ANAKPAWIS* HOUSE REPRESENTATIVE CRISPIN ‘Ka Bel’ BELTRAN will be best remembered for his prophetic witnessing. As a modern prophet, he inspired his people to continue to hope, dream and aspire for a more humane society while he also denounced the structure of sins in the corridors of power. Proclaiming the gospel of liberation and denouncing the structures that enslaved the people are the best attributes that characterized a true prophet. Ka Bel exposed the rottenness of a corrupt regime after another. At a time that the people are reeling from extreme poverty, Ka Bel exposed another scandalous bribery in Congress involving a hefty P2 million offer for him to endorse a fake impeachment complaint against Arroyo. Ka Bel resisted the bribe which could have afforded him to buy a mansion for his family, free from the leaks of the rainy season. Then he would have ceased to be a poor Congressman and never be forced to climb up his leaking roof and fall to that fatal accident. He was an example of a true servant leader who always thought about the plight of his people.
Contrary to an old saying that power corrupts absolutely, Ka Bel showed us that power, when used to empower the weak is a liberating experience. He used his position in congress to push for bills that could uplift the plight of workers and the poor. With the high prices of rice and other prime commodities, his bill for the P125 legislated across the board nationwide wage increase continued to be blocked by majority of pro- Arroyo members of Congress. He lamented that the capitalists in Congress have placed roadblocks in every step to take to favor the poor and the marginalized. He was worried that while the ordinary people could hardly cope with the skyrocketing prices of commodities and services, the fight for dignified wage is being threatened with violence in the work place. Union leaders and members are killed, harassed and threatened in the picket lines and communities
Ka Bel proved what a true representative of the people means. He lived a simple life. He never abused his position to gain wealth for his family. Ka Bel lived up to his vow of poverty. His expression of poverty is gleaned from his relentless pursuit for the dignity and rights of the workers. Ka Bel did not take the path of other labor leaders who sold their members by accepting bribe in exchange for the rights of the workers. In fact, he died poor. While majority of our congressmen have become so rich, Ka Bel remains poor. Even to his death, he proved to be a man who could lived-out his principle of simple living..
Ka Bel lived his life carrying the message of Jesus “I am here to serve, not to be served.”
Ka Bel exemplified the image of a true Christian. His works must inspired many of our church people; laity, religious, priests and even bishops. Though he became a lawmaker in the midst of the chamber tainted with corruption, he did not abandon the cries of the poor and oppressed, instead he lived in their midst, in their struggle; Ka Bel showed us the real picture of a true Christian faith for the reign of peace based on justice. When Ka Bel relentlessly spoke about the deplorable plight of the workers and the poor being stripped of their dignity, Ka Bel showed us how to be a Christian. His works must be emulated by many, especially the religious who professed to follow the footsteps of Jesus and in proclaiming the gospel of truth, justice, and love. His works should draw inspiration for those who professed that they will serve God with a pure heart that is always ready to feel the plight of the marginalized. Then with their vow of poverty and obedience they will live a simple life and in a concrete solidarity with the people of God. What ka Bel showed us is how to live our life following the liberating mission of our Lord Jesus Christ entrusted to the church.
Now that he has joined our martyrs in the kingdom of God. May his death beckon for the passing of the mission. Let us remember that above all else, we must serve the people no matter what the cost.
*Literally means Toiling Masses. Anakpawis is a political party representing the marginalized farmers and workers.
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