word from the wise

The Government and I did not see eye to eye, as usual.  Or more accurately, counsel from the government and I did not.  He casually said “dismissed” and “(weak) evidence” and I worried that the ‘clients’ would lose heart.  Apparently (and uncharacteristically), my worry (lost heart?) showed, and was immediately sensed by the ‘clients’.

 

Our jeep crawling through the highway of unforgiving sun, I was jolted from my confused thoughts of dry statutory provisions by a word from “Commissioner” –  

 

“Huwag kang mag-alalala, gracevill, kaming mga katutubo ay hindi papatalo sa iisang papel.”  (Don’t worry, gracevill, we, indigenous peoples will not be defeated by a mere scrap of paper.”)  

 

Shortly thereafter, the jeep-ful of cheerful old men and two strong ladies, dropped me off at a gas station, where this girl took the bus to Manila.  The orange sun, to my left, was blazing and low on the horizon.  Tomorrow, it shall be on the right again, rising.

me, monday

felt like last week…

from up

Yes, Your Honor, call me “neneng” any time of the day, in open court or in chambers, over the phone or in front of community partners, network organizations, colleagues, court personnel, the media even – it’s all good.  

The fact remains that human rights protected by the Constitution must prevail and they do.  The fact is, justice prevails today although it’s uncertain for how long.  We will come up with correct and more clever ways and that’s a promise.  In the meantime, we shall seize the day and enjoy the view from here. 

Dear Lord, thank you for making plans realities and for giving more than what was hoped for.  Thank you for tomorrow.

(Photo courtesy of Jackie & Roxy)