OP-ED | The CPP's mental state with crabs!

"Crab mentality" is a deeply embedded part of Filipino culture, a phenomenon that has lingered like a shadow over our society for generations. It manifests as a tendency among some of our countrymen to view the ambitions of others through a lens of negativity. Rather than celebrating the successes of those striving to improve their lives, some individuals resort to snide remarks and destructive actions, attempting to drag these achievers down, ensuring they don't rise above the fray. This mindset thrives on the idea that if one cannot succeed, then neither should anyone else.

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), which often touts its revolutionary ideals, has not been immune to this insidious mentality. In a striking statement about the upcoming Unity Run for Peace planned for September, Marco Valbuena, the CPP’s chief information officer, dismissed the event as nothing more than a facade for government corruption and a false promise of peace. Such words not only reveal an alarming sense of desperation but also a stubborn adherence to outdated beliefs that stymie our collective progress as Filipinos.

The CPP's critiques of the Unity Run for Peace go beyond mere propaganda aimed at discrediting the government and the leaders of the former rebel organization, BKFI; they embody a troubling example of "crab mentality." The CPP seems unwilling to allow former rebels to embrace new beginnings. In essence, they appear to be obstructing fellow Filipinos who wish to lend a helping hand. The reality is becoming starkly clear: the CPP risks losing its revolutionary essence, shifting instead toward a conservative and reactionary stance.

In this context, the CPP mirrors those among us who resist progress in our country. They continuously thwart the efforts of others seeking to uplift themselves and their communities. The CPP seems intent on keeping the populace in a perpetual state of despair, using it to bolster their faltering ideology.

This blatant hypocrisy is both shameful and disheartening for an entity that claims to advocate for revolutionary change while simultaneously working against the welfare of others. It’s no wonder that in recent years, the CPP has found itself increasingly alienated from the common Filipino, as it clings to the detrimental "crab mentality" that hampers our nation’s advancement.

NOEL LEGASPI

President, Buklod Kapayapaan Federation, Inc.