Everyday heroes

When the author hears the word “hero”, the normal thing that first comes to mind is the television show “Heroes”, where people are given extraordinary powers that no normal being can possess.

The word “hero”, however, had a different and more significant meaning yesterday in the form of a forwarded e-mail requesting for prayers for Ensign Philip Andrew A. Pestaņo, who reportedly died because of his firm refusal to kowtow to irregularities aboard the vessel he was assigned to.

While his death is officially listed as a suicide, a multitude of questions have been raised regarding the circumstances of his death which until now are seeking true, just and equitable closure.

We do not need extraordinary powers nor do we need to die so that we can call ourselves a “hero”. In fact, we even need not go to the extent of going abroad and remit foreign exchange earnings into the Philippines to be called a modern-day “hero”. We just need to be the best that we can be and act as good citizens of the Republic.

When this author first entered Isla Lipana & Co./PricewaterhouseCoopers Philippines, one of the initial concerns was how to deal with government agencies, with all the horror stories that abound. Fortunately, the firm prides itself on above-the-board dealings on its engagements and afterwards (with the policy in place), there is a realisation that despite all the so-called horror stories, government people in the agencies that we normally work with, e.g. Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) , are predominantly honest and decent people who listen to reason and sound argumentation.

Despite this realisation, the horror stories continue. If there is a general malaise in the system, are we so helpless as citizens to counter such a situation?

This is where the concept of an “everyday hero” comes into place - we can act and we need to act firmly if there are really these situations. Thus, instead of succumbing to the temptation of finding a quick fix, we need to prime ourselves to walk the straight and narrow path. By continuing to do what is right, then and only then can we call ourselves an “everyday hero”.

In this respect, the firm always advises its clients that if they want to resolve matters fairly and squarely with the BIR, they should adopt a no-nonsense approach with a policy of availing only of all the legal remedies available and paying off taxes if there is a correct assessment on the part of the tax collection agency.

This is not a new and revolutionary concept. In fact, there is no need to reinvent the wheel on the matter as countless articles and studies have already been made. In all these articles and studies, the author believes that the common principles are the following: a) we need to have moral regeneration and a return to a value-based system; and b) we need to have the political will to effect the necessary changes in the system we are living in.

No matter how morbid it may sound, we are all mere mortals and no amount of fame, fortune or power, or the religion or belief with which we are affiliated can save us from going back to dust. If such is so, then being an “everyday hero” should matter as what we have become as a human being is the only decent legacy that we can leave to our family and friends.

If we truly lack the simple examples of how we can make ourselves a modern-day “hero”, here are some suggestions:

• Protect the environment by limiting the amount of waste we generate as well as disposing of our trash properly.

• Transact with government agencies on an above-board basis even if the process is longer and more tedious.

• Obey rules and regulations (including traffic rules), and admit to the public officer if you do commit any violation.

• Participate and devote at least a few hours of a month to “social responsibility” activities.

• Sponsor the scholarship of at least one student.