I remember during the COVID19 pandemic learning about SARS COV2 RTPCR results being forged and sold in the black market just to get thru border controls. There were rumors about a private hospital charging as much as P10,000 for tests that were done at a government facility free of charge. Today we are indignant about corruption in ghost flood control projects, but how do we point out these concerns without being afraid of our own safety?
From the smallest error and non-compliance swept under the rug, we develop that culture of "lagay" or payments and bribes under the table just to let transactions push thru despite rules and guidelines.
Is there really a grey area between right and wrong?
Do honest law-abiding citizens always have to agonize over reporting wrong behavior, whether it is the simplest transaction or whether it involves millions and billions worth of contracts - isn't wrong, still wrong?
There was a time when I was so sensitive and so emotional, I was crying over each slight criticism. A fellow worker gave me good advice that we should not always react with emotion, but to use logic instead.
Slowly, I am learning not to care about what other people think of me. Losing sleep over their opinions is a waste. We are taught that we cannot please everybody so we shouldn't even try. Be true to yourself and focus on what you need to achieve and the challenges you need to overcome. The rest are just noise.
