Equality is the state of being equal to others. It is realistic if everyone has equal rights and opportunities under the same class and conditions. Differences in life status and position do not deny the existence of equality. Distinctions in income occur only because of the different degrees of pursuit for a better life, not to mention the varied expertise, talents, skills, abilities, and gifts for which one can earn or gain something. On the one hand, position hierarchy is for organization and function, not inequality. Not all can become leaders, and not everyone should remain as followers. The background, culture, language, and heritage differences reflect uniqueness but not inequality.
All Filipinos should be equal because the government has enacted laws and policies that bridge the gap between the rich and the poor, the aristocrats and the underprivileged, and the powerful and the laypeople. Government leaders are not even considered members of the royal class; they are called public servants. Similarly, the constituents were not subjects but were called sovereign Filipino people. Even the courts of law have taken into significant consideration the application of social justice under exceptional bases so that justice may not only be for the rich and powerful.
Authoritarianism and corruption are the root causes of inequality. Authoritarianism is characterized by oppression and abuse of authority by those in leadership. Leaders use their position for personal aggrandizement and to serve themselves, not to serve others. It happens when those in power do not reach out to the grassroots.ย
On the other hand, corruption occurs when individuals commit acts of impartiality and injustice. It happens when everyone doesn’t have the same chances for promotions, jobs, or incentives; when some people are favored while others are given unfair requirements for obtaining permits, licenses, or government services; when people who are related to the person hiring or approving have better chances and are treated more favorably than those who are not related; and many other instances where the balance is off and unfair. Therefore, if public offices are to uphold the value of inequality, they must eradicate these two significant causes of inequality.
All of us were born naked and brought nothing into the world; we will soon die physically, bringing nothing to the grave. As George Mason said, “We came equals into this world, and equals shall we go out of it.” Therefore, there should be no reason that we act superior to anyone. Time is the greatest equalizer. All people have twenty-four (24) hours a day, and it is up to us how to make the most of it. So, while we live and have time, give others an equal opportunity, privilege, and treatment.
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Reflect on whether we have been autocratic, dictatorial, or oppressive against any person in the family or workplace. If we have, resolve to change our treatment toward them.
Regularly check the pending letter requests, application forms, and other documents in our office. Act on them promptly and with equality.
If you are a person in the leadership, from this week forward, reach out to our subordinates by being amiable to them without going beyond the borders and treating them equally.
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We are persons who humble ourselves before God and before men. We will not be arrogant and always consider others better than we do ourselves. We will not be harsh nor abuse our authority over anyone. We will reach out and will be amiable to people. We will not use our authority to debase anyone. We will not use our riches to put any person down. We will see that all people will have equal rights and opportunities. We shall not promote nor tolerate any act of injustice and inequality. We will give what is due to people. We will render services without partiality or biases. So help us, Godโ
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Father, we seek your forgiveness for our failure to recognize the equality that exists before you. Please forgive us if we have ever acted superior to others or abused our authority. Please instill in each of us the virtue of humility, both before you and others. Please pardon us if we have previously acted as agents of inequality, showing undue favoritism to those close to us over others who are equally deserving. Help us to not misuse our public roles for personal gain at the expense of others. We recognize the unity that comes from equality and ask for your forgiveness in Your Holy Name, amen.โ
Values Restoration Officer: Glenford C. Franca
