My thoughts on Duterte passing four Departments to the Leftists (if they're interested)

To some, this can be seen as worrisome - but honestly speaking, that could be bias and/or fear for our government becoming Socialist. Far from it, really... instead, think of it like an open gesture to the Left - the same Left that has incessantly been complaint in every State of the Nation Address by each President every since we regained the liberty to speak freely.

I will admit to the fact that I've grown tired of the Left always 'crying wolf' whenever there is a major initiative by the government - it's as if they can never be appeased, and at times, they can even be manipulative to get their messages across, as the recent farmer's protests that were broken up would seem to point to them as being the organizers / rabble rousers.

But put yourself in their shoes for an instance...

Have they been complaining? Oh, definitely.

Do they have so much to complain about? Well, yes they do.

Are they not being listened to? If many people are like me, they are complaining to a public that has dismissed them as simply that... complainants. Sometimes, trouble-makers.

Is there ever a time they are not complaining? Who knows?

Do they have alternative solutions? Surprisingly, they do. Granted... they sound like broad strokes, but they do.

Are they getting their messages across? Looks like they need to improve on this.

They have an image problem... some (or a large part) due to their own actions. It may be that they are not getting the needed 'air time' and are not coming across, much less understood. Not in Radio, TV, the Broadsheets... nothing.

But setting aside all these, and the thought of just why they are not reaching everyone else, let's go back to what Duterte is offering them. These departments are: DENR, DAR, DOLE and DSWD. Why these in particular? Because the Left has been complaining about how bad these departments are treating the Filipinos in one way of the other.

Environment and Natural Resources - with them heading this, they would be able to stop mining and other projects that are raping our environment to the detriment of the poor, disenfranchised tribes and hopefully prevent exploitation, excessive mining or whatever runs counter to what the Earth preservation groups hope to, well... preserve. After all, if illegal logging and mining are causing these flash floods, or sudden collapse of the lands, maybe it really is time to put the interests of Mother Nature vs. corporate greed.

Agrarian Reforms - it is no surprise that amongst the poor, we would have lots of farmers, and with  the farming sector seemingly ignored, we hear stories of where a lot of corrections have been sorely missing. Since the Leftists are fighting the good fight for the farmers, managing this department for farmers - it sounds like a dream come true for the Left. To be able to introduce change the way they want it. They say it's time to bring farming out of the dark ages... we'll see how they plan to do this.

Labor and Employment - another maligned department? When was the last time an across the board salary increase has been done to catch up with the cost of living? When was the last time any programs that would definitely help the laborer been implemented? If they can finally do away with the loopholes that allow Retail giants to avoid turning hired labor into regulars - and thus allow for coverage of SSS, Philhealth and other benefits, this would definitely be a move (albeit to the business owners chagrin) in the right direction.

Social Welfare and Development - mostly focusing on 'women and children' and other sectors of society that need protection. The elderly, the street urchins, the battered wives, etc... in a just and benevolent society, this department would hardly find the need to exist. The fact that it is needed is an indicator of how bad our society has become.

These four, when you take a close look, are all about labor... the poor... the ones who try to survive on a day-to-day basis. It's a place where respect, health, security, the next meal, dignity of labor... all these... are but a dream, as the people live in a nightmare where Government seems more interested in them only when it's voting time.

So how will the Left handle things differently? Well... they are the experts in seeing how these problems are prevalent. They see how past policies may be business favorable, but short on protecting the dignity of the Filipino labor force. They can now put their programs, their ideas to play. They can now help the poor. They can now insert the much needed, long awaited change that many seek. They can start showing others how it should be done.

They can 'walk the talk'.
Be part of the solution.
Prove that they aren't all just complainers.

So I'm not worried about Duterte offering these four departments to the Leftists. I want hem to take it... and prove to everyone else (including themselves) that all those years of complaining was not just to put the government in a bad light. i want them to show us they were right... and that a listening President has given them a chance to prove how much they love this country... by joining the mainstream, and finally leaving the armed struggle.

One can only hope.