The calling of a convention in Paris dubbed “European Assembly” at this particular time and under very dubious circumstances is both a farcical show of questionable authority and an arrogant display of hypocrisy on the part of the organizers and their Manila-based supporters. It defies reason and insults the intelligence of those who have been seeking for truth, justice and fairness. And that includes Sir Hilario G. Davide, Jr. whose very own demand for Regional Commander Sir Paras to explain himself regarding allegations of plagiarism and racism lodged against the latter has been unceremoniously quashed.
If one were to use a vulgar expression the message being sent to the Paras/Quiambao critics seems to be something like “up yours!” Come to think of it: the exercise, given the scandalous issues and events associated with Sir Paras is, we hesitate to say, itself a vulgarity. Why? Three reasons:
First, it gives the wrong message. If the esteemed leaders in Manila were principled men, they would not have agreed to the calling of such a meeting at this time as it would give the notion that everything is all right in Europe . In truth and in fact the organization is in shambles thanks originally to the questionable appointment of Paras and Manila’s subsequent failure to act on the 24-hour "ultimatum" issued by Supreme Commander (presently on leave) Sir Hilario Davide to Paras way back in September 19, 2006. Since then over 7,000 hours have elapsed and Paras remains untouched. On the contrary it appears he has created more controversies in the ensuing period. The overall situation confirms not only a weak international leadership, it suggests someone other than the duly elected ones is running the organization and doing so like a bully. Again we hesitate to say it, but we submit a moral backbone is painfully missing.
Paras is a non-nominated appointee whose strongly protested appointment is believed to be purely political traced to a personal affiliation with Sir Rogelio Quiambao, a former Supreme Commander and now a member of the Council of Elders. The appointment bespeaks of a similar surprise appointment in 2005 of Sir Chito Collantes as Deputy Regional Commander for Canada. Sir Collantes is also linked closely to Quiambao. As a matter of historical note that single event marked the beginning of the turmoil in Canada that continues to this day. Dejavu – this time in Europe .
Second, the calling of the Assembly is a vulgarity because it negates the conditions that in reality are indicative of an urgent need on the part of the organization for a major self-examination. When as a result of the Paras controversy some 25 distinguished Knights of Rizal in Europe terminated en masse their membership in utter disgust one does not celebrate. The family is hurting. The brotherhood lost from its ranks valuable and very distinguished members like Order of Sikatuna Maginoo recipient Dr. Fritz Hack-Ullmer and Sir Frederik Ullmer, direct descendants of Rizal’s very close friend Pastor Karl Ullmer of Welhelmsfeld, Germany. These people are avowed Rizalists both by blood and by action. It also lost the support of no less than the Blumentritt family. Many others just silently left. The eventual formation of a new Rizalist organization as an ultimate demonstration of protest should have caused the Supreme Council to do everything it could to restore honor and dignity or at least apply damage control. Alas, instead they have gone to Paris to “have fun, fun, fun”.
Third, the calling of the European Assembly is a vulgarity because it underscores not only Manila’s defiance of reason but it also reveals its inability to manage an international organization. Once again, it draws attention to a mentality that is colonial, retrogressive and so limited it cannot grasp the depth of the concerns and the capabilities of an advanced, open-minded and culturally diverse society of Rizalists. It clings on to an archaic concept and trait only Filipinos understand. It is called “kayabangan”.
What a shame.
Source: Order of the Knights of Rizal, Scarborough Chapter, Canada
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