his real motive was just to get the sympathy of them. There are also a lot of story about people who visit the office of our beloved Senators to ask for financial help but most of the times their secretary were the one talking with them. Worse, they always go home empty handed.

Obama and Biden are endangered species already. During campaign and election period, the candidates extend themselves to the people. But after elected, they distanced themselves and didn’t even bother to give back what the people deserve. But if you’re a Manny Pacquiao, that’s a different story.