On Heroism

The media has recently been replete with the story of Prince Harry, third in line for the British crown, whose tour of duty in Afghanistan was cut short for security reasons after an Australian magazine - and later an American internet reporter - divulged his assignment. Upon returning to England amid all the trumpeting broadsheets and tabloids, he said in all humility, "I am no hero." Maybe so, but the fact is that he exposed his own life while serving his government's armed forces in a very dangerous place.

Now, contrast that with the infamy Mr. Jun Lozada. He steals money from the government, albeit "moderately". He performs consultancy work outside of his government position, which is prohibited by civil service rules. He connives with a mischievous senator to sting Malacanang. He had his cellphone all the time that he was allegedly kidnapped. In front of cameras, he weeps without tears and, in the next moment, laughs while maintaining his weepy face. And he basks in the limelight as power grabbers call him a "hero". He makes me puke!