Philip Gomez: Political Legacy
I feel that my father’s greatest legacy was the people he inspired to get involved in public service and their communities, to join the Peace Corps, to go into space. And really that generation transformed the country in civil rights, social justice, the economy and everything.
—Caroline Kennedy
Philip Gomez glared at his fellow congressman Augusto Bonifacio, who was seated across him. Part of him literally wanted to wring his neck.
He cursed in the local language and banged his hand on the table, “You can’t do that! You’ll be putting the lives of hundreds of men, women, and children at risk.”
Both congressmen represent a Southern region of the Philippines. The areas in their jurisdiction have experienced a rapid inflow of refugees from an Asian country that has experienced an extreme natural calamity and political turmoil. With nowhere else to go, hundreds of thousands of refugees embarked in makeshift canoes and made their way to the Philippine shores.
The two congressmen were at odds on what to do. Philip Gomez wanted to take them in and send them to an unused large tract of land by the mountains and help them rebuild their lives and start a community. Augusto Bonifacio wanted to pile all the refugees up in navy ships and send them back to their countries.
Both men were passionate about their opinion on the right course of action and had been engaged in a yelling match. The meeting room was starting to look like a circus. The congressmen’s equally passionate constituents were about ready to start a brawl. Media representatives were recording the dramatic exchange on live television. The phones were constantly ringing at the President’s office, international media, and other international organizations were trying to reach the men.
Both men belonged to the same political party and were close to the President. The politically astute President left the decision making to them suggesting that they resolve their differences and come up with a viable solution. With the presidential elections not too far away, the President figured it was wise not to get embroiled in this politically charged event and preferred to have the congressmen resolve the issue.
Philip decided to try an emotional appeal to convince his colleague, “Look, Augusto. Think of it this way. If a major calamity happened to the Philippines, and we all had to leave, and you and your family fled in a canoe in an effort to survive, wouldn’t you want a country to take you in?”
Augusto shook his head, “You don’t get the point, Philip. It’s not that I don’t want to help. We don’t have resources to help. We are not a rich country. Millions are already suffering in our own country. We have more people to take care of?”
“But, where are this people to go? They have no other option. We’re looking at a life and death situation here. If we don’t take them in, many of them will die. Do you want to take part in a genocide?” Philip argued passionately.
Augusto stood his ground, “Our country should come first, Philip. We were elected by our constituents to protect their interest. The needs of our people should be paramount.”
Philip disagreed, “This is no longer an issue about our constituents or our country; this is an international matter. We are global citizens. Besides, the entire international community offered to help. It’s no longer an issue of resources. We have received a pledge of over a billion dollars from foreign countries to help establish a living community for these refugees here.”
“A billion dollars is hardly enough. Besides, it’s not just about the money. It’s the hassle of it all. It will derail us from our economic development plans.” Augusto countered in an exasperated manner.
“Is saving lives a hassle for you, Augusto?” Philip screamed.
Loud yelling erupted around the room while the media lambasted the duo with questions.
Philip ignored the noise and continued, “The living community can be our new economic platform. Many of these refugees are educated, some even have money of their own. They can offer professional services to our people, start businesses, generate jobs, and pay taxes. They won’t weaken the economy. They will strengthen it. The living community will have a buzzing economic ecosystem. It will revitalize our country in a dynamic way!”
The crowd roared in support of the statement.
“In fact, I have a better idea.” Philip said excitedly, “Let’s make the Philippines not just a venue for these refugees but a venue for the entire world. Let’s welcome all immigrants, entrepreneurs, students and create not just one but several living communities throughout the country! Let’s truly open our borders and lead the way towards true global citizenship!”
There was pandemonium in the room.
Philip realized there was no way this conversation can continue. This issue was way beyond a conversation. It would require a much larger discussion. He would need the support of the entire congress and senate—as well as the President. In fact, leaders from several countries and international organizations have to be involved. This was no longer just a political skirmish; this was a global war against the oppression of refugees.
The President of the Philippines decided to take in the refugees and keep them in camps while the political decision relating to their fate had not been resolved.
Philip and his team proposed for a bill not just to relocate refugees to the living communities but to also open the country’s border and initiate an open-door policy for immigrants all over the world. Philip underscored the fact that America became a great country partly due to its diversity and talented immigrants.
He proposed a similar model for the Philippines, but a better one. Immigrants and refugees will not just be taken in; they will be groomed to have successful careers and endeavors and actively participate in economic revitalization. Each immigrant will take this pledge upon entering the country.
Philip’s proposed bill and international campaign in recent months had been a roller-coaster ride. The past 2 weeks had been promising. The Philippine congress and senate passed his proposed bill. He also received overwhelming support from the international community. His living community model received over $100 billion in funding from countries and international organizations around the world. In fact, other countries worldwide have decided to study the model and explore its implementation.
Working late in his office one night, the phone rang. It was from the U.S. President.
He listened intently at what the U.S. President had to say.
He smiled and said, “Yes, Mr. President. I’d be happy to send you a copy of the feasibility plan of the proposed living community.”
Legacy Lesson 3: Politics can be a real platform for change.
Art courtesy of Allison Brannon