HAVE you heard of people who use inflammatory language simply to get attention? In the Philippines, we call these people “KSPs” (“Kulang sa Pansin,”) or Lacking in Attention: egoism, self-preservation, and self-centered.) I was thinking about other concepts that would best describe what a KSP is, until I found someone who best illustrated what a KSP is and made my task a lot easier.
I certainly recognize that one has the right to express one’s views on relevant issues and is certainly a practitioner of responsible advocacy myself. However, I shudder at the thought that some people have to resort to character assassination and defamatory imputation to drive their point — or more appropriately to show one’s real character of being a “KSP.”
A certain Mr. Gerardo Butalid, in his letter to the editor titled “Disappointed” appearing in the Jan. 8 issue of the Marianas Variety expressed his disappointment over the projected minimum wage increase in the CNMI. He tried to justify his disappointment by repeating the oft-repeated argument that a minimum wage increase would lead to closure or fewer jobs, but failed to come with any data supporting this. Due to scarcity of his supporting data, I rather not give Mr. Butalid the benefit of a response on that point.
Yes, I agree that Filipinos are quiet people. However, we are not lethargic in our thrust to attain improvement of our economic and social well-being. Yes, I also agree that we came here to work. But, what is wrong with correcting the “inequitable situation” faced by long-term alien residents of the CNMI and our aspiration for an improved status. Furthermore, in attempting to justify his apprehension, a.k.a. disappointment, Mr. Butalid pointed out that Filipinos from Saipan usually go to the Middle East or try to start a small store in the P.I. His facts are likely wrong. Philippine’s labor export to the Middle East, as I recall, started with the 1970s Middle East oil boom which sure is way ahead of the time when Filipinos contract workers started coming to the CNMI. And, beginning mid-1990, labor migration to the Middle East had slowed down and has not rebounded since. More likely, many Filipino ex-contract workers from the Middle East went to CNMI hoping and expecting better improvement of their economic and social well-being here. I also cannot understand the analogy placed by Mr. Butalid on any ex-Saipan worker’s putting up a sari-sari store in the Philippines with the minimum wage increase issue in the CNMI. If the minimum wage increase is realized in the CNMI, Mr. Butalid may decide to go back to the Philippines and put up a sari-sari store himself because of his disappointment. Would you do that, Mr. Butalid?
Finally, contrary to what Mr. Butalid implied, I have a job. But, of course, this has nothing to do with my physique or my weight. Yes, I am fat because I have a healthy heart and mind. I am happy and at peace, savoring the love and affection of people I am helping. I am at peace with myself knowing that I never ruined other people’s reputation just to get to where I am now or to get what I want. I am at peace, because I did not step on other people’s rights in order to get employed. I am at peace because I do not have crab mentality or the tendency to pull down other people, like my co-workers, just to get on top. And because I am at peace, I have a healthy mind, heart, and body. These are the reasons why I am healthy. What about you, Mr. Butalid? Do you also have a healthy heart? Are you at peace? And if you are not, you certainly belong to a different breed. We only advocate the rights of long-time legitimate workers who have genuine concerns for the welfare of their co-workers and not theirs alone.
Congratulations, you are no longer a “KSP.” I have given you attention.

BONIFACIO V. SAGANA
President, Dekada
Chalan Piao, Saipan