The blatant graft and corruption in our government is more pervasive than ever, with common thieves protecting fellow political criminals from prosecution or from incarceration to safeguard their own interests, to the dismay of a rare few honest officials.

Meanwhile, the resultant massive poverty among 75 percent of our people continues to rob the poor of their dignity, if not of their health and life itself. With this betrayal and inhumanity amidst us, perpetrated by a large majority of the leaders who have sworn to serve and protect the people, it is almost impossible, indeed, to look forward to a healthier nation and a happier new year.

But a "miracle" might be in the works. One that would usher in a nation-cleansing revolution. Not a revolution of arms where blood shall be shed, but a revolution of ideals and of principles, where love of country shall prevail, and where sweat and tears shall bathe the nation clean. A revolution inspired by the Divine Providence. A rapidly evolving global movement among dozens of Filipino organizations around the globe. The Filipino United Network (USA), for one, has launched a "One Dollar Moral Crusade" against graft and corruption in the Philippines.

President Arroyo recently ordered the release one billion pesos to match the 21 million dollars contributed by the United States to fight graft and corruption in the Philippines. This Arroyo initiative and the crusade led by Pampanga Governor Ed Panlilio for honesty and transparency in governance are two potent forces that could someday free our country from the widespread cancer of graft and corruption among our public officials.

When Fr. Ed Panlilio, who won as 26th Governor of Pampanga against two super-funded, well-entrenched political dynasties with powerful political machineries in that province, adopted Tony Meloto’s Gawad Kalinga as a pillar of his vision for Pampanga, a new dynamics evolved in the political landscape of the country. Morality and integrity appeared to have triumphed over money and power, with a more sophisticated electorate putting the trapos on notice.

People wondered if all of these events were a part of a divine design to show us the way to heal and revitalize our ailing nation. Patriotic Filipinos around the world rejoiced, and for the first time in more than half a century, felt an enormous sense of victory over evil and a surge of extreme pride in them as a people.

Indeed, how could a humble priest, without political experience, without a bank account, without organized political machinery, beat two "unbeatable" seasoned political giants? "Impossible," said the political gurus when "Among Ed" first started his crusade. But the Great Power above obviously had a different view, and proved the pundits wrong. Suddenly, there was hope.

Armed only with his unblemished integrity, moral ascendancy, and a strong commitment to honesty and transparency in government, "Among Ed" surprisingly won the election. It was evident that an honest leader can truly inspire and bring out the best in the Filipino.

In his speech at the Ateneo de Manila University, Governor Panlilio recounted the early stage of his campaign with these words:

"A very palpable sign of God’s presence was the full support of brethren from other faiths and denominations in the crusade for good governance. Among the first to express their support on the day I filed my certificate of candidacy were Methodist pastors. Leaders of born again fellowships also boosted our stock, widening the spectrum of collaboration into dimensions previously unknown. I believe that there is no other previous experience in our nation where people of different faiths actively involved and immersed themselves in a mission as one body. What we were seeing was the Kingdom of God, a dedicated assembly of people under one dream: to see good governance become a reality."

Governor Panlilio concluded his speech by saying, "It has been said so often that Pampanga right now is a laboratory mouse in a grand experiment upon which almost every eye of every disillusioned Filipino is fixed, steadily observing how the dream of good and honest governance is realized, and if it can result in the improvement of the people’s plight. Historically, our province has always been the breeding ground of social unrest and revolutionary thought. Once again, there is something revolutionary going on in Pampanga. With fervent prayers, consultative and exemplary leadership, participatory and law-abiding citizenship, collaborative and dedicated service, together with the application of better organizational systems, technological processes and innovations, I believe that we can overcome and transform the individual and the society. Then shall our success in Pampanga be translated in every province of the nation. Let us all join forces to transform ourselves, and in turn our beloved Philippines."

Without any doubt, the people had spoken. Loudly and clearly. At least in Pampanga. But the message reverberated among Filipinos throughout the world: out with graft and corruption; in with morality and transparency in government. A government of the people, by the people, and for the people.

With President Arroyo’s avowed war on graft and corruption and Governor Panlilio’s impressive successes in the Pampanga experiment in good governance, can the other provinces, or the entire country, for that matter, be far behind?

The Filipino people, most especially those who are languishing in poverty, have suffered long enough. It’s time to open our eyes and our mind. Its time for every decent Filipino to join this fast evolving moral crusade and embrace this great vision for a healthier nation, and achieve the "impossible" dream. If we, the people, unite and speak with one voice, we can certainly make that grand miracle finally happen and leave a lasting legacy of greatness behind for our children and future generations to enjoy and cherish. Let’s not miss the opportunity. Our nation’s health and survival are at stake.