she passed away...

i was skimming my eyes down the PDI front page when i saw the picture of Sen. Noynoy Aquino standing in front of a coffin. since it has been a fairly recent time that he has stood and payed his last respects before one, i checked to see whose it was. turns out, it was of former Budget Secretary Emilia Boncodin.

i knew her name, having been, once upon a time, a student of Public Administration. and i remember, in vague memory, having held a forum in UP when i was still in freshie, on the state of the university's budget allotment from the government (government was planning another cutback and student activists were all riled up. it was a "hot" issue then.) my organization organized a forum and invited the Budget Secretary herself to be one of the speakers in order to air the government's why's and wherefores on the matter.

i have to admit, when it comes to national and public issues, i've usually been kind of a little spaced out, and that particular time was no exception (insert peace sign here, hehe). anyway, i have my one regret over that time, and no, it's still NOT my lack of concern and involvement in national and political issues. it's an issue of basic human respect, the kind that is not usually seen these days. it's an issue over student activists displaying and flaunting disrespect towards others, more often towards people occupying positions of authority. if there's anything i feel strongly about, it's that. if there's anything that riles me, it's that. i do not think that there could be any REAL progress that can be attained where there is no REAL respect. Respect for persons, even when you think they are in the wrong or they are the "enemy", is not something to be left at the door or gate or anywhere else for that matter upon entering a forum or rally or any other venue of discussion or free expression. you don't just attack persons or their dignity as though it were a free-for-all. in my book, it's a firm, unshakeable NO-NO. there are actions that do not deserve respect but there are no persons who do not deserve respect. people command and deserve respect by virtue of them being persons alone.

i do not have an unusual or special regard for Sec. Boncodin. i guess what just sobers me up about this is the realization that at one time, this government personage once stood before me and now she never will until a later time maybe...a time that is hopefully full of white light, fluffy clouds and twanging harps, hehehe. though according to the article i read, Sec. Boncodin had been part of the Hyatt 10 that resigned from the Cabinet in 2005 in the wake of the controversial (and unresolved!) "Hello, Garci" scandal, she has an exemplary public service record, and Sen. Aquino was considering approaching her for the position of budget secretary a second time around if and when his eggs for the presidency hatches. still, it's none of that, it's just really the simple realization above. (see how simple i am? LOL)

but anyway, to Sec. Emilia Boncodin, thank you for your time in service to the nation. i pay my own respects. rest in love and peace.

sunflower

Footnote:
Sec. Emilia Boncodin passed away March 15, 2010 at the age of 55 due to "complications arising from her body's rejection of a kidney donated in 2005." the wake to her funeral is being held at the sta. maria della strada church in katipunan.

Comments

  1. This is off-topic. I just want to say that I am flattered to be read by someone like you. I'll be following your blog. :)

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  2. Thank you, Kuya Nikki! This just made my day! I don't know if some proper nouns here are taboo but I've looked up to you and Ate Tere since the time I discovered both of your blogs. It's nice to "virtually" meet you! Hehe! Will be praying for your intentions...take care! =)

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