Truth Shall Set Us Free

I feel sad that I am a day late in submitting my week 3 assignment. I wasn't feeling well the past few days and to my dismay, my country has been hit by a huge tropical storm. There was an electricity brownout, internet connection was down, even phone lines were shut down and I did not have the means to submit my assignment on due date.

Well, if you may allow me I would still love to share with you my stories. In a democratic country like the Philippines, we enjoy freedom of expression almost to the fullest. When we do not agree with the policies of the government we are free to voice out our sentiments. We could go to the street to protest and for some angry militants they would not hesitate to burn images of government officials and even the image of the President of the Philippines. No one goes to jail for that.

Although we enjoy freedom of expression almost to the fullest but for the past years more and more journalists become victims of summary execution. They have been killed because of their harsh write ups or broadcast against prominent individuals like politicians and other influential personalities. That is why some opt to be silent of the truth.

I for one would be vigilant in my write ups. Even if I can support it with well-founded evidence I would rather keep my zipper mouth than die young. I am fully aware of the anomalies happening in my small town in Basilan. It is disheartening to know that many of my town mates do not enjoy their rights as mandated by the constitution. Some do not get their salaries on time. Their social security funds have not been remitted. I cannot blame them for that because who will fight for their rights?

But I do believe in God's time the "Truth shall set us free". Maybe I am here because God wants me to be an instrument for change. This social media will definitely help me grow and to practice to open up more. I know I can do a lot of things. All I need for now is support from people who have the same advocacies and goals like mine. Someone who will not be afraid to stand up and make a difference.