The indoor generation
Credit to Author: Rolly G. Reyes| Date: Sat, 30 Nov 2019 16:21:55 +0000
It is crystal clear that former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (PGMA) was the target of the former administration’s persecutory whims, when several cases were filed but eventually dismissed with finality. The latest is the Ombudsman’s Resolution (dated Feb. 13, 2019) dismissing the complaint of the Field Investigation Office (FIO) against her with respect to the PCSO Confidential and Intelligence Funds (CIF) for the period 2004 to 2007.
The Ombudsman found that there was no probable cause to indict PGMA for Plunder, violation of Republic Act 3019, or “Malversation under the Revised Penal Code.” The FIO under the previous ombudsman came out with this “pahabol” complaint shortly before the Supreme Court acquitted PGMA of the plunder case involving the PCSO CIF for the period 2008-2010. This action by the present ombudsman is very commendable as it takes as much moral courage and intellectual honesty to dismiss a case as it does to file and prosecute one. It is an example that interest in a criminal prosecution is not to win a case but that justice shall be done.
It has come to my attention the alarming lifestyle that all of us are experiencing today. I expect that this phenomenon will worsen in the forthcoming decades as we continue to wallow in technological advances we have now.
Yes, we are being tagged now by sociological study experts that we now belong to the “outdoor generation.” Less and less time is spent outside the enclosures of today. When we say enclosures, we refer to anything that keep us from enjoying the elements outside of our doors. We may not be aware that houses, cars, offices, factories, hospitals, malls and schools are examples of these enclosures.
Computing the hours under a roof is quite easy. At least one third of our day is being spent in bed. Showering, watching movies on TV, playing computer games and taking our meals are just a few of activities between the walls of our abode.
It is also worth noting that when we step out of the house, we move to other enclosures like cars, buses and trains. We sit on desks almost all day in our offices, schools and universities, or when getting treated in clinics and hospitals. Only a hundred steps or less are done to transfer from one enclosure to another. Sunlight is a precious commodity, given such minimal exposure. And so is natural oxygen and moisture. We even wait on waiting sheds or buy moisturizers to avoid dry skin.
The health implication is just a speck in the total spectrum. We frequent gyms for workouts or run on treadmills instead of running outside. We dine on restaurants more than we go on picnics. Some are even lazy to go inside for meals and prefer ordering (inside the car) thru drive-in lanes.
The social implication is another story. Roaming around and seeing friends become antiquated as we continue to indulge in smartphone addiction. Texting “How are you” and “I hope you’re ok” can contribute to deprive us seeing each other. Hospital visits are now rare because of “get well soon” comments in social media.
Remember those moments when we enjoy visiting malls or our favorite corner stores? Amazon and other delivery services took those exciting moments away. You see the items in your front doors. You will not even see your delivery man in the future. These carriers started using drones to drop your package in your doorstep even when you’re away from home.
Weather is another factor that keeps us inside the box and not “outside the box.” Climate change — snow storms, hurricane and floods — keeps us indoors. We are slowly being disconnected to the natural social habits of our body and forced to adopt a “gated community lifestyle” of sorts. Technology developments made PlayStation and Netflix popular indoor addiction. We now have indoor swimming pools, and some posh hotels offer “indoor surfing experience.” What is scary is that we are willing co-conspirators in this precarious situation.
Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman Gen. Bernard Banac welcomes PRRD’S takeover of PNP. This mouthpiece is way out of line. It is an insult to PNP as a law enforcement institution. It is an admission that your organization is incompetent to fulfill its mandate as required by law. Mr. Banac, are you eyeing a higher position? You are shaming your peers big time.
Special Announcements:
Former secretary Rick Saludo is inviting everyone to attend his Risk Management Forum that tackles risk, crisis and communication management this coming Friday, December 6, 1-5 p.m. at DAP Ortigas Centre. You may call 0917-541-4066 for interview regarding the details.
According to the Philippine Red Cross chairman, Sen. Richard J. Gordon, local celebrities are collaborating with the Philippine Red Cross for the promotion of its 5th Million Volunteer Fun Run (MVR) scheduled to be held nationwide on December 8. The celebrities include Robbie Domingo, Jerald Napoles, Kim Molina, Ogie Alcasid, Martin Nievera and Jeffrey Santos; news anchors Arnold Clavio, Connie Sison of “Umagang Kay Ganda; and “Eat Bulaga” hosts. Mayors Isko Domagoso of Manila, Richard Gomez of Ormoc City and Vico Sotto of Pasig City, are urging their constituents and friends to go join the MVRs.
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Good work, good deeds and good faith to all.