Editorial/Columns

Editorial 

RIZAL’S MARTYRDOM, REFORMS AND THE NEW YEAR

As we once again commemorate Dr. Jose P. Rizal’s martyrdom on December 30, 2006, let us not only remember the pain and agony that he had to endure in paying the ultimate sacrifice for the evolvement of a nation that he longed for and knew he would never see, let us remember also the significance of that sacrifice to those of us who have pledged allegiance to his teachings, philosophy and admonitions.

The significance of our beloved hero’s martyrdom to every Knight and Lady of Rizal can only be meaningfully manifested in no other than our recognition of the importance and the urgency of the need for reforms in the Order of the Knights of Rizal. If there is one word that aptly summarizes Rizal’s political cause it is this: REFORMS.  Hence, that significance can only be expressed in a continuing struggle for positive, progressive and democratic change within our once illustrious and noble organization.

As Rizalian Year 2006 also draws to a close, one cannot escape the sad observation that the dawn of reforms promised by the Davide Supreme Council did not turn to day. What was exciting at the beginning is ending as a great disappointment. The much celebrated unity that was claimed to have been achieved in Manila earlier did not extend to all the regions – particularly not to all overseas regions. On the contrary, the fragmentation in Canada and Europe that was reminiscent of previous Supreme Councils’ brawls became even more prominent in 2006. Many talked about and pleaded for “unity” as if it were a grocery item that can be pulled easily off a shelf. But as was proven by the events of 2006, unity was nothing more than cheap talk. The actions of those who were bestowed with the responsibility and mandate to create the conditions conducive to attaining unity were completely and diametrically opposed to the meaning of the word.

What would have been a glorious opportunity for the Supreme Council to restore dignity and honor to the tainted image of the Order diminished to a classic demonstration of the same old colonial mindset that seems to have permanently paralyzed some of our esteemed brothers in the Philippines. The handling of the case of Europe Regional Commander Sir Lino Paras was a whitewash, pure and simple. The momentary inspiration generated by the Davide memorandum requiring Sir Paras to explain in so many days his side of the plagiarism charge leveled against himself ended in a puff. The same goes for the Paras-associated racism allegations. The roar that was heard loud and clear proved to be a mere whimper.

Apparently, the Supreme Commander’s ultimatum was deflected by the usual political maneuverings by some member of the Council of Elders who has a personal affinity to Paras. The "padrino" culture is very much alive in the OKR. And what a drawback it is. No wonder many of our brothers in Europe have lost not only hope but interest in the cause of the Knights of Rizal. It was glaringly evident that no amount of protestations against any anomaly, irregularity, indiscretion or abuse would ever be taken seriously by Manila. No wonder the disunity in Europe. No wonder the loss of trust and confidence. No wonder the demoralization.

In Canada, the situation was no better. It is actually worse. The re-appointment of Sir Emiliano Silverio as Regional Commander was first and foremost a mistake. Not because of his own shortcomings but because of his vulnerability to the manipulations of a few who have virtually taken his office hostage. That in fact was the case in 2006. A group of four individuals have taken control of Sir Silverio’s position and arrogantly wielded power as if they personally own the organization notwithstanding the innocent and handicapped Sir Silverio himself. They flagrantly violated the By-Laws of the Order and the principles upon which it was founded, abused their authority which was at best only perceived, criminally forged a signature on an official circular, published libelous and slanderous articles in a newspaper against honorable members of the Order, and harassed, curtailed and seriously threatened certain members from attending the International Assembly in New Jersey. And these are just for starters.

There are many more similar anomalies, irregularities and abuses perpetrated routinely in Canada involving finances, membership, awards and appointments. Vis-à-vis the promise of the Davide Council the situation has become so gross that the leadership in both Canada and Europe have lost their moral mandate to govern. But the ultimate disappointment of 2006 is the leadership in Manila itself. That is because they are not oblivious to what has actually gone on. They know and yet they tolerate. They turn a blind eye and they condone. They claim they are concerned and yet they don’t listen.

This is not what Rizalism is all about. Rizal sought change. What is Rizalism if not the pursuit of truth, equal justice for all and freedom from enslavement of mind to ignorance? What is Rizalism if not the progressive advancement of fairness, honesty and respect for each person’s rights? What is Rizalism if not the application, observance and practice of Rizalism by no less than the Knights of Rizal? If we do not live by what we preach and teach, we are most miserable for we are nothing but a bunch of disoriented hypocrites! 

Let us not only remember that somber day in December, 1896. Let us not only remember the significance of the event. Let us use that remembrance - in the coming year 2007- as an impetus to be even more vigilant and to fight even more vigorously for the very cause of Rizal’s life and death – reforms!

The Black Knight 

ESCHEW CANADA'S PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

by Sir Manny Bade, KCR

At first glance, the email reminder from the Order of the Knights of Rizal Canada Region pursuivant seems innocuous enough.  But on closer examinations by the libertarian Sir Joe Luzadas, and other concerned knights, we became aware of two contentious items in the fiat.  

The first item is the requirement to pay the membership fee of $20.00. A surcharge of $5.00! Sir Joe Luzadas was quick to shout: “Taxation without representation”!  Indeed what can be more appropriate description than highway robbery?

I mean what’s $5.00 increase off $15.00, thirty-three and one third percent! If you’re a landlord, you can’t arbitrarily increase your rent by 33-1/3 %. Even the transit company can’t increase the fare rate from $2.50 to $3.35. And to think that this is not even sanctioned by Manila!  Or is it?

The second requirement is an even more blatant abuse of their power: this so called Pledge of Allegiance. As Sir Jun Z asked: “allegiance to whom?” 

In the Middle Ages knights pledged allegiance to the liege lord. They fought for and in the name of the liege lord. In turn, the liege lord supported the knights in their day-to-day expenses, fed their horses, and gave them squires to keep their armour shining bright. But, we are not in the Middle Ages, and as knights of Rizal we don’t need or get protection and support from the Order, nor from our leaders. Au contraire, we are the ones who support them through our fees and fund raising contributions. So, who’s supposed to give a pledge of allegiance to whom?  

I believe this is a simple maneuver on the part of the Region leadership of forcing the membership to toe their line vis-à-vis that of the KRRM. It is a feeble attempt at alienating the KRRM members, getting them to be suspended or expelled from the Order if the pledge of allegiance gets in the way of their renewal of their membership.

This controversial mandate affects the KRRM members in two ways. You see, KRRM members are composed of two groups: namely, the members of the renegade Scarborough Chapter, and others who are members of other chapters around the Greater Toronto Area.

The Scarborough Chapter members have nothing to worry about.  For sometime now, the chapter has been operating as a quasi-autonomous entity from the Region anyway.  It pays its dues directly to Manila, and there’s really nothing the reactionary leaders of the Region can do about it. As long as our dues are paid on time and in full, we remain members of the Order, with or without this pledge of allegiance. The problem is with the KRRM members who are outside the Scarborough Chapter. 

I’d say, inasmuch as these member knights are not beholden to the Region in terms of support and they don’t really need the OKR in their business or employment, they can eschew the pledge of allegiance and get themselves suspended.  Who cares? When the time has passed and a new set of leaders take over, or the current leadership sees the light and embrace reforms, they can always come back.  Will they miss something? No, there is no seniority to lose, no points to miss.  On the contrary, the Order misses their fees and contributions. 

Or, they can go ahead and accept their terms. Take the pledge of allegiance, stating before they do that they are doing so in contravention with their conscience. Under any jurisprudence, anything done under duress is unenforceable.  They can thus continue their activism in good conscience while still a member of good standing as far as the Canada Region is concerned.

Editor's note:

The Black Knight figuratively came back from the dead. On January 15, 2007 he suffered a massive heart attack but, thanks to the prayerful support of many Knights and Ladies from around the world as well as state-of-the-art medical technology and  professional expertise,  he is back - riding again!