How do we break the curse?

After the series of typhoons with serious earthquakes thrown in to the mix, I have read and heard a number of Filipinos ask the question: "Are we cursed by God" or being punished?

- CITO BELTRAN

Who can blame people for having "calamity fatigue," how can we blame others for being despondent considering our latest discovery of how "public servants" and "Honorable" members of Congress have been stealing us blind.

Depending on whose version you read, there is some debate on whether or not the late President Manuel L. Quezon did in fact declare "I would rather have a government run like hell by Filipinos than a government run like heaven by foreigners."

Some think that President Quezon's declaration became an unintentional curse on the Philippines that has led to a chain of hell-like administrations. Interestingly, the succeeding presidents are not known for making definitive positive declarations for the future of the country.

I remember Ferdinand Marcos Sr. declaring "This country can be great again." which was an iffy kind of statement, while Manong Eddie Ramos was fond of saying "Kaya Natin Ito" or "We can do this" which was also sort of "iffy." Since then, all the other presidents have said forgettable lines.

To those initiated in subject of curses, the matter they say can be both highly complex as well as incredibly simple. Historically and in terms of religion, the clearest reference in the Bible for curses is found in the book of Deuteronomy Chapter 28 verses 1 to 68.

The book starts out with a covenant of blessings for God's people and believers if they follow his commands and are obedient. They will all be blessed physically, spiritually and materially, etc.