On Blogging, Plagiarism and Senator Sotto

When I was taking my Master’s at the University of the Philippines, a professor narrated how someone was expelled because she forgot to do two things in her thesis - put quotation marks and cite her source. This wasn’t erased from my memory.  So every time I write, I cite my source.  And if ever I failed to do so, it's not intentional.  Admittedly, it's a lapse on my part. Remember, when we we’re in school and taking our exams, we’re always reminded to look at our own papers.  Our teachers said, when you copied from someone, that's  cheating.  And when you get something not your own without consent, that's stealing. I think nothing has changed.  And when there's no remorse, there can be no forgiveness.

 

Blogging or writing, at least for me, is something that I enjoy doing.  It is an extension of my self, of my life.   I don't think, my work has ever been plagiarized or copied verbatim.  But if ever it happens to me, I don't think I'll mind.  Still, every time I hear stories like this, and it's deliberately done, without regret, I see a question mark the size of a billboard near Guadalupe bridge. Why? Is it so difficult to admit that what we learned or what we knew came from someone else?  Have we become so proud that we’re led into thinking that we’re less than who we are if we cite someone as an author of what we say or write?

Mr. Senator, please, don’t give another reason for our erring countrymen to say, “Bakit siya pwede?”  Those who are making commentaries are probably people like me who feel that elected government officials should express regret rather than exhibit arrogance when criticized for wrongdoing just to save face.

When I sing VST and Co. songs like Ipagpatawad Mo, Disco Fever and Awitin Mo, Isasayaw Ko…, I don’t say I wrote it.  When I say, eat bulaga!, I don’t say I coined it.  The bottom line Mr. Senator, there were paragraphs copied verbatim, not just from one source but from different sources.  And when it was pointed out that it was plagiarism, you came in defense and stated in your privilege speech that "the crime ... isn't defined in our laws." And you accused your detractors of not focusing on the issue.  A wrong thing is a wrong thing.  And sadly, you offered no apology.  I guess, when Secretary Robredo died, it was amplified that honesty, integrity and humility should sit on top of the-most-important-values-for-public-officials ladder. Sir, really? A demolition job? For one second, didn’t you ever think that this isn’t just about you or the RH Bill?  That probably, just probably, it’s about the Filipino people demanding more from you, and hoping against all hopes that they can find a role model in you, because whether we voted for you or not, it can’t be denied, that you are, still, a senator.