As I write this, former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is undergoing surgery on her cervical spine at St. Luke's Medical Center, Taguig. They she has a pinched nerve that is causing her pain. As far as I recall, she already had a pinched nerve problem a few months (or is it weeks) back. I admire this little lady for her strong tolerance to pain. I think having a pinched nerve is very painful. But even so, she continued to work for her district and at the same time answer (through her lawyers but I'm sure in consultation with her) the different charges being presented against her.I did not see her complain.
Now, why am I saying this? Let me first clarify that I am not an ally nor a friend of GMA. I have not even met. Well, I saw her once but we were never introduced. I am writing just to commend her for having such tolerance. You see, as a public official, you need to be strong. You need to be able to control your emotions/reactions against certain things that could sometimes be very painful. A public official, especially the one occupying the highest position in the land must show everyone that they are strong and they are not giving up/buckling down. Some might argue that GMA's strong tolerance to pain/shame gave her that devil may care attitude when she was hounded by controversies. True. Instead of being 'matapang', her attitude may have appeared 'makapal ang mukha'. But you know, for me, I think that that attitude may have also done us some good in the sense that she has shown other people that the country is strong and there is nothing to worry about because even the president is not affected at all. If she showed weakness, investors and tourists might have been put off. I just wish that public officials could show higher tolerance to 'pain' and stop complaining and complaining. It is funny seeing public officials complaining about little things like not being given priority in the airport, getting a smaller office than a rookie politician, etc. And Mr. President, you may criticize GMA all you want (and please make justice be served if she indeed committed all those crimes), but please, also show a little more tolerance to 'pain' like what she is doing. Please do not easily complain especially in issues that are not really of national importance like always being asked about your love life?! People just want to know. But please understand that whatever they would say about whom you are dating (unless you date a married woman or a man for that matter) wont really affect the economy, our moral standing or lead to war. It is a reporter's job to ask just like what your sister Kris (whom I actually like) does in some of the talk shows she's handled.
Anyway, Mrs. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, may the Lord's healing hand be upon you.