BAGUIA
The argument goes that one must stop protesting martial law in Mindanao if one is not Mindanaoan.
Never mind that the destruction of Marawi in operations possible without martial law is in everyone’s plain sight and lawyers from Marawi have sent distress calls to whoever may care listing human rights violations enabled by martial law.
So non-Americans should quit discussing United States President Donald Trump.
Never mind that his withdrawal of his country from the climate accords bodes ill for the ecosphere.
And non-occupants of the Spratlys should refrain from yakking about the territorial dispute between the Philippines and our giant of a northern neighbor.
Never mind that our fisherfolks’ lives and coral reefs are imperiled amid Malacañang’s appeasement of our giant of a northern neighbor.
And non-Qataris should have nothing to say about the conflict between Qatar and several Middle Eastern nations.
Never mind that millions of Filipino breadwinners live in that part of the world.
And non-Brits and non-Europeans should keep mum about Brexit and the European Union.
Never mind that they are our trading partners and their histories have repercussions on our peace processes and economy.
And non-diabetics and the non-hypertensive should not care to issue rejoinders when a senator mulls regulating rice consumption.
Never mind that the greater problem may be the poverty of our farmers and the challenges that face the agricultural sector that will be diminished by unduly low demand for its produce. Oh, please, shut up — you are not a farmer!
And heaven forbid that you discuss the health of the current Malacañang occupant. You did not vote for him, so keep quiet.
Never mind that his physical condition is legitimately every Filipino’s concern as stipulated in the Constitution.
Do not dare discuss the Constitution. You are not a lawyer.
Never mind that lawyers appointed and elected into office have taken it upon themselves to pose as interpreters of the Constitution though they are not members of the Supreme Court and have twisted the Charter to fit their partisan interests.