by: DONALD SEVILLA

” DR.JEKYLL, MR.HYDE “

Our politicians best exemplify the contrast that life exudes. Good and bad, yin and yang,  our lives are testimonies of the dichotomy within us. Yet the hypocrisy of our politics is evident in the way we handle ourselves.

We try to project an image which is the exact opposite of who we truly are to gain public favor and acceptance. The scripted photo-ops and public persona are a far cry from the real us.

Thus, we see our politicians eating with their bare hands in modest places where the working class go to try to blend in.  They do all sorts of crazy stunts to make the masses feel one with them.

But beyond this public drama and staged performances, the penchant for a life of luxury and privilege pervades.

From “the carenderia to Shangrila” is more like it.

The recent controversy unfolding over the alleged involvement of top provincial government officials in the illegal numbers game may come as a shock to many of us. But we are not here to judge nor to condemn or absolve but we can keenly observe the things that are happening.

Amid the flurry of accusations and counter-accusations it may be difficult to see who is telling the truth as there are two sides to a story and both may sound convincing.

Yet, peeling off the layers and  weighing in on things can lead us to form our own conclusions which are best kept to ourselves for now.

There is no simple truth as these are mired in complexities.  Whistle blowers may not be the least guilty of all but no one thought Dr. Jekyll was Mr. Hyde, too.

Players involved in the controversy can deny all they want yet “simple Simon” says , “when the ground is wet , water came through.”  Whether it came from falling rain, a leaking pipe, above ground or underground remains to be seen. 

Stay alert my dear MARY and TESS !