AFTER the embittered battle for Speakership which resulted in the dismal oust of Speaker Jose de Venecia, and the election of Mindanao’s Rep. Nograles, many Pangasinenses are left wondering why three of Pangasinan’s five congressmen voted the way they did. Whey didn’t the five vote as one solid group the way the “Mindanao Bloc” voted for Mindanao’s son? Not that their three votes would have overturned the results, this time, but hey, where has the “Pangasinan Spirit” to fend for one’s own, gone?

According to historian Miguel de Loarca, “the people of Pangasinan were industrious. They were spirited and a proud race of men and women, and such materials in other’s hands would form the foundation of all that is good and excellent” failed to express itself when given the chance in Congress to do so. The materials to form the foundation was there in the good congressmen and women of Pangasinan. But alas, politics is more complicated and involved than a mere historian’s observation. And few would admit that, yes, it is not as simple as supporting someone just because that person is from the same province especially if philosophies and political views differ. However,  one tends to believe that when one is projected to the national scene and is expected to defend “homeland” one’s choices are limited especially if that choice, that vote, is not a deciding factor anyway in the outcome.  What’s the point of rubbing it in?

One tends to believe however, that when a province mate is propelled to the national scene and represents the province, the choices are limited and favors toward the defense of “homeland”. In this case, even if their votes were not a deciding factor in the outcome, it is well deserved that the solid support of the province is and above intramurals. In the face of national humiliation and severe beating, the absence of solid support for a province mate is deplorable.

It is a season of conflict and personal vendetta from all points of the land. The President who rides on the crest of economic gains for the country was neither spared of the season of change. Pangasinan giants have come to head buts as we watch in silent disappointment and regrets. Through no personal fault of either leader, events have developed to reveal such profound resentments and accusations back and forth bringing in the echelons of government and the private sector into the “confrontasi”. Alas, Pangasinan bleeds, as the country grieves for peace, progress and truth.

Even as Pangasinan leaders battle at national levels, other regions realign themselves to claim equal time and rights. Mindanao Region demand their development and progress with the assumption of Rep. Nograles as Speaker of the House of Representatives, while Pangasinan leaders bring the intramurals nationwide. Already the conflict is bigger than our province. Ideally, it would be nice to think that there shall be healing and the leadership of the country shall regain equanimity.

When students of the future shall read of the conflicts of today, they will realize that the issues are not about lofty ideals and visions but rather of common street dirt of graft and corruption, and the absence of one solid leadership. Maybe lessons shall result from this conflict, one that shall teach young generations yet to come, in the future.