When a crisis hits, a simple “how are you?” means a lot to a person who feels fear, sadness, and other emotions. But how could one ask “how are you” if you’re seen enjoying a cup of coffee with latte art on it?
In the recent Senate session, Sen. Pia Cayetano became emotional after the alleged Senate attack last Wednesday, May 13, insisting that no one even checked up on them during the attacks inside the Senate compound. With all the tears, the breakdown in front of the nation, the demand for a kumusta became ironic.
Given that the situation was life-threatening, it is more than valid that one would burst out crying, crashing out over no one even asking how they were. However, with what was projected by the photos of Sen. Cayetano with a cup of latte, together with the Senate majority enjoying dinner during the alleged attacks, anyone would literally question whether the tears running from her eyes were genuine or not.
Terror attacks are undeniably scary where hearing gunshots meters away can absolutely make you think whether you are going to survive or not. With Sen. Cayetano’s emphasis on them being “takot na takot,” we can all agree that being in the same situation can make us scared, but are these senators scared enough to even make a Facebook live during the chaos? Even being defensive enough, proving that the attack was not staged, while being able to take a photo together, smiling in front of the camera while enjoying a nice meal.
Well, it is not about invalidating her emotions over the said chaos, but pointing out the irony behind the drama over the demand for kumusta. If this terror attack already made one senator calling out fellow senators for not asking her kumusta, then what about those who are not in power or position who also experienced the same trauma and fear over the past years, yet didn’t even hear the same words she asked for. The audacity to cry and call out other people for not doing the same thing for the Filipino people.
After all, these chaos, crying sessions, and arguments inside the Senate makes the people think whether or not the senators are actually doing their job of resolving issues within the state. Maybe due to the chaotic situations that have been happening makes them unable to do their jobs well, or was it? And if that’s the case, then perhaps the senators are indeed in need of a simple “how are you” or “kumusta” just like the Filipino people have needed since then.
Written by Crossroads, Insight PH
Crossroads, Insight PH is a dedicated campus journalist and contributor. Their insightful writing sparks meaningful conversations and keeps the community informed.
