OPPORTUNITY

UNEDITED SAMPLE EDITORIAL ARTICLE
By Jessica Leal Manalili
IV-Albert Einstein


Boxing icon Manny Pacquiao becomes the country’s flag-bearer in the Beijing Olympics next month as bemedalled swimmer Miguel Molina, who had earlier been named by the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) as the country’s flag-bearer in the Beijing Olympics next month, has decided to give way.

This act of courage, as they say, has brought up mixed reactions from different people in all walks of life.

President Arroyo had named Pacquiao as the flag-bearer when the newly-crowned world lightweight king paid a courtesy call to the Chief Executive Friday at Malacañang and high-ranking officials of the POC had no choice but to ride the waves.

Opportunity knocks only once and luck is on Manny’s side as tables turned in this sudden replacement. I, for one, do not believe that such decisions should be made in the last minute. Even though Manny has displayed his skills and we all have been witness to this, it is not right that such actions persist. It also is not right that just because a higher official designated Manny, replacement should occur.

Does this mean that only those with a “stronger pull” as they call it, can make it to the top? Is it why only those favored by the administrative take part in National Transactions? Is it why our economy though increasing is never felt?

Democracy should mean freedom and equality. But in our country, quite the contrary.